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Shelf-Discipline: How to Read More Before Your Next Book Spree
At Goodreads, we always encourage our members to read more. But sometimes, the number of books still waiting on your Want to Read shelf can feel a little daunting…
(GIF credit: Black Books)
So we asked avid readers on Facebook and Twitter if they’ve ever tried a book-buying hiatus: a temporary (and we stress temporary), self-imposed ban from buying more books until they finish the current ones on their to-read list.
Needless to say, some reactions were (understandably) strong...
But overall, there was sound advice from fellow bibliophiles who have survived, thrived, and ultimately enjoyed more stories as a result. Below is a list of some the most popular tips and tricks. Let us know which ones speak to you in the comments.
Happy reading!
1. "I tell myself that I need to read at least three books that I’ve bought and haven’t read yet," says Jimmy.
2. "If I find a book interesting, I take a picture of the cover to add to my to-read list. That way, I can put the book back without truly losing it," says Samantha.
3. "I work across the street from my favorite bookstore, so I park as far away in the opposite direction as possible," says Hannah.
4. "The best way to conquer [a book-buying ban] is by revisiting a library or joining a new library. Also, keeping a record of how much you're saving by USING the library leads to a pretty good high," says Lauren.
5. "I make a list of the books I want to buy and give myself a certain timeframe. If I finish my book buying ban, I start checking them off one by one as a reward," says Josie.
6. "I have a lot of physical books (it’s my preference), but I was still buying and borrowing from the library. So I took little, easy-to-peel-off stickers and put them on unread books, then I ascribed an amount: $2 for each book I read. Now I have a reward system that has me reading the books I own, but still lets me buy new books,'" says Ashley.
7. "Put all the books you own and haven’t read in a stack or [on an] eye-level shelf where they glare at you every time you walk out your door. Visualize it when you’re tempted to buy a book," says Kim.
8. "Can't buy anything when you have no money," says Clay.
9."Tips for sticking with it are to do the ban with a friend or two. It helps keep you accountable. Also, library, library, library," says Elena.
Have you ever tried a book-buying hiatus? Share your experience with us in the comments!
Check out more recent blogs:
The Big Books of Fall
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Check out more recent blogs:
The Big Books of Fall
7 Great Books Hitting Shelves Today
The Creators of 'Saga' Recommend Books for Their Fans
Comments Showing 51-100 of 253 (253 new)
I have an annoying habit of buying the first book in a series but then not wanting to start it until I have acquired copies of the other books so I have a lot of unread Book 1's on my shelf and my kindle.
I've done the "Hidden Library" route, were if I notice how many books I own that I haven't read yet getting bigger than I'd like to admit, I put them on the bookshelf in my closet and use it as my library at home. I feel like I'm getting new books because I forgot I had it, and get more excited to start a new book I own.
I am a lover of reading. I have bought lots of books recently and Even though I started reading them, at some point I feel like I want to read another genre. So, since last week I have decided to finish the books that I started earlier. I put them on a lower Shelf in my library and I use Goodreads as a very good motivator since I log the page that I am at. And it is really working. I have finished 10 books as of now.
Myrtha wrote: "I think we should start Book Addicts Anonymous..."There is a GR group by that name.:-)
The worst thing is when you have no motivation to read books you've already bought, but damn want to read that one you don't have right now!
I really like the idea of giving each book a dollar value! I just put myself on a ban and I am trying to cut my pile down by half before I buy anymore books,
I once (and only once) managed to go a whole month without checking Amazon's website to see what was on sale. It was tough going, I tell ya. Tough going.
"Library, library, library."-Elena That's my problem- I'll buy books at a used book sale or with a gift card, but then never read them because I'm always bringing home yet more books from the library! And now with elibrary I borrow digital books right from my phone...
