Get your TBR pile down to zero with this one weird trick
The trick is to have your house burn down. Instant TBR zero.
Of course you also lose all your other TB piles: To Be Worn, To Be Eaten, To Be Slept on, To Be Cooked with, To Be Remembered By…
My house caught on fire on December 18. It started in the kitchen (cause still being determined) and was contained and put out quickly. I’d only been out of the house for about 45 minutes when I started getting calls from neighbours. It’s a mindfuck, because my house didn’t actually burn down, and my books, along with most of our belongings, weren’t actually reduced to ash. The smoke, soot, water, and asbestos are what get you. Despite the house looking okay from the outside, we lost almost everything we owned.
I didn’t have a single book “pile” or shelf. I had books on, under and on top of shelves, as well as on desks, coffee tables, bedside tables, and in drawers and closets. I also, thankfully, had a Google Sheet with a complete and up-to-date listing of each one of those books, including origin and cost for the more recent ones. (Did I have an inventory of any other items in the house? Of course not. BUT YOU SHOULD. START ONE NOW. TRUST ME.)
I don’t even have a “TBR” tab in my spreadsheet. It’s not something I think about much. I have a “wishlist” of books I don’t own but might want to, based on reviews or recommendations – the most recent addition is Bouvard and Pécuchet by Flaubert, as recommended in the NYT’s “Read like the Wind” newsletter. I also have tabs related to various “projects,” like reading the works of Dostoyevsky, or the 1,001 Books list. These are all TBRs of sorts.
But what people usually mean by TBR is “books you own but haven’t read.” TBRs sometimes include unread ebooks, but usually don’t include books you have on hold at the library, or books you are thinking about buying. A TBR pile is a real thing that you spent money on. By filtering on “unread” and filtering out “Kindle” and “Kobo”, I see that I had a TBR pile of 108 books, as of the morning of December 18, anyway.
In online bookish circles, TBRs are often framed as a problem, or at least something to be managed, an indicator of consumerism at best and hoarding at worst. TBR challenges abound; people have plans to get to a zero TBR, or under 30, or under 100. They will do this in a year, or six months, or as long as it takes.
I confess, “TBR” content is among my least favourite bookish content (if you are someone who does TBR stuff online, I don’t mean you. I especially don’t mean Cathy!). There’s not much to say about a book you haven’t read, after all, and I find the accounting side of TBRs (books in, books out, monthly reckonings etc.) pretty tedious, unless it’s my own.
I read some TBR posts and watched some TBR videos for the purpose of writing this, and found that most of the “tips and tricks” for TBR challenges have to do with “reading more”, not “buying less”, and often it’s not even about finding more time to read, or speeding up your rate of reading (though that content is certainly out there too). It’s more about convincing yourself to read from your pile, through random chance (spins, jars) or incentives (no buying books until the TBR is under 100.)
TBR challenges don’t often get beyond the here and now, and into the existential question of how many books you will read before you die, or more to the point, how many books you will not read. I started reading from the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die list before I even started blogging, i.e. before I’d heard of a TBR, and it’s the kind of list you don’t ever really expect to finish, so I guess I’ve always taken the long view on this. A pile of 108 books is less daunting if you think of what you might read over the next 40 or 50 years. And I don’t think it’s something to beat yourself up for.
Let your TBR or other book lists be about anticipation instead. Anticipate the great books you’re going to read, and the ones so bad they’re good. Anticipate filling in the blanks on things you’re interested in, and going off on tangents into new topics. Anticipate reading an author’s complete works and then adding their biographies, letters, and criticism to your ever-growing and changing TBR. Document it, be honest about it, but let it be a positive thing.
My TBR pile is gone. But I still have plenty of books that are “to be read” – almost every book ever written, technically. And of course, two months on from the fire, my TBR has regenerated a bit. Here it is, in its entirety:
- The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney (from a Little Free Library and solely because the blurb, “Like Cold Mountain but colder”, made me laugh out loud)
- My Heavenly Favourite by Lucas Rijneveld (my first post-fire purchase)
I have two more, non-TBR books in the house: A smoke-damaged, signed first edition of Freedom by Jonathan Franzen (recovered along with other sentimental items – I did NOT run back into the house for it) and The Birthday Party by Laurent Mauvignier, which had been sitting on my desk at work. We will rebuild – in 2025, or whenever I get back into my house!
Here’s my actual “one weird trick” for dealing with your TBR: Don’t worry about getting to zero, because you might get hit by a bus tomorrow – or your whole pile might go up in flames.
Reading in Bed 
Oh my goodness, what a terrible thing.
I have had this experience when my MIL’s house burnt down. She was overseas at the time so the Ex and I dealt with it. It really did burn. I remember standing literally knee deep in ashes trying to remember what was where for the insurance claim…
But there were some things that survived in the sitting room, but yes, coated in soot and stinking to high heaven. I did my best to restore some of it, precious wedding china and bits and pieces like that, but most of it had to be thrown away.
