It’s once again time for my favorite feature: Tackling the TBR! There’s nothing I love more than picking out which books to read next, and this slightly organized method of reading has really amped my enjoyment to the next level. Bring on the mantras!

Read the best books first.
&
Life is too short to read books you’re not enjoying.

However you put together your TBR for the next month, the goal is to reduce the amount of obligation in reading and increase the fun.

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Here’s a look at how the system works:

1. Identify the titles that take top priority in your TBR.
2. Combine them all in your own Tackling the TBR post.
3. Throughout the month pick from that pile as the mood strikes you.

Here’s what mine looks like:

January 2017 TBR Tackler Shelf:

Surprisingly, I made my way through a lot more titles in December than I thought I would, which frees up plenty of space for more books in January! Initially, I was going to dedicate 2017 to books I already own but haven’t yet read. Sadly, my family is in transition as our new house is being built and all of my books are in storage… So, until July or August when I get to pop open 1000 boxes and hug all of my books, I’ll just continue to focus on high priority titles in general. From this list, I am most excited to read the Hollows (The Turn) prequel by Kim Harrison!

Tackler Carry-overs:

I decided to expand my TBR tackler selection list to include titles on previous Tackling the TBR posts that I either didn’t have a chance to get to or am currently part way through. It gives me a more accurate snapshot of my progress over time and more potential high-priority titles to choose from each month. I’m looking forward to all of them. :)

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Niki’s Incomplete Series Challenge [Via Fantasy Buddy Reads]

2017 YTD Tracker:

Finished Series: 0
Up To Date Series: 0
Series Progressed: 0
New Series Started: 0
Abandoned: 0

Last year I had a goal to finish a lot of high-priority series, and I did just that with 14 series finished (some of them with 10+ books that I’d been working on for ages) and 18 brought up to date. I wanted to keep the momentum going in 2017 with this nifty little tracker added on to my monthly TBR. I might make it it’s own feature, but for now, let’s go team for 2017!!!!

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I am also participating in my favorite Read-a-thon in early January. Here’s a little more about it:

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda Shofner and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 2nd and runs through Sunday, January 8th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 18 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. – From the Bout of Books team

Instead of bombarding your feed with daily posts, I’m just going to update my progress as the week goes by. This is convenient because the books I’ll be reading through are the same ones as on my tackler shelf. I admit I don’t normally change my habits for the read-a-thon, finding amusement in tracking what I already do. But this time around, I’m actually going to make a concerted effort to read more books. Wish me luck!

Niki’s Goals:

– Finish 3 books

– Read 800 pages

Daily Updates:

 Monday:
Pages: 261 / Books Finished: 1

 Tuesday:
Pages: 176 / Books Finished: 1

Wednesday:
Pages: 87 / Books Finished: 0

 Thursday:
Pages: 52 / Books Finished: 0

Friday:
Pages: 139 / Books Finished: 0

Saturday:
Pages: 96 / Books Finished: 1

 Sunday:
Pages: 144 / Books Finished: 0

Total:
Pages: 955 / Books Finished: 3

CHALLENGE A SUCCESS!!!

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Feel free to share your versions of how you manage your TBR pile (and the links to your posts if applicable) in the comments. Maybe we can help make each other’s systems even better. :)

What books are you Tackling this month?

by Niki Hawkes