Top Ten Tuesday: Bookworm Confessions (or Why I Can’t Read All The Books Every Year)

Posted January 9, 2018 by meezcarrie in Christian, Top Ten Tuesday / 80 Comments

Before I start my Top Ten Tuesday post today, I want to give a shoutout to The Broke and the Bookish for hosting the topics & linkups for the past seven years. They are retiring for now but Top Ten Tuesday will go on, thanks to That Artsy Reader Girl!

Now, on to today’s topic: Books We Didn’t Read (But Totally Meant To) in 2017. It’s sad but true…. my TBR pile is bigger than my ability to keep up with it (understatement of the millenium). So instead of listing the books I wanted to read last year but didn’t get to (because we would be here a while), I thought I would ‘fess up to WHY even the most avid of bookworms just can’t tame their TBR piles.

1. Writers gonna write.

I mean, it really isn’t my fault that I don’t get all the books read because THEY KEEP WRITING MORE!! For every book I take off my TBR pile, at least 10 more take its place. Because the quality of Christian fiction (and cozy mysteries and clean fiction) keeps going up… and so does my TBR pile. And, trying to eliminate the ‘just ok’ reads for the sake of time is getting more and more difficult because the number of ‘just ok’ reads on my radar is less and less.  To be honest, though, I’m so thankful for all the authors who are writing such fantastic books – even if I haven’t read them yet 🙂

2. Sometimes I’m forced to socialize.

I know, right? And I’ve been told that reading at social-type events is generally frowned upon. What’s up with that? Aaaaand… not everyone reads for fun (Gasp!) so I’m also discouraged from turning these events into a book club. Go figure.

Image Source: Pinterest (but i edited it to be grammatically correct b/c I’m weird like that)

3. Reviews don’t write themselves.

Book blogging really is hard work – and it takes up a lot of time! If I just read and didn’t blog or review, I would actually get a lot more books read. BUT… then I wouldn’t get to hang out with all y’all and that would be sad. And I don’t like sad. Happiness is much more fun 😀

4. Goodreads is a temptress
(and so are ‘coming soon’ lists)

I just… ok, I admit. I have a problem. I see a book previously undiscovered OR I get caught up in the bookworm heaven that is Relz Reviewz ‘coming soon’ cover reveal posts (by publisher) and … well… I just lose my mind. Before I know it, my TBR list has grown by at least 100 books!!! Is there a cure for this?? (If there is, don’t tell me. I like living in these delusions)

5. The pretty book covers call to me.

This is very closely related to point #4. I’m a sucker for a book with a cover that catches my eye. Sometimes, in fact, that’s all it takes. A blog tour email arrives in the inbox and… HELLO PRETTY COVER! Aaaaaaaand just like that I’ve signed up for another book i don’t have time to read. (But they’re so pretty)

6. But … it was on sale!

Book sales are my kryptonite, y’all. If I think I’m getting a good deal on a book, I can hardly resist. I’m trying to be better about this lately because I. have. so. many. books. in my house already. Even (dare I admit it) a couple of unopened boxes from CBD just because the sale price was so good! But it keeps me from reading all the books i want to read because I get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of books I own but haven’t read yet and I crawl into a corner and whimper.

Image Source: Pinterest

7. All my fave authors seem to release books in the same week.

This is the single greatest reason that well-intentioned book bloggers get hopelessly behind. Even those of us with reading superpowers just can’t keep up when 10 authors release their new books ALL AT THE SAME TIME. Especially when you’ve promised each of those 10 authors that you’ll review their book – before you looked at release dates. Hey y’all – the struggle is real 😛

Image Source: Pinterest

8. I’m not so good with math.

This is somewhat related to #7. Words are my thing…. not so much the numbers. So I don’t always stop to consider how many books I’ve already committed to or how many books are releasing in the same day/week/month/year. This leads to my current problem – more books on my to-read list than I will ever manage to read in one lifetime haha!

Image Source: cartoonstock.com Used by permission

9. I NEED MORE TIME!!

Even if I found some self-discipline when it comes to books and even if I figured out to make math work for me and even if I convinced all the authors and publishers to release books one at a time…. the fact remains that I would still need more time. I read almost 350 books last year and I still didn’t have time to read a bunch of books I really wanted to read. Until we figure out how to stop time while we read (oh wouldn’t that be lovely!!!), we’ll always have more books than time left at the end of the year.

