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.
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:
May 2018 TBR Tackler Shelf:
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- Garden of Stones by Mark T. Barnes
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- Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson
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- Malice by John Gwynne
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- Unclean Spirits by M.L.N. Hanover
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- The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan
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- White Hot by Ilona Andrews
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- All Systems Red by Martha Wells
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- Saint’s Blood by Sebastien De Castell
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- Wizard for Hire by Obert Skye
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- Skullsworn by Brian Staveley
Last month I finished 9/10 books on my list!!! I’m not quite as optimistic about May, but that’s okay because I’m thrilled with my lineup. Half of these titles are scheduled Buddy Reads over at my Goodreads group and I’ll admit to feeling a little “overbooked” (bwahaha) even thought they’re BRs I’ve been looking forward to. Garden of Stones is the official book club pick for the group and I decided I wanted to get back into participating. Reading outside my set TBR is sometimes difficult for my OCD, but it seems worth it because I’ve found so many amazing reads that I probably would’ve have picked up otherwise if not for a book club (specfic, anyway. You won’t find me anywhere near a non-fiction or classics book club lol). Other than that, I’m looking forward to finally making progress with Malazan – I’m determined to keep going this time. I’m even more excited for Unclean Spirits written by M.L.N. Hanover, which is a pen name for Daniel Abraham – aka 1/2 of James S.A. Corey. This is the only series by his brilliance I haven’t tried yet and I’m stoked. :)
Do any of you ever feel overwhelmed at a reading schedule? How do you deal? :)
The Obsessive Bookseller 
I really enjoy your blog. I’m impressed and a wee bit jealous of how much you can read in a month.
I have so many books on my TBR that I get overwhelmed making a pile to read for the next month and I usually just pick one at a time. I wonder if I’d get more reading done if I made an actual pile?
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Thanks Tricia! I appreciate hearing that. :) Don’t be jealous – I cheat. I had an ongoing eye strain injury a few years ago that got me into audiobooks, and now I have the luxury of listening to them sometimes while I’m at work (although I also listen at home constantly while I’m cleaning and doing yard work). Of the 10 I set myself each month, only 2 or 3 are books I physically sit down and read. Although having those lined up in a nice TBR does motivate me to get through them quicker because the next one always calls to me. :)
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Hi! I look forward to your monthly TBR list. This month’s is one of my favorites so far! Hope you don’t mind if I borrow off of your list, Niki. I’ve been waiting eagerly for that new Obert Skye one (so I’ll have to find/buy a copy) and I’m stealing “Unclean Spirits” as well. The synopsis sounded amazing .
When I read I usually have books “currently reading” in several rooms of the house and I just pick them up and jump into whatever world is nearest. (E.g.. “Star Wars Rogue One” in my bedroom, “Star Wars Heir to the Empire” at work for during lunch breaks, something by Clive Cussler plays in my car, YA book “Teardrop” for relaxing outside…and don’t get me started on my currently downloaded Sci-fi Kindle books)
It’s fun learning other people’s reading habits!
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Aw, thank you! :) It’s one of my favorite shelves too – a lot of rich high fantasies and some “fun” books in between. I don’t mind at all if you steal some titles. I’m really hoping Unclean Spirits meets my expectations considering who the author is (fingers crosses).
That’s such an awesome system! Do you find yourself drawn to different rooms simply because the book you’re craving is in there? haha! I love learning about people’s reading habits too, especially how they choose their next book. If there’s a system involved, I’m there! :)
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