It takes a while for the shock to ease, but there will be losses that you mourn because things do matter to us even though the most important thing is that no one was hurt.
I hope the insurance sorts things out promptly for you and you can make a start on getting your life back.
All the best, Lisa
That’s a whole different thing, when it really burns. At least all our “outside” stuff was ok, and the insurance people were able to take pictures inside, to help us remember! Thank you.
Oh my! What an experience. When I sold my house I got rid of so much, some things thoughtfully but most I ended up dragging to the garage and paying someone to take it all away. But of what I own now, the most important are my books. And not the TBR because, as you say, they haven’t been read and may never be, but the ones I love, that are marked with notes and tags, signed by friends… those could never be replaced. Best wishes as you rebuild and restock.
Yes, it’s the “read” books that hurt the most! And my short story advent calendars. I had a whole set and a lot of those are sold out 😦
Oh gosh, what a terrible thing to happen, I’m so sorry. I have a TBR challenge this year which was to “get through” the books I acquired up to the end of last year; someone commented this seemed negative which wasn’t how I saw it at all, so I reframed my post: I was excited about reading these books when I got them and I want to read them, so it’s getting the time, not ploughing through the books. So I’m taking note of this as a corollary to my project – I’ll endeavour to catch up, then I can enjoy my books as I receive them. And much care to you as you rebuild your life after this devastating event.
PS I periodically take a set of photos of all my possessions after an experience after a burglary in the 90s where the insurance people didn’t believe I had that many CDs and the only way to prove it was to dig out a photo of my then-boyfriend throwing shapes at a party in front of the CD rack!
Hahaha the CD proof is brilliant!
Thank you Liz! I had to google “throwing shapes”, I was picturing shadow puppets 😀 And thankfully, I also had many pics of my bookshelves, for blogging purposes, if anyone decides to question me on my 500+ books!
What an experience, Laura. It must be a rollercoaster of emotions. I’m glad you can at least see a bit of the funny side (the ‘one weird trick’ tag made me laugh out loud!). I have, at times, fantasised about starting clean with a brand new slate but the reality must be tiresome. I am sorry this has happened to you. I hope the family are all okay and things get sorted soon and you can start afresh.
I’m glad you rescued the Franzen ☺️ Wishing you well. B xxxxxxx
Thank you! Humour is definitely a coping mechanism in this case 🙂
Oh Laura, I was so sorry to hear this had happened. My sister’s office once burnt down with some of her personal possessions in it and I know how hard that was for her, so I can’t imagine how difficult this must be. I love the title of this post, though! x
My sister was actually staying with us, as a houseguest, when this happened, so she lost a (more limited, but still painful) amount of stuff. Thank you!
What a horrible thing to happen. I’m amazed that you can make a joke about the TBR, but can see the funny side of your every book that was ever written comment.
Best wishes for rebuilding.
I thought of that joke very early on, had to work up to writing a post 🙂
Oh, how awful. I’m so sorry. But yes – I need to stop fretting about the TBR, and even perhaps pruning it…
Thank you, yes enjoy your TBR for my sake 🙂
Oh no! I already agreed with you about how it’s not worth it to worry about books still to be read, but the way you put it! Yikes!
Unread books are one of the many comforts of home, when your home is undamaged.
Good luck with cleanup and recovery.
Thank you! I agree, and I would start building a new TBR sooner, if we weren’t going to move again in a year (if all goes well)
I’m glad The Tenderness of Wolves was able to bring some laughter! What an awful experience but you’re right all these possessions are meant to bring us joy not stress, I hope everything goes well and you enjoy your home once you get back in.
Thank you! It was so funny because I was reading Cold Mountain at the time. And I loved Cold Mountain, so I doubt it’s going to live up to it!
What a terrible thing to have experienced. I’m glad no one was hurt. It’s wonderful you can look at the events with some humor too.
Definitely a coping mechanism 🙂
Laura, I’ve been thinking of you ever since I heard the news and your positivity is amazing to me. If you want to start a TBR I’d happily send you a wee parcel of Irish reads to get you on your way 🙂
Oh thanks Cathy, but we will only have to move again in a year (if all goes well) so I am trying to live a minimalist, low-TBR lifestyle – for now 🙂
I have no proper words, neither of horror or commiserations, to offer you; but I am mightily impressed by your response – turning it into a learning experience and an occasion to ponder on what future will emerge. I’m not sure I could show such equanimity about it all!
Believe me, it’s a roller coaster over here 🙂
Your wry sense of humour has escaped unscathed! I have so many questions (where have you been living? what will insurance cover? dare I ask how the other kitty is doing…) but don’t feel you have to answer any of them. I hope that for the most part it was all ‘just stuff’ and stuff that can be replaced or lived without. And those books aren’t lost to you in any meaningful way because their contents are still out there in the world. I don’t stress about my print or virtual TBR. I try to look at them as bounteous opportunities rather than obligations.