10. The best laid plans

Math trauma & time limitations notwithstanding, sometimes the best laid plans go awry. Life interrupts. People interrupt (you’d think they’d learn… but no). God interrupts. And at least for 2017 my reading plan got interrupted every time I turned around. It happens, fellow bookworms. And that’s ok. Because sometimes (brace yourselves) there are more important things than the next book on your TBR pile. (I feel a little faint after saying that)

But in all seriousness, dear friends, read what you love & read what you can & be present in the life that God’s given you – the good, the bad, and the ugly. Release yourself from the pressure to read ALL THE BOOKS that came out in 2017 and ALL THE BOOKS that come out in 2018. And I’ll try to do the same ♥

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80 responses to “Top Ten Tuesday: Bookworm Confessions (or Why I Can’t Read All The Books Every Year)”

  1. DeAnna Dodson

    I thought you DID read all the books!

    You do a great job, Meez Carrie. And I understand each of your above points. I’m just glad I don’t have to write reviews for the books I manage to read.

    Reply
  2. Andi

    YES, YES, YES!!! I couldn’t have said it any better! I loved the part about turning social gatherings into a book club. TeeHee
    It’s taken me a long time but I have learned to read what I love and love what I read. Now, if I could just figure out how to not overbook myself. LOL
    Hugs, my sweet friend!

    Reply
  3. Terrill R.

    I wholeheartedly concur with #4. Sometimes, I find myself spending too much time researching books for my tbr list rather than actually reading.

    Reply
  4. Cathy

    Oh my goodness….this hit too close to home! My TBR pile has become a TBR mountain. I’m keeping up with books I get from publishers as best as I can, but I desperately need to open my boxes from Christian book store. I’m becoming a book AND a box hoarder?
    Off to read and blog

    Reply
  5. Rebecca Maney

    One of your best posts ever! I am considerably behind you on volume, but can relate to nearly every point . . . except I am not a blogger . . . I cannot even imagine. I actually have a Google calendar for release dates, so that I can “see” those overlaps of January 2 and February 6 releases . . . does it matter? Never.

    Thanks for starting my day off with a smile!

    Reply
  6. Katie Donovan

    Fabulous post, Carrie! And I seriously LOLed at the cartoon in number 8. Bahahaha! The sad, but true, but wouldn’t-change-it-for-the-world tale of a book blogger. ❤️ And if you can’t do it, ain’t nobody can do it! ?

    Reply
  7. Andrea Stephens

    First, let me say You are AMAZING! I don’t know how you do what you do. There are so many shiny new books I want to read but know there is no possible way I’m going to get to. ☹️
    I LOVE your graphics ❤ they are so very fitting. I laughed at the math one, I may or may not have put a math book in the horror/mystery section of the library.
    I’m trying very hard to follow #10
    Hugs to you sweet friend.

    Reply
  8. Beckie Burnham

    Your post sums up my problems completely! And here it is, 9 days into the new year, and I am already behind! I need to schedule more “life” in my reading plans. 😉 Spent Sunday viewing prospective homes with son #1, spent Monday supporting dear daughter as she purchased her first on-her-own car. I’m very thankful they still want mom and dad’s input on their decisions. Now if i would just stay off social media . . .

    Reply
  9. Carrie Turansky

    I am always amazed by how many book you DO read! I’m so happy you’ve made time to read some of mine. Thank you! I love your blog and appreciate the way you help me keep an eye on so many great books. Happy Reading!

    Reply
  10. Tracey Hagwood

    I love your bookworm confessions, but I must admit I’m decent at math, basic math anyway, lol. At times I get frustrated by so many choices and only so many hours in a day, so I’ve taken the “mathematical” approach.

    I read about 10 books a month. I got a notebook and charted 10 slots for each month and filled in books I knew were coming out each month. My Jan and Feb slots are already full, out of 120 slots for the year, I’ve already filled 45. The competition is fierce for the remaining 75 spots. but in the long run it relieves a lot of the pressure to read anything and everything that comes out. I try to slip in something from my huge backlisted kindle library here and there, and leave a little room for a few new authors.

    So that’s how I manage the TBR list and get to #10, I love that quote, it’s my goal!
    Read what you love, read what you can,
    and especially BE PRESENT IN THE LIFE GOD HAS GIVEN YOU!

    Reply
  14. MH

    Ah. So true. I spent like two hours at the end of December cleaning out my to-read list on Goodreads. I mean, why keep Terri Blackstock’s list of previous books on my to-read list when I know I will never get the time to read them? I’ve decided to look forward only for my to-read list and march onwards. I did trim down my list from over 1000 books to about 500….more manageable, I think.

    Reply
  15. Michelle Lunsford

    I can relate to so many of these reasons. Especially the points about pretty book covers and book sales. The temptation is real! But you’re right; for those of us who love to read, it is such a blessing to be able to enjoy the books we do get to read and to anticipate all those books in the ever increasing TBR piles (and piles and piles). Thank you for reminding me of this good truth: read what you love & read what you can & be present in the life that God’s given you. I would only add for myself, and don’t forget to be grateful, because God has given so very, very much.

