If you’ve ever glanced at your towering “To Be Read” pile and felt a mix of excitement and sheer panic, you’re in good company. As women juggling careers, families, friendships, and everything in between, finding time to read often feels like an elusive dream. Add a book club into the mix, and suddenly, that fun hobby starts feeling more like a high-stakes commitment.
But don’t worry—you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not failing at this whole book lover thing. Let’s talk about how to embrace your TBR without letting it overwhelm you, all while staying connected to your book club community.
Acknowledge the Elephant in the Room: Time
First things first: there’s only so much time in a day. Between work meetings, school pickups, and maybe even five minutes to breathe, squeezing in reading can feel impossible. And that’s okay! Your TBR pile isn’t going anywhere. Think of it less as a to-do list and more as a buffet—you don’t have to finish everything in one sitting.
Action Tip: Set realistic goals. Instead of aiming to finish the entire book before your next book club meeting, focus on reading enough to participate in the discussion. Skimming is perfectly fine, and no one’s keeping score.
Prioritize What Sparks Joy
With endless recommendations and shiny new releases, it’s easy to feel like you’re “falling behind” if you’re not reading the latest buzz-worthy book. But remember, your TBR should be filled with books that genuinely excite you. Life is too short to read books out of guilt or obligation.
Action Tip: Reevaluate your TBR. Which books light you up just thinking about them? Start there. It’s okay to quietly remove the ones that no longer resonate—your Goodreads account won’t judge you.
Embrace Audiobooks
If you’re feeling like you have zero time to sit down with a book, audiobooks can be a game-changer. Listen while commuting, cooking dinner, or folding laundry. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can finish a book without “reading” in the traditional sense.
Action Tip: Check your local library’s digital collection for free audiobooks. Many libraries offer apps like Libby, which make borrowing audiobooks a breeze.
Give Yourself Permission to Not Finish
Not every book is going to be a winner, and that’s okay. Life is too short to power through something you’re not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books waiting for you.
Action Tip: Implement the “50-page rule” (or 25 if you’re extra busy). If a book hasn’t hooked you by then, it’s okay to move on guilt-free.
Lean on Your Book Club
Your book club is a community, not a competition. If you haven’t finished the book, be honest. Share your thoughts on what you did read or listen to the discussion to spark ideas for when you do pick it up again. Chances are, others in the group have felt the same way.
Action Tip: Suggest a lighter or shorter book for your next pick. Seasonal themes or novellas can be fun and less daunting options for the group.
Celebrate Small Wins
Every chapter read, every page turned, is a victory. Even if it takes you weeks to finish a single book, that’s still time well spent. Reading is meant to be a joy, not a chore.
Action Tip: At the end of each month, take a moment to reflect on what you’ve read, even if it’s just a few pages. Celebrate that progress!
Remember, your TBR pile isn’t a race; it’s a reflection of your love for stories, ideas, and learning. So take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee (or wine—no judgment here), and dive into whatever book feels right in the moment. Your next great read is waiting for you, whenever you’re ready.
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