Hi. My name is.... Okay, so at least we're all in good company. Before I graduated high school, my younger sister would joke that I should make her a library card so she could check books out of my collection. I'm not quite to the above Black Books GIF point, but it's pretty close as I've taken over two rooms in the house with stacks of books and bookcases. I have generally done well cutting almost all personal book buying down to $0. I have not put myself on a total book buying ban, but I have redirected my book buying. I am mostly on a book buying ban for my personal collection, but I feed my book buying addiction by buying children and young adult books. I spend no more than what I collect in jar from change throughout the year. The books I buy are then kept separate from my collection and at the end of the year, I take the box (or boxes) of brand new books to a drop off location to donate them as Christmas presents for children who would otherwise not receive a gift. I feel that providing a toy will only provide pleasure until it breaks or the child out-grows it, but the gift of books can extend well into adulthood and fuel the imagination, and in some cases, allowing a child to cope with a difficult situation in their life. Escaping into a book was always much more enjoyable for me than just about anything else, so I always hope that my book addiction helps others in some way. I self control comes in when I have to limit the number of books I can buy by the amount of change I have available in my book buying fund.
The number of unread books I own is 150+ and I don't read that quickly, so I don't think a book buying ban would work for me. I don't have that kind of willpower. I've kind of stopped worrying about it. Sometimes I'll discipline myself and go to the bookstore without buying anything, but that rarely happens, and I also like to support my bookstore to try to keep them in business. That's one of my rationalizations. Another is if the apocalypse hits, then I will have plenty to read. :) I hoard books like a dragon hoards its treasure.
Sheila wrote: "I've limited my book buying to thrift stores but now I have a TBR room!"Wait, wait, you have a whole room??!
I need an article that gives tips on not adding books to my to-read shelf faster than I can actually read books. (I have had to make a conscious effort this year to focus on getting through my to-read shelf. Slow but steady progress! Went from a high of 350 last year to 261 now.)
My issue lies deeper. I only buy new books. I have acquired certain standards as I have aged and I don't believe in libraries or bargain book stores (they are good for when you are a kid I suppose). I also consider myself to be a bit of a collector. The last factor, and probably one of the most damning factors, I can't pass up on a good deal! B&N has a 50% off sale for Labor Day weekend, I just got 5 new books for my B-Day, but you best believe I will still be at B&N this weekend with my card in hand. I think I need a therapist more than a book buying ban. Lol.Thanks for all the advice, it was fun reading through everyone's strategies. Maybe I'll try restricting myself to only 1 or 2 books per a paycheck, for now at least.
Also, GoodReads has been a godsend at helping me organize all the books I own, books to-read, owned-to-read, etc. Although, it has had the adverse affect of introducing me to tons of new books that I must now buy, eventually that is.
A buying hiatus wouldn't work for me. Since I work at a public library, I always bring home more books than I have time for. Sometimes the only way I actually get a book read is if I buy it!
Hi, my name is Alan. I have a book buying problem.This year I made a resolution of sorts -- I couldn't buy a new book until I read 5 I own. But I gave myself a caveat: because I travel a bit for work, I got to visit really great bookstores in other cities to browse and buy.
Needless to say, this isn't a great system to control my buying, but I have seen some really great shops. This year, I've been to City Lights in San Francisco, The Strand in NYC and Elliott Bay Book Company in Seattle, among others.
I've also had to teach myself a new way to pack. Most luggage scanners read a stack of books packed together as an 'inorganic mass,' which is a fancy way of saying plastic explosive.
I reserve visits to the bookstore as a reward for jobs well done(cleaning the refrig, going to the dentist, etc) or when I have a gift card. My problem is the library's used book shelf. Almost new hardback books on my tbr list are irresistable!
I have a nice little trick. I add the book I like to my tbr on GR, or snap a pic and save it to a special album. after a couple of weeks I revisit the book and see if I still want\need to buy it or if I don't remember a single thing about it. If I still want it then voila it's not just impulsive purchase!
I don't have buying bans, I go on a book buying diet. What that means is that I try to cut back sensibly. I think the best way to do this is to read two before allowing another one into my "to read" figurative pile. I buy physical books, ebooks, recorded books and borrow from the library. I include all books on my diet.
Sirreadsalot wrote: ""Can't buy anything when you have no money," says Clay. ------
That's me." same
"Can't buy anything when you have no money," says Clay. __
That's what libraries are for :) More seriously, there's a built-in due date and incentive to finish. Plus, there is usually a limit on how many books you can check out - and the twinge of conscience that comes from the idea of "monopolizing the public library." I highly recommend libraries, and hardly ever buy books.
