Planning your yearly TBR (To Be Read) list is an exciting way to kick off a new reading year. But with so many books to choose from, it can feel overwhelming. A reading journal is the perfect tool to help you organize your TBR list, prioritize your selections, and stay on track with your reading goals.
In this post, we’ll show you how to use your journal to plan a purposeful and enjoyable yearly TBR.
1. Start with Your Reading Goals
Before diving into your TBR list, set clear reading goals for the year. Ask yourself:
- How many books do you want to read?
- Are there specific genres, authors, or series you’d like to explore?
- Do you want to complete any reading challenges or prompts?
Use your journal to log these goals and refer back to them as you create your TBR list.
2. Organize Your TBR List
Dedicate a section of your journal to your yearly TBR. Here are some layout ideas:
- Master List: Write down all the books you want to read this year in one place.
- Monthly Breakdown: Divide your TBR into 12 sections for each month of the year.
- Themed Lists: Create sublists by genre, mood, or theme (e.g., thrillers for October, romance for February).
3. Prioritize Your Reads
Not all books on your TBR will hold the same level of urgency. Use your journal to rank or categorize them:
- High Priority: Must-reads for the year.
- Moderate Priority: Books you’d like to read if time allows.
- Low Priority: Books to consider if you finish your high and moderate picks.
4. Incorporate Flexibility
Leave room in your TBR for spontaneity. New releases, recommendations, or unexpected finds may come up throughout the year. Use your journal to log these additions without disrupting your plan.
5. Track Your Progress
A visual tracker can make your TBR more engaging and help you stay motivated. Try these ideas:
- Bookshelf Tracker: Draw a bookshelf and write the title of each book on the spines as you read them.
- Progress Bars: Use bars to track how many books you’ve completed.
- Checklists: Create a simple list with checkboxes for each book.
6. Reflect on Completed Reads
After finishing a book, move it from your TBR section to a “Read” section. Use prompts to reflect on the experience:
- Did the book meet your expectations?
- Would you recommend it?
- How does it compare to others you’ve read this year?
7. Stay Accountable
Your journal is a great tool for staying accountable to your TBR goals. Use it to:
- Log your reading progress weekly or monthly.
- Celebrate milestones, like finishing 10 books or completing a monthly goal.
- Adjust your plan if you’re falling behind or discover new priorities.
Ready to Plan Your TBR?
Our Bibliophile’s Bliss Reading Journal includes templates for TBR lists, reading trackers, and goal-setting, making it easy to plan your yearly reading journey. Download your free sample here and start building your TBR list today!
Planning your yearly TBR is an exciting way to organize your reading life and ensure you make time for the books that matter most. With a reading journal, you can turn your TBR into a structured, achievable, and enjoyable plan for the year ahead.
Happy journaling!
