avatarElin Melaas

Summary

Elin Melaas shares her love for her ever-growing "To Be Read" (TBR) pile, discussing how it brings her joy, the methods she uses to discover new books, and her disagreement with the idea of quickly getting through the pile.

Abstract

The author, Elin Melaas, expresses her affection for her TBR pile, which serves as a source of anticipation and joy in her life as a book lover. She reveals that her TBR is a dynamic collection, constantly being replenished with new finds from various sources such as #booktok on TikTok, #bookstagram on Instagram, bookstore suggestions, Goodreads lists, and personal recommendations. Contrary to popular advice on reducing one's TBR pile, Melaas cherishes the size and diversity of her pile, likening it to a blooming garden that she tends to by selectively choosing her next read. She emphasizes that the purpose of her TBR is not to rush through it but to savor the process of selection and the anticipation it brings.

Opinions

  • Elin Melaas views her TBR pile as a cherished collection, not just a list to be completed.
  • She enjoys the process of discovering books through social media, bookstores, and personal connections.
  • Melaas disagrees with the notion of quickly working through one's TBR pile, instead favoring a leisurely approach that allows for enjoyment and selection.
  • She believes that a diverse and plentiful TBR pile is something to be proud of and is akin to a "blooming garden."
  • The act of choosing the next book to read from the pile is a source of inspiration and joy for her.
  • Melaas uses her TBR pile as a response to a writing prompt about books, indicating her deep engagement with both reading and writing communities.

Books

Life as a Book Lover: My TBR Pile Gives Me Great Anticipation

If I’m having a crappy day, my TBR pile can make me smile again 😊

My eldest daughter. The picture is published with her permission. The image is taken by the author.

TBR pile — all book lovers have it, but no one looks the same. I enjoy the sight of it and feel the anticipation of wondering what book to read next.

TBR stands for “To Be Read” if you’re not fully up-to-date in the jargon of the bibliophiles.

How do I find books for my TBR pile? And why do I disagree with all those who tell us “how to get through it”?

How do I discover books I want in my TBR pile? 📚

You can find book recommendations in a lot of places, but this is where I mainly discover books:

My TBR pile makes me smile 😊

My pile is sparkling on top of our living room’s (not so high) closet. It is a joy for me and hopefully an inspiration for those who visit us.

I never sort the books in the order in which I will read them. I look forward to going through my pile when I finish a book. Holding the books, reading about them on Goodreads, and deciding that THIS IS THE ONE I will read now.

Getting through the TBR pile? 😲

When I read about TBR piles online, I often find stories like 10 Steps to Get through Your TBR Pile. I completely disagree with this. I don’t want to get through my TBR pile! It’s my pride, like a blooming garden. I carefully pick one treasure at a time while regularly filling it up. There must always be a diverse selection of exciting books that I look forward to reading.

Rich in content, engaging, bringing joy and anticipation of wonderful moments, that’s the function of a TBR pile.

Thanks for reading. — Elin ❤️

I share this story as a response to Dennett’s August writing prompt: Books! in Weeds & Wildflowers

More stories about books:

Books
Reading
Inspiration
Life
Writing Prompt Response
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