When someone mentions their TBR books, they are referring to the titles they plan to read (or hope to read) in the future. Simply put, “TBR” stands for “to be read”: it refers to a stack or pile of books one plans to get through later or some time in the future. Practically speaking, when someone says, “Here are my TBR books,” they are telling you that they haven’t yet read those books but intend to.
That said, the meaning can shift subtly among different readers. Some treat TBR as a very loose category (any book they own or are interested in), while others treat it as a precise queue of what they will read next. So, if you’re diving into this, ask yourself whether your TBR books are those you own but haven’t read yet or those you just intend to read next, regardless of ownership.
TBR List
A TBR list reframes “to be read” as something organized or as a list of titles a reader intends to finish within a timeframe or eventually. It provides structure: you might label books under “next month,” “this year,” or “eventually.” Keeping a TBR list helps you avoid long gaps between your reading times, prevents you from forgetting compelling titles, and supports more disciplined reading habits.
But there are trade-offs. As a TBR list expands, it can shift from motivation to pressure. What begins as an organized plan for future reading may turn into an ever-growing obligation. Dividing it into smaller, manageable groups, e.g., by theme, author, or period, helps keep it purposeful rather than overwhelming.
How to Manage a TBR List
When managing your TBR list, consider these steps:
- Decide how many books you realistically want to read in the upcoming timeframe (say, next month or quarter).
- Select books that truly interest you instead of adding every title that looks appealing. Keep your list realistic by focusing on what you can actually finish within a given period.
- Periodically review your list. Remove books that no longer interest you, or relegate them to a “maybe later” list instead of your primary TBR list.
- Consider breaking one large list into multiple smaller lists by theme, genre, or timeframe. That helps avoid the feeling of an unmanageable pile.
- Remember: the goal is enjoyment of reading, not arbitrary completion of a checklist.
TBR Pile
A TBR pile brings the idea of unread books into physical form—the stack on your nightstand, the shelf lined with untouched spines, or the virtual collection waiting in your e-reader. It represents the books you plan to read, often growing faster than you can keep up with. Many readers refer to their TBR pile with humor or affection, acknowledging that their ambition to read often exceeds the hours available.
In fact, the Japanese word tsundoku refers to the phenomenon of acquiring reading materials but letting them pile up without reading them; it is comparable to the idea of a TBR pile. A TBR pile can signal enthusiasm (lots of books you’re excited about) as well as potential overwhelm (so many books, so little time).
A TBR pile functions as a visual marker of your reading intentions. It can inspire you (“Here are all the books I can’t wait to read”) and serve as a reminder of possibility. On the flip side, if the pile grows faster than it shrinks, you might feel pressure, guilt, or decision fatigue. If your TBR pile begins to weigh on you, reassessing your goals or trimming the list can restore balance.
Why Readers Care About Their TBR Books
Readers track TBR books for several reasons. First, they signal intention: by listing what to read next, the act itself strengthens commitment. Second, they allow tracking and growth. A TBR list or pile can serve as a marker of reading identity, capturing the interests and goals of a reader over time. Third, in reading communities (such as book bloggers or social media readers), TBR lists and piles generate conversation—“Here are my next five books,” “What’s on your TBR?”—which strengthens a sense of community.
Finally, managing your TBR books helps you build reading momentum. If your TBR list is thoughtful, you can reduce the time between finishing one book and selecting the next. That continuous flow helps sustain reading habits. However, it’s wise to stay flexible: moods change, interests evolve, and the best-laid TBR list might need revision eventually.
Further Reading
Advice for Working Through or Starting Your TBR (To Be Read) Pile Right Now by Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library
How to Organize Your TBR List: 7 of the Best Strategies by Steph Auteri, Book Riot
Check These 8 Booker-prized Novels for your TBR by Marc Nathaniel Servo, Art+ Magazine
How do you determine what goes to the top of your TBR? on Reddit
