Rearranging Your Reads

In last month's quarterly check-in for The Picky Pledge, I mentioned that I had organized all of my physical TBR pile onto a separate bookshelf that's in my bedroom. Here's the exact quote:

There's merit in having shelf space dedicated to your TBR pile. I recently reorganized my shelves, and put ALL of my to-read pile (review and non-review) on a smaller one that's now in my bedroom. It's been easier for me to see what reading options I've got, and reminds me that I have plenty enough books on my plate without adding more.

It was an idea that came to me when I was reorganizing my shelves during a cleaning binge, and I just ran with it. I've found it particularly useful for whittling away at my to-be-read pile, especially in the last few weeks since I implemented this new system. Funnily enough, when I was discussing this with Hannah, she mentioned that she had actually been doing the opposite thing and switching up her TBR shelf to include books she wanted to reread! We're both sharing posts today talking about why and how our current shelving systems work, so be sure and check out Hannah's post for her perspective.

In particular, there are three things that having a TBR specific shelf does for me:

1. It helps me have a concrete idea of the size of my TBR. Honestly, I use to have a vague idea of my pile of books to read, and I always underestimated the actual number. Putting all those books in one place gives me fresh perspective on the actual amount; knowing I have so many stories waiting for me makes it less likely that I'll add more to the list!

2. It helps me remember that I have a variety of genres on hand. I'm a little bit of a mood reader, in the sense that when I want a certain genre, I know and I search for a corresponding novel to read. Having all these books together shows me the variety of genres I already own, and I get to choose from things I already have to satisfy my cravings.

3. It helps me prioritize what I need and want to read. I'm the teensiest bit OCD about arranging my to-read piles, both the review books and physical books. I like organizing the review stuff by schedule, since that's how I try to read them; I like organizing my physical books into seasonal or monthly TBRs, as well as what I currently feel like reading within any given week.

I thought it would be fun to share what my current set-up for my physical TBR looks like, showing you my system in action and giving you a chance to see what novels are waiting for me to crack them open and give them a read. (I'm also hoping you have an opinion on what books I should tackle first!)

1. The small black shelf holds all the finished copies that I bought, borrowed or was gifted. The top of the shelf contains my immediate to-read pile. I currently have some of the novels for the Summer of Series challenge in front, and at the back are novels from my Spring 2015 TBR and Summer 2015 TBR. The middle shelf contains all my unread YA novels, and the bottom shelf contains all my unread adult novels. (Note: I've already read Prodigy, but since I borrowed that from Rachel, it'll stay here until I get to give it back to her.)

2. The piles on the floor are all my review books. These are sorted into stacks based on what month I intend to read them. I usually aim for reading one month ahead, so the August books are currently in a "July" pile, the September books in an "August" pile and so on. The post-its have the corresponding month written on them, as well as the e-galleys I'm hoping to tackle right alongside the physical ARCs.I also have a separate stack and post-it for the books I'm reading along with Rachel for our regular Friends with ARCs feature.

3. The pile on my bedside table contains my next set of reads. I usually pick 3-5 novels to place on that table, simply for easy accessibility. I generally choose one I want to read (mood), one I planned to read (challenge or TBR) and one I need to review (review). I also have my Kindle on hand on that bedside table, just in case I feel like reading on it! (Note: I've already finished Champion, but this photo was taken before then!)

Keeping my TBR pile separate from the rest of my shelves is definitely something I've found useful in my attempt to whittle it down this year. It keeps me focused and aware, and I've appreciated how helpful that has been, particularly in these months where I have a ton of review books to tackle.

Do you separate your TBR books? How do you organize your TBR? Any books you see in this post that you think I should prioritize reading?

This was posted as part of The Picky Pledge.