How to curate a monthly TBR you love
Hey bookish friends! If you’re anything like me, your TBR is a mix of excitement, ambition, and maybe a little bit of chaos. It keeps growing no matter what, but that’s okay—reading is meant to be joyful, not stressful!
Instead of feeling overwhelmed, let’s talk about how to curate a monthly TBR that’s both practical and exciting.
Check in with yourself
What are you in the mood for this month? Are you craving a fantasy with an enemies-to-lovers romance, a second-chance romance, or a psychological thriller with twists and turns? Your reading tastes shift, and that’s totally normal. Take a moment to reflect and choose books that align with your current interests.
If you're feeling stuck, here are a few ways I like to figure it out:
Think about recent reads – Did you love your last book? Want more like it? Or do you need a palate cleanser?
Consider your mood & energy – If life is hectic, I opt for something fast-paced or light-hearted.
Let the season inspire you – I love spooky books in October, cozy reads in winter, and beachy books in summer.
Follow your interests – If I’m obsessed with a new show or hobby, I’ll look for books that match that vibe.
Revisit unfinished reads – Sometimes, books deserve a second chance. Or, it’s time to let them go guilt-free.
Try a theme or challenge – I love picking a focus like “books by women authors” or “translated fiction.”
Scroll through your TBR with fresh eyes – If a book sparks joy, it’s a contender. If not, maybe it’s time to move on!
Set a realistic monthly goal
Rather than trying to read everything, I set a number that feels achievable. Some months, that’s four books. Other times, it’s two or three. Whatever your pace, make sure it’s fun and not a chore.
Use Fable (or Goodreads) to curate a shortlist
I love using the Fable app to organize my reading goals! It lets me create custom lists for each month and prioritize books that truly excite me. A great feature? You can build a Top 5 Shortlist to help narrow down choices and keep your monthly TBR manageable.
Goodreads is another solid option—it’s great for tracking books and syncing with Kindle and Audible (if you’re an Amazon user). While it’s not as user-friendly as Fable, it’s still a great way to keep track of what you’re reading and what’s next on your list.
Mix it up for variety
A well-balanced monthly TBR keeps things fresh! I like to include:
A highly anticipated book – That book I can’t wait to get my hands on.
A backlist book – Something I’ve been meaning to read forever.
A quick or light read – For busy weeks or quick wins.
An audiobook or digital book – Perfect for multitasking.
A cozy or favorite book – Because sometimes, you just need a comfort read.
Be flexible & forgiving
Let’s be real—sometimes a book just isn’t working for me. Instead of forcing it, I swap it out for something else – no shame! Your TBR is there to guide you, not control you. And if I finish my picks early? There’s always another book waiting!
Keep a “next up” list
Ever finish a book and feel completely lost on what to read next? That’s why I keep a short “Next Up” list—books that caught my eye along the way. This way, I’m never scrambling to find my next read.
Track your progress (because it’s fun!)
Whether you love journals, spreadsheets, or apps, tracking your reading makes it even more rewarding.
Fable makes this super easy with progress tracking, streaks, and stats like your most-read genres and authors.
Goodreads lets you set annual reading goals and track your lists.
A simple journal is great if you love jotting down thoughts and ratings. (These are my favorite!)
Enjoy the process
Your TBR will always grow—that’s part of the fun! Instead of stressing over it, I focus on making steady progress while discovering amazing books along the way.
Curating a monthly TBR isn’t about cutting down your list—it’s about making intentional choices that keep reading fun. So, let’s embrace the chaos of an ever-growing TBR together, one month at a time.
I’d love to hear what’s on your TBR this month! Drop your picks in the comments.
(And if you haven’t already, come join my Fable book club, Illumi-Naughty Story Sippers! It’s the perfect spot to gush about books, swap recommendations, and tackle our ever-growing TBRs together!)
