Planning a "To Be Read" (TBR) pile for the year can be an enjoyable task for any bibliophile. However, with so many books out there, it can be overwhelming. Here are some strategies to help you:
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Set a Reading Goal: Determine how many books you would like to read within the year. This could be a small or large number, depending on your reading speed and available time. You can set this goal on platforms like Goodreads or simply make a note in your planner or digital calendar.
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Prioritize Books: Go through your current TBR pile and decide which books you want to read the most. These could be books that you've been wanting to read for a long time, books by your favorite author, or books that have been recommended to you by others.
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Vary Genres: Make sure to include a variety of genres in your TBR pile. This can keep your reading experience fresh and exciting, and you might even discover a new favorite genre!
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Reading Challenges: Participate in reading challenges. These can help you pick books you wouldn't normally read and can expand your literary horizons.
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Read Reviews and Summaries: Before adding a book to your TBR list, read some reviews or a brief summary to make sure it's something you'd be interested in.
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Consider Book Length: Mix in shorter books with longer ones. This can help keep you motivated, as finishing a book often provides a sense of accomplishment.
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Set Monthly Themes: You can have themes for each month, such as "Classics" for one month, "Mystery Novels" for another, or even something like "Books by Female Authors" or "Books Translated from Another Language".
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Include Books from Diverse Authors: Make an effort to include books written by authors from diverse backgrounds and experiences. This will give you a broader perspective on the world.
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Leave Room for New Releases and Recommendations: Be sure to leave some flexibility in your reading plan for new books that catch your eye over the course of the year or books recommended by friends or book clubs.
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Keep Track of Your Progress: Monitor your progress over time. This can be as simple as a checklist or as detailed as a reading journal where you jot down thoughts and feelings about each book.
Remember, it's perfectly okay if you don't stick to your TBR list rigidly. The aim is to enjoy reading and discover new books, authors, and genres, not to turn it into a chore.