I think next year I'll implement the "read 1 or 2 older books before reading a new one" rule.I always end up buying books at a faster rate than I can read them and since obviously I buy books because I'm very excited for them, often end up reading the books I got most recently while those obtained a while ago languish.
My to read list is out of control, there are over 1000 books most are things I have seen but my mood changes so much I can never chose. I try to make sure I only buy books a couple of times a year but I’m always been given books as gifts
I have like 1600 ebooks and 600+ physical books. I've been buying like one or two new books a year for like five years. Buying new stuff isn't my problem, it's actually finishing books that I start and not trying to read too many at once.
I have read 66 books so far this year. If you conservatively estimate $10 per book, that's $660. However, 50+ of these were from the library and therefore free!
I like the idea #7 of having the unread books glaring at me. Unfortunately that means I would have nightmares, and would have to avoid several rooms in my house. Oh well.I actually like the independent bookstores. They always seem to have some interesting titles. Unfortunately, my mantra is that I cannot buy just one book. No. Have to buy a second book to keep the first one company. And, well, might as well buy that third title. SIGH. Some titles demand to be purchased, especially if it is on a very current topic (Trump, Theranos, etc). Agh.
I try to buy books that are already on my to-read list that I don't own. This past trip to a book fair I got 12 of those, and I've read 6 of them this summer.
I like Ashley's idea of earning the way out of a book buying ban. And I love using my local library to read more than I have room for on my shelves at home. For me, one of the challenges is that I tend to buy book that I've already read. Not all of them, but many. Any solutions for that quandary?
Corey wrote: "Hi. My name is.... Okay, so at least we're all in good company. Before I graduated high school, my younger sister would joke that I should make her a library card so she could check books out of my..."This is a fantastic idea!!! Passing on the love of reading by gifting books to others.
Shelf-Discipline or Self-Discipline what's that? I am going to book fair today and tomorrow and hopefully would find at least few ones worth buying. September is my birthday month so I keep on gifting myself throughout till the birthday. :)
About 85% of what I read is through the library, mostly in the form of ebooks. Our local library is pretty amazing about bringing in special requests, so it's very seldom they don't have what I want to read. So buying sprees aren't the problem; my want-to-read list is the problem. Assuming I stopped adding books today and read at my current pace, I'd not finish that sucker until about 2023. Pretty ridiculous, really. #6 on the list is pretty brilliant. I think I may adapt that to my to-read list and call it a "pay to read" reward. 75-100 books a year at $2 each would make for a nice splurge at the end of the year.
Alan wrote: "Hi, my name is Alan. I have a book buying problem.This year I made a resolution of sorts -- I couldn't buy a new book until I read 5 I own. But I gave myself a caveat: because I travel a bit for ..."
You must be related to my family! We travel a lot so our mantra is "this book (or many) will be very special to us if we buy it here". We've been to the Strand, the East City Bookshop in D.C., Powell's Books in Oregon, etc.; so many wonderful ones! (We usually end up buying an extra suitcase).
Grommit wrote: "I like the idea #7 of having the unread books glaring at me. Unfortunately that means I would have nightmares, and would have to avoid several rooms in my house. Oh well.I actually like the indepe..."
I agree; you can't buy only one book in a series! What if you read the 1st one and really love it, but then can't find the others anywhere?...
Stephanie wrote: "Uh, aren’t there?😬Anyone; I need reassurance here!"Why yes, of course! Most of them are worse.
I have about 200-250 books still unread. Several years ago I began creating annual personal challenges with my unread books based on particular criteria: American fiction (this year), biographies, Brit lit, and TLOMS (as in Too-Long-on-My Shelf), and others. I reduce the unread pile each year.I still buy, but usually used books online. This is a Golden Age for used book buyers. With sites such as ABE, Thriftbooks, Alibris and others I am often amazed at the availability of many books at such low prices.
This is very timely for me. I decided to start a book buying ban as of Sept. 1st. I'm going to try for a month- both physical books and for my Nook. Then, we'll see!I do use and love the local library but there is just something about owning books that makes me happy!
