This week the question I have been thinking about is one I know many can relate to: Why do I want more books when I already have way too many sitting around waiting to be read?
I have been think about this question for awhile. As I look around at my overcrowded bookshelves I wonder why do I keep buying, getting more books when I have yet to read the ones I already have? For me I think it has to do with having books on hand for when I go through one of my book devouring states. Plus every time I hear about a great book or see a beautiful cover I feel like I have to have it.
There are many benefits to adding to my already giant pile of TBR books. When I finish my current read I don't have to go out or go online to get my next book. I have plenty of books sitting around just waiting to be read. I just have to go over and pick one up. No buying or much moving required. Plus with so many books on my TBR pile I have a huge variety of books at my disposal. I can pick something with vampires, fae, zombies, or witches, practically whatever I feel like reading I have somewhere on a shelf. Luckily for me most of my books are for recreational reading, there are no looming deadlines hanging over my head adding pressure to an otherwise fun activity. So I get to pick any book I want, whichever one grabs my attention. Another benefit is that if I choose a book that I can't get into for whatever reason then I can just put it down and select another one.
Of course there are a few issues with having so many unread books. Looking at the piles of unread books can get a little overwhelming. It can be difficult to choose which book to read next since I obviously got them because they seemed like books I would really enjoy. Sometimes I wonder, how am I supposed to read all of these books? I calm myself down by realizing that my books aren't going anywhere and I have plenty of time to get them all read. I also feel bad that these books are just sitting there waiting to be read and reviewed. They need attention, and I know they will get that attention...someday. Lastly, another huge downside to having a huge TBR pile is...space. Most of my books are physical books, though I do have quite a few e-books as well. Finding space for them is not always easy but so far I have managed to find some place to put them.
How do you feel about wanting more books even though you may already have a massive TBR pile? How do you get through your TBR pile?
There are two main reasons for me to have huge piles: one is that authors and publishers send me such great titles that I accept their submissions - because I know I'll enjoy them, I think I'll, or I want to give a new name a chance.
ReplyDeleteThe other is that every time I see a book I think I'd like, I need to buy is ASAP or else I might forget the title.
So, how I deal with them? Please, don't laugh at this...
I have an Excell file.
Yes. It tells me when I acquired/received each book, its pubD in case I want to synch the review, and my planned review date so I know how full my schedule is and whether I can reasonably schedule more books or need to push newcomers back a little.
The document has four sheets - books received for review, NetGalley titles, books of my choice and audiobooks.
How sad is that? lol
Ron @ Stories of my life
That is a very organized schedule. I think if you get a lot of books for review it's a very good idea to have a set schedule.
DeleteI should probably at least write down what books I actually have so I know what books I still need to read.
I think the only way to go is having more books than you can read because you never know what you are going to be in the mood for...its even better when I have all the books in a series for those days when I feel like a reading marathon....plus I'm not very patient when it comes to finding out what is coming next for the characters I love....
ReplyDeleteYeah that makes sense. Waiting is always the hardest part. Having the entire series does make things much easier especially for those reading marathons.
DeleteI love books. That is why the title of your blog is perfect. The more the merrier is perfectly true. I know I too have a ton of books that I want to read but when I see something that I think I'd like I to want to pick it up ASAP. That way I do not forget which ones I wanted to read!
ReplyDeleteThat makes sense getting all the books you want right away. Not only do you have them available but then you also have a wide variety to choose from. I totally see your point.
DeleteIt's never easy to find time to read them all.