Towering TBR (Part: The Rules)

Like most normal people, I collect things. Seaglass, stuffed animals, pressed pennies. But something I collect is getting out of hand... unread books.

Here's the unfortunate truth: I have 65+ books on my physical To Be Read shelf and at least 2/3rds of them have been there for 3 years. (Picture this - COVID-19 hits and I panic buy cheap books because our library closes. Three years later and I'm still buying books but only reading the new ones yikes)

Here's the solution: I will either read every book on my TBR shelf or unhaul them so others can give them a chance.

Here's the problem: I have a terrible habit of buying new books even when I have lots to read.

Here's the fun part: Because this feels very needed but also slightly daunting, I'm going to turn this into a game and you are invited to watch ;) Welcome to the very first edition of TOWERING TBR!!!

First a few definitions...

TBR - To Be Read: the pile of books I own but haven't read yet AKA the ones that stare me down at night. (This term can also be used to describe the preplanning of books one may read in a certain time frame whether or not they own them.)

DNF - Did Not Finish: this is the bookish equivalent of a breakup and a reader doesn't finish the book even though they have already read some of the story.

Haul/Unhaul - in the bookish world, this means getting or giving away multiple books.

Preorder - Buying a book before it is released to support the author's release day ratings.

Here are the rules for Towering TBR:

1. I must read or DNF 10 books on my TBR in order to purchase and read a new book. (These credits can be accrued for a book haul if I wish)

2. I can DNF a book anytime, but that book will be immediately unhauled. All TBR DNFs will be counted towards new book credits.

3. I may read new books from the library but only when I have completed/DNF'd 5 books on my TBR.

4. I may receive books as presents anytime, but they can only be read if I've completed 3 reads on my TBR. 

5. Reading a new book (bought, gifted, or library but not Exceptions) will reset my counter to earn a book credit.

6. If I choose to, I can purchase any of the Exception Books* below without resetting my "Towering TBR" and may read them at any time.

7. Rereads are totally fair game if they are from my own shelf or the library. This will not reset my "Towering TBR" and they will not count towards a book credit.

8. Audiobooks can be purchased, loaned, or listened to at any time without upsetting the tower. However, if I choose a book from my TBR and read it via audiobook, it will count towards a book credit.

*The Exception Books:

(see rule 6 above)

- Bennett Turns into a Cat by Ireen Chau

I beta-read this book in 2023 and LOVED IT. Ireen will be starting a Kickstarter for it in February so this is a no-brainer purchase for me.

- The Nightmare Virus by Nadine Brandes

Nadine is one of my favorite authors!! The official synopsis for this book hasn't been released, but I like to support her preorders whenever I'm able (and get her books in my hands as quick as I can!)

- Inkheart: The Color of Revenge by Cornelia Funke

If miraculously and against all odds, the 4th book in my favorite series of all time is translated and published in English this year, I will want to stop everything and read it right away. 

- National Buy A Book Day (September 7th, 2024)

No, this is not the title of a book. It is in fact a holiday and one I have been celebrating since I learned about it in 2017. I am not about to break an eight-year tradition. ;) And yes, I am 100% enabling myself with a "buy a book free" card. Although I won't need a book credit, I can only buy one book and it MUST be on the 7th - no exceptions. 

Do you think I can win?

To keep this fun and fresh, I will be posting on the blog at the beginning of every new month to update you on the past month. You can expect to hear about:

- How many books I've read on my TBR (and how many are left)

- If I reread anything or loaned anything from the library

- And if I received or purchased any new books!

The goal is to read most, if not all, of the books on my TBR by the end of the year so that I can start a relatively fresh TBR in 2025. These rules may also help me save money in the long run and make better decisions about buying books I haven't read!

If you want to join along (no matter the size of your TBR Tower), I've included the book credit sheet I made for myself below! Feel free to adjust the rules to your own bookish needs accordingly. 

And remember to pop by at the beginning of each month to see if I'm winning against my TBR or if the tower has crushed me instead. ;)

See you soon... And let's get reading!

~K.J. Haakenson