Cendaquenta wrote: "I think next year I'll implement the "read 1 or 2 older books before reading a new one" rule.I always end up buying books at a faster rate than I can read them and since obviously I buy books beca..."
Ooh, I hear you!!
Steph wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "Uh, aren’t there?😬Anyone; I need reassurance here!"Don't worry; anyone reading this article is right there with you sister. Let's not feel too guilty about being book addicts! I..."
Thanks, fellow bookworm Steph!
One way that I try to shorten my TBR list is to read Previews of books on my list. This may be weird, but I can't read books written in the present tense; it drives me crazy! (For example: "I disentangle my arm and run down the street. "Wait!", my friend calls.) I eliminate those books from my list quickly.
I don’t have a problem with buying books... the problem is other people buying me books. My goodreads list is for books I own. I don’t really use libraries for myself anymore. I have an amazon wish list of all the books I would like. Instead of buying them they get added to the list. Then along comes my birthday or Christmas and I generally get at least one book per person, some buying me a couple and one or two people splurging on 10+I LOVE IT, don’t get me wrong but trying to find the space for them, the time to read them and then having to explain to the person who bought me it that “no I haven’t read it yet but I will and I do appreciate it so stop asking me if I’ve read it” requires more time than I have to spare!
The worst thing is getting a book that is so far into a series that I know I won’t read it until I’ve read the first ones. Not easy when I’ve got book number 20 but not 1-19.
So it’s not really my fault.
Hannah and Clay have it just about right. Also life is too short to go on a book-buying hiatus.
I had reached a point where I could go into a bookstore without buying books. Once the internet came around, I knew I could find books that I needed without stocking up on my trips to NYC (I tend to read mostly in languages other than English, so it can be hard). Then I joined a book club two hours away, in a bookstore that was renowned for being able to get us just about anything in the days pre-Internet. That bookstore has closed now (RIP), the club continues. But I find that, with the advent of eBooks, they have once again been harder to find, and things go out of print quickly, so the urge to buy them comes back when I see something.
However, I'm at the point in my life where I tend to read things that aren't for research/work and just pass them on. So when I think about buying something, I ask myself: "Am I likely to want to keep this book?" If the answer's no, I get it from the library. This works especially well with the books for book club that I know in advance I probably won't like. Those that I already have in English, I send on to my niece and her children, for their library.
My way of doing a buying hiatus is as follows . 1 Go to the library first to see if they have a book I want that's new
2. I can only buy 1 book for every 5 I finished reading
I have a $2/day BookBub habit and tried (and still have) Audible, but dang, $15/mo. and only getting one book was way too slow. Then I discovered that free ebook/audiobook app from my local library, which let me have five at a time. On long commutes, nearly a book a day habit - for free! Then I discovered my local card and password worked in the next town's library, 50 miles away, with more selection - also free! Kinda getting hooked on this library idea. ;-) Have you found other free online audiobook libraries you'd like to share?
Unless the popularity of a book hits me in the face,--such as a Harry Potter--and unless I can't check-it-out at the library, I make it a steadfast rule never to buy more than five books at a time--and I must read at least three of them before I can buy more.
Shellie wrote: "LIBRARY LIBRARY LIBRARY. My opinion on this subject might be biased because I work at a library but seriously...LIBRARIES! Your taxes already pay for them so you might as well use them. Especially ..."I agree. I remember when we had to defend independents against Barnes and Noble and Border's (another RIP). Now, we have to defend B&N! Then, Amazon went and gobbled up AbeBooks, where I would get a lot of my materials that aren't in English. So much for that! Unless I need to have it for research or it's a favorite author, I really do try to borrow if from the library. My desire to not feed the monster helps me control my purchasing.
I limit my book buying sprees to thrift stores. If I find a book I must read, it isn't killing my wallet. Just pay 50 cents or a dollar or two and have a few new books.It does not help with reading the books I have though it does help me spend way less than if I were to go to Barnes and Noble. If there is a book I really want to read that I know will be hard to come by at a thrift store then I just go to my college library. I really enjoy their selction.
BBC show Black Books, It is very good.