“And those books aren’t lost to you in any meaningful way because their contents are still out there in the world.” – that’s exactly what I was trying to say here. You said it better 🙂
It’s so good to read your words again, Laura. I hope your circumstances continue to improve.
Thank you Karen, for still reading!
Oh my goodness! Poor you! Not the best way to get rid of your TBR even if it is effective. So glad that at least no one was hurt, but these things are so upsetting. Our possessions mean so much to us. I hope you manage to get things straightened out without too much delay.
A little too effective, yes! thank you
I saw you mention this on instagram (dare I ask how your cat is doing?) and remember thinking what a shocking thing to go through. I live in an apartment complex and one of my greatest fears is a fire breaking out. I hope you’re doing OK and readjusting to changed circumstances without too much stress and trauma.
As for the TBR, when I repatriated in 2019 after 20 years in the UK I only brought 20 books with me. The rest was put in storage until my Other Half could join me / sell our property (long story… covid got in the way of our plans). I was reunited with those books a year ago, but for three years I had the glorious chance to start again. It didn’t take long to amass a big collection, mainly Australian books, new and second hand, because I’d been deprived of Aus fiction for two decades! I do not regret buying those books, I just wish I didn’t have to work so I could stay home and read them all 😆
And yes, like you, I couldn’t care less about other people’s plans to tackle the TBR. The whole guilt thing winds me up. I love being privileged enough to have a bookshop worth of books to read in my home and I don’t feel remotely bad about the fact I will probably die before I get to read them all. The joy is in buying and collecting them and knowing they are there to read when the mood strikes! And like Cathy, I’d be very happy to send you some Australian books to reboot your TBR.
Thank you! I’m trying to keep things minimalist over here, and low-TBR, not out of guilt, but because (hopefully) we will move back into our house in a year or so. But thanks for the kind offer! And the health attitude towards TBRs 🙂
I’m sorry about the important aspects of your fiery misfortune, Laura, but have appreciated the wry humour you’ve wrought from it. I hope the return to your home and its rebuilding as a home happens as quickly as possible for you.
Meanwhile, as someone who occasionally feels the fear of the TBR, I’m going to remind myself of your wisdom next time I fall into the black hole of fretting about how many books I need to read.
Thank you! And yes, enjoy your TBR for my sake 🙂
What a thing to happen – so sorry to hear this! I hope that things go as smoothly and quickly as they can in terms of rebuilding and getting things settled.
Like you say, I think about my TBR as anticipation – I think it’s a huge privilege to have so many bookshelves in my home. Maybe I’ll read them all or maybe I won’t – but it’s a luxury I am grateful for, and will be conscious of appreciating more after reading your wise words.
Thank you! I’m glad to hear you and many others here have a healthy TBR attitude 🙂
I’m sorry to hear about your loss. How distressing and stressful. Wishing you all the best with the rebuild (literally and figuratively).
I love how you have turned it into a TBR commentary. Like you, I don’t get the negativity that is put into the TBR. I do need to drastically reduce the number of books I buy (I’m a sucker for used book shop treasure hunts), but I actually love having a massive amount of unread books at home. It means I will always have a book to fit whatever I’m in the mood for. I only wish I could not have to work so I could spend more time reading (and crafting and gardening).
Yes, it’s not that there are too many books, it’s that there’s too little time. Thank you!
Laura – you mentioned this in a comment and I was shocked. What a thing to happen. I hope that you and yours are safe. Items can be replaced. Allow me like Cathy to suggest a donation of something bookish.
Thank you, and I have been looking for a copy of Agnes Grey to read. They have other copies at the library but I kind of feel bad taking it out again after “losing” their other one 🙂 And thanks for the kind offer but I’m trying to keep things minimalist and low-TBR here, only because we will have to move again (hopefully in a year or so!) After that though, the rebuilding will begin.
I’m so sorry to hear about this! How shocking and awful – and what a great, though-provoking post. Glad to see you have managed to keep your sense of humour, but I feel for you so much!
Thank you, humour is a coping mechanism sometimes 🙂
Truly keeps the TBR pile in perspective, to remember that we’re lucky if we have them at all. I’m so sorry to hear about the books and the house and everything lost! ❤ I'm glad you're safe and thinking ahead to rebuilding and finding some positivity in anticipation; sending good luck and good vibes your way in hopes of a future free of house fires and a TBR full of new possibilities!
Oh my goodness. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I’ve heard about the smoke, soot etc being what makes things unusable even if things don’t burn down fully. It must be so hard.
I feel ashamed for my TBR occasionally. But it’s also more than just a pile. But then again, I do enjoy having so many books to choose from.
This is the kind of thing that you think will never happen to you. But it has to happen to *somebody*.
I was so glad to see your post and it was fun to read. The title is fabulous! Too bad the inspiration for it is so awful. It makes me especially grateful for my own book piles. I totally agree that they’re a thing that should be enjoyed and anticipated, not a source of stress. I know someday you will have bookshelves again filled with lovely books. xo
Wow a fire is so scary. Thank you for the message at the end, really got me thinking about my own priorities.