A new year is just around the corner and for book lovers that means only one thing: it’s time to curate the ultimate TBR pile for 2025! But let’s be honest - building the perfect TBR is both an art and a science. Too short, and you’ll be scrambling for recommendations come March. Too long, and it’ll feel more intimidating than your 2024 tax return. Fear not! We at Chapter 25 are here to guide you through the process. Let’s turn your TBR into the envy of every bookworm on the block.
1. Reflect on Your 2024 Reads
Start with a trip down memory lane. Look at your 2024 reads and ask yourself:
What genres or themes resonated most with you?
Which books did you abandon and why?
Did you read enough to challenge yourself, or was it all comfort zones?
Use these insights to fine-tune your approach. Loved thrillers but felt they blurred together? Maybe it’s time to sprinkle in some literary fiction. DNF’d that dense classic? No shame - try a modern retelling instead!
2. Set Your 2025 Reading Goals
Goals make everything more exciting! Decide what you want to achieve in 2025. A few ideas:
Quantity: How many books do you want to read?
Variety: Want to explore new genres, authors, or formats (hello, audiobooks!)?
Challenges: Attempt a reading challenge or join a book club (hint, hint)
Pro tip: Don’t overdo it. Your TBR is meant to inspire, not stress you out!
3. Embrace the Power of Themes
Themed reading months are all the rage and for good reason - they keep things fresh! Here are some fun ideas:
January: New Beginnings – Memoirs, self-help, or uplifting fiction.
June: Pride Picks – Celebrate LGBTQ+ voices.
October: Spooky Season – All the gothic, ghostly, and gory vibes.
Building your TBR around themes can help you stay focused and create anticipation for each new month.
4. Sprinkle in Some Wild Cards
You know that book you’d never usually pick up? Add it to your TBR! Wild cards push you out of your comfort zone and often turn into unexpected favourites. Bonus points if it’s a recommendation from a friend or fellow Chapter 25 member.
5. Plan for the Books You Don’t Yet Know About
Let’s face it: 2025 will bring shiny new releases that you’ll have to read. Leave some breathing room in your TBR for those impulse buys and hyped titles. Balance is key!
6. Make It Visual
Why not turn your TBR into a work of art? Stack your chosen books in a prominent spot or create a digital tracker with cover images. Platforms like Goodreads, The StoryGraph, or even a good old-fashioned journal can make tracking your progress both practical and satisfying.
7. Tap into the C25 Community
Still stumped? That’s where your fellow Chapter 25 members or bookish BFFs come in. Join our genre polls, attend meetups for inspiration, or swap recommendations in our lively chats. Plus, keep an eye out for our monthly book club picks - hand-selected to keep your reading life vibrant and varied.
8. Treat Your TBR Like a Living Thing
Your TBR isn’t carved in stone. Let it evolve throughout the year! Ditch books that aren’t sparking joy and add ones that catch your eye. Reading should be fun, not a chore.
Ready, Set, Read!
With these tips, your 2025 TBR pile will be the stuff of bookish dreams. So grab a cup of tea, a fresh notebook, and start stacking those titles. Looking to make books an even bigger part of your plans for 2025? If you’re not already a Chapter 25 member then why not find a book club near you or join the waitlist for our many clubs that are launching soon!
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