Of course I didn’t. I don’t even need to look to know that is probably true. I’ve given myself this challenge every year. I’ve even modified it a bit over time.
Now it is in two parts.
- Read a paper book that has been on my shelf or an ebook that has been on my reader since before January 1 of the current year
- Read a book that is on one of my TBR lists on Goodreads since before January 1
You wouldn’t think that would be too hard, right? Let’s seen how I did.
Physical books I own
From my TBR lists
Yeah, not good. I’ve learned a few things about myself by trying and failing to do this challenge for a few years.
- If I see I book I want to read, I either read it immediately or I don’t get to it.
- The only way something comes off the TBR list is if it is for a theme month like the two books for SciFiMonth from the TBR list.
I also found out that I actually have an active TBR list but I didn’t realize it. When I see a book I want to read, I look for it at my library. If it is there, I request it. My preference is to get the ebook through Libby. A lot of the time I need to wait for the book so that actually works out well for me. When my turn comes up if I’m not in the mood for it I pass it to the next person and wait for my turn to come up again. If I pass a few times, I take it off the list. I just realized that this is functioning as my real TBR list. That blew my mind.
I use Kindle Unlimited mostly just for mood reading. I’ll look on there for books if what I want isn’t at the library but mainly I just get recommendations from what I’ve already read.
So from now on I’m only going to keep books on my Goodreads TBR if I want them for themed reading months or if they aren’t available at my library. I could also add books that aren’t out yet so I don’t forget about them. I already keep that TBR list pretty lean because I purge it often but this will keep it even smaller.
Do you ever actually read the books on your TBR list?
Wait, there are people who read their TBRs? LOL! I actually end up listening to a lot of the books I own via the library, so me owning the book is just like a placeholder to remind me that I should read it one day, in one way or another, with varying levels of success.
I’ve heard that there are amazing people who read their TBRs! LOL. I think maybe we are all proof that buying books and reading books are different hobbies.
[…] Heather @ Based on a True Story asks herself if she read her TBR this year […]
Pshhh literally never! This year, I read exactly THREE books (out of 154) that were not explicitly for review. Three. Yet I bought or otherwise acquired way MORE than three, and so this problem will never, ever end bwahha. Oops? I think I need to do what you did, and make like, an ACTUAL goal of “Read Book on X shelf” or whatever because otherwise, it isn’t happening!
I’m facing the fact in 2025 that if I don’t read a book the moment I’m interested in it, that I’m not going to read it.
I didn’t read any on my TBR list. It was the worst reading year I’ve ever had. I only read 2 books. Yes, I said TWO books. Big time pitiful! I plan to do better in ’25. Eagerly waiting on your ’25 Foodies Read challenge!!!
Well, my TBR is my physical books on my shelf that I have bought, not that I read that very well! I try to read it in order of acquisition but I’m also trying to clear books acquired up to the end of 2023 at the moment and am on 80-something where I should be on 93 by now. And I have acquired LOADs this year so not helping. I have a NetGalley TBR I’m up to date with except for the stuff left over from 2022, and a Kindle TBR I hardly read. I keep a wishlist for books I want to get, and that’s a wishlist and I have no requirement to acquire and read those. Hm, does that even make sense! Happy reading, anyway!
Up to date on Netgalley is quite an accomplishment!