A TBR (To Be Read) jar is a fun and spontaneous way to choose your next read from a long list of books. But what if you could pair the excitement of a TBR jar with the organization and creativity of a reading journal? In this post, we’ll show you how to use your journal to build and manage your TBR jar, making your reading journey more exciting and structured.
1. Create Your TBR List
Start by compiling a comprehensive list of books you want to read. Use your journal to:
- Log titles, authors, and genres.
- Categorize books by mood, theme, or series.
- Highlight high-priority reads.
This list will be the foundation for your TBR jar.
2. Design Your TBR Jar System
Decide how you want to organize your TBR jar. Popular methods include:
- Color-Coded Strips: Assign colors to different genres or themes and write each title on a strip of paper.
- Themed Jars: Use separate jars for genres, series, or new releases.
- Challenge-Based Jars: Include prompts like “Read a book by a debut author” or “Pick a book set in another country.”
3. Log Your Jar in Your Journal
Dedicate a section of your journal to your TBR jar. Include:
- A list of all the titles in your jar.
- Notes about the categories or themes for each color or jar.
- Space to log which titles you’ve picked and when.
4. Track Your Picks
Each time you pick a book from your TBR jar, log it in your journal. Include:
- The date you chose the book.
- Why it was selected (e.g., genre, mood, or random draw).
- Start and finish dates for reading.
5. Reflect on Your Reading Experience
After finishing a book from your TBR jar, use your journal to reflect:
- Did you enjoy the book?
- How did it compare to your expectations?
- Would you recommend it to others?
6. Refresh Your Jar Periodically
Over time, your TBR jar may need updating. Use your journal to:
- Add new titles as you discover them.
- Remove books you no longer want to read.
- Track which books have been in the jar the longest.
7. Make It Fun and Creative
Add a personal touch to your TBR jar and journal with creative elements:
- Decorate Your Jar: Use stickers, ribbons, or paint to make your jar visually appealing.
- Themed Pages in Your Journal: Match your journal’s design to the mood of your TBR jar.
- Challenges and Rewards: Set goals like “Read three books from the jar this month” and reward yourself when you succeed.
8. Incorporate Reading Challenges
Combine your TBR jar with seasonal or themed reading challenges. For example:
- Create a “Summer Reads” jar for beach books and lighthearted stories.
- Use a “Spooky Season” jar filled with mysteries and thrillers for October.
Ready to Build Your TBR Jar?
Our Bibliophile’s Bliss Reading Journal includes templates for TBR lists, reading trackers, and creative layouts, making it the perfect tool to pair with your TBR jar. Download your free sample here and start building your TBR jar today!
A TBR jar is a simple yet exciting way to bring spontaneity to your reading routine. By using your reading journal to organize and track your jar, you’ll stay motivated, engaged, and ready to tackle your literary adventures.
Happy journaling and happy reading!