    Reply
  16. Linda

    This list was spot on, Carrie! I’m not a blogger, but I could replace that one with “because Meez Carrie loved it”! Because I know if you love a book, then I will too, and on it goes to my tbr pile. Your blog is like a good friend talking to me about books. Thank you!

    Reply
  17. Paula S.

    Carrie! You rock! You are among my top 5 review sites! Gotta See what Carrie says is good NOW,
    I love chatting with you here. This post was too realistic for me.LOL ! Over 2,000 on goodreads TBR . I know I’ll never get to them all. But I am chipping away. Yes… way too many great writers out there. My fav authors list was 15. Now ? Who knows? But we can rely on you to guide us in the right direction. Keep up the good work. Blessings.

    Reply
  18. Cathe Swanson

    I think you are amazing.

    I agree with your initial comment that the quality of Christian fiction is becoming so great – I love to see God glorified by all this excellent literature in every genre. <3

    Reply
  21. Caryl Kane

    CARRIE, you are an inspiration! Your message of GRACE came through clearly! Be present and enjoy those around you.

    Blessings and ((((HUGS))))

    Reply
  23. Susan (Bloggin' 'bout Books)

    I’m still trying to get over the fact that you read 350 books this year and still don’t think you had enough time to read! That’s awesome. And I relate to SO many of your points. If only life didn’t get in the way of my reading, I’d be able to reach my yearly goal of 200 read, no problem.

    By the way, I love your twist on today’s topic. So much so that I totally stole your idea and used it for my list. Hopefully that’s okay 🙂

    Happy TTT, Carrie!

    Reply
  24. Elly

    I’ve got about 1,700 unread books on my to-read list, but there’s NO WAY I could take ANY of them off! I mean, I know I’ve got books on there that came out 10-20 years ago, but hey? Can’t those ones be just as good (or better even!) than ones coming out this year?
    I think I get a pretty good mixture of “old” and new books read each year. My bookstore of choice (and, because of their prices and coupons, pretty much the ONLY bookstore I shop at) is Half-Price Books, which is basically a resale shop for books (could you find a better store?!?!) And, because they’re a resale shop, I never know WHAT I’ll find going in! It’s always a delightful surprise! Sometimes I can find new releases. Usually I can find a lot of releases from the previous year. And I’m always excited to find those 10-20 year old gems that I’ve been waiting to get my hands on for years!
    Occasionally I find books at other places, too. They’re usually harder to come by, but definitely worth the searching because of the price! A thrift store nearby sells all hardbacks for 50 cents and all paperbacks for a quarter apiece. So if you can find the odd Christian fiction book, you’ve saved about $15! Ollie’s is another great place. They sell overstock of everything from toys to food to kitchen utensils to carpeting to books. And they always have TONS of new releases in Christian fiction usually priced at $2 to $5.
    And of course, where would I be without my library? Anything we don’t find or can’t afford, my library is usually more than willing to order for my sisters and I. So here’s a shoutout to libraries!! Woot-woot!

    Reply
  30. Melissa

    Loved the images, to funny, esp. the math book in the horror section. Except I know the culprit behind my long reading list on Goodreads – Too many giveaways I entered.

    Reply
  31. Karen Sargent

    (Picking up jaw off floor) I really don’t know how book bloggers do it, Carrie! I feel accomplished when I finish a book in a week! Even though you (and our other blogging friends here!) enjoy reading and keeping us in-the-know, it obviously takes a tremendous amount hard work and dedication. Thank you!

    Reply
  32. Crystal Caudill

    Oh my gosh, Carrie! If I could read half the books you did in a year I would be thrilled. But like you said life and people (how dare they) interrupt. I actually struggle to make an actual TBR pile because I just so overwhelmed by the sheer number I want to read. And I have limited myself to reviewing one or two a month. I don’t know how you do it! All of these are just so true. Love you, woman. Thank you for adding to my problems. ? I already am out of bookshelf space again. Bless my poor husband’s supportive soul. We are trying to find space to squeeze in a couple more.

    Reply
  34. Kelly Blackwell

    I am glad you get the ones in that you do! Keep adding to the list. 🙂 We love your reviews.

    PS Totally relate to sales. I cannot pass a sale by. And a great cover. And I actually really need to get in a book club. Oh I better stop now. 🙂

    Reply
  36. Rel Mollet

    You speak the truth!! Basically, DITTO from me.

    Thanks for the shout out, BTW. Those coming soon posts take me an age to put together but I just can’t stop 🙂

    Reply
  37. Yvette

    Yes! Ten times yes! I’ve actually turned the physical books I didn’t get to last year around so they aren’t staring at me *whispers* and some of them were from the year before…

    Reply
  38. Gloria

    Carrie, you nailed it for me! I can’t read fast enough, get overwhelmed and I just do it for fun! Love your posts and your sense of humor. Thanks! You are a blessing!

    Reply

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