Your TBR (To Be Read) list is likely overflowing with exciting recommendations, but keeping it organized can be a challenge. A reading journal is the perfect tool to manage your TBR, ensuring you never lose track of the books you want to read.
In this post, we’ll show you how to use your reading journal to organize, prioritize, and track your TBR list effectively.
1. Dedicate a Section to Your TBR List
Start by creating a dedicated space in your journal for your TBR. Organize it with:
- Title and Author: Include the essentials for each book.
- Genre or Theme: Categorize by mood or interest, like “Cozy Mysteries” or “Epic Fantasies.”
- Source: Note where the recommendation came from (e.g., friend, book club, social media).
2. Prioritize Your Reads
Not every book on your TBR needs to be read right away. Use your journal to rank or categorize books:
- High Priority: Must-reads for the month or year.
- Moderate Priority: Books you’d like to read soon.
- Low Priority: Books for when you have extra time.
3. Use a TBR Tracker
Visual trackers make your TBR more engaging and easy to manage:
- Checklist: Tick off books as you complete them.
- Progress Bars: Track how many books you’ve finished from your list.
- Bookshelf Tracker: Draw bookshelves and write the titles on the spines as you complete them.
4. Create Themed TBR Lists
Add variety to your TBR by organizing books into themes. Examples include:
- Seasonal lists, like “Winter Reads” or “Summer Thrillers.”
- Challenges, such as “Books by Female Authors” or “Translated Literature.”
- Genre-specific lists for your favorite categories.
5. Reflect on Your TBR Progress
At the end of each month or year, review your TBR section. Ask yourself:
- Which books were the most enjoyable?
- Did you stick to your priorities, or did new discoveries take over?
- What adjustments can you make to next month’s or year’s list?
6. Plan for Spontaneity
Leave space in your journal for unexpected finds. Use a section to:
- Log recommendations from friends or social media.
- Add new releases you’re excited about.
- Track books you’ve picked up impulsively.
7. Make It Creative
Personalize your TBR section to make it visually inspiring:
- Color Coding: Assign colors to genres, priorities, or moods.
- Stickers and Washi Tape: Decorate your pages to match the themes of your list.
- Doodles: Sketch characters or symbols related to the books.
Ready to Organize Your TBR?
Our Bibliophile’s Bliss Reading Journal includes trackers, and reflections, making it easy to organize and prioritize your reading. Download your free sample here and start tackling your TBR today!
Tracking your TBR list in a reading journal not only keeps you organized but also adds excitement to your reading life. With creative layouts and a thoughtful approach, your journal will turn your TBR into a manageable and inspiring part of your literary journey.
Happy journaling!
