I originally wrote this post back in March of 2018 and having it brought to my attention thought it was high time it was updated. I hope this answers all your questions!
Most generally in Bookish Terms, TBR means “To Be Read.” Continuing with that wildly general term could mean anything from the print books on your list or shelf (shelves) or eBooks and audiobooks. It’s assumed these contain books that you added either by buying a print or digital book or by borrowing one of your favorite formats from your library.
Your TBR list may be a detailed Excel spreadsheet of all the books you want to read, perhaps in chronological, alphabetical, author, or genre order including print, ebook, or audio editions. However, I maintain the TBR meaning is those books currently in your possession in one format or another.
There might also be a specific list of those few next up in your queue. Mine consists of the latter, usually dictated by publishing date and rotated in and out of my Goodreads list. It’s impossible for me to schedule a month out as I never know what gorgeous cover will catch my attention, or if I see a thriller that I must have. That said—my TBR changes often—as books are read and new books are added. That said–here is a sample of this week’s books: (Title links are to Goodreads.)
- All We Thought We Knew by Michelle Shocklee – Released October 1, 2024. Southern United States Fiction ASIN: B0CW1M4P8D
Half Moon Bay: A Novel by Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman – Released July 21, 2020. Crime Thrillers ASIN: B0863359SD
- To Die For (6:20 Man) David Baldacci – #1 Best Seller in Suspense Action Fiction Released November 12, 2024 ASIN: B0CW1KRXY2
What is your definition of TBR? Maybe you haven’t thought of that stack of books you want to read as a TBR. But organized or not, you have one. Is it totally out of control with every book that caught your eye on Giveaways or favs at the library? Now you have a name for it!
© 2025 V Williams
YES! Another social network! It isn’t new, but maybe you just haven’t succumbed yet. Here are the reasons to use the free features on Goodreads to increase your author platform or book reviewer cred.
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