AKA: Stop Letting Your TBR Pile Judge You from Across the Room

Let’s set the scene: you’re casually scrolling through Bookstagram or watching a cozy BookTube vlog. Suddenly—bam!—a gorgeous cover, a catchy premise, and a reviewer gushing “This book DESTROYED me (in the best way).” Without thinking, you tap “Want to Read,” toss it in your cart, or slap it on your never-ending TBR list.

Welcome to the wonderful, slightly anxiety-inducing world of book FOMO—that sneaky fear of missing out on the next best read.

If your to-be-read list is longer than your last Target receipt, you’re not alone. Book FOMO is real, and it’s a sneaky little gremlin that turns our joyful reading hobby into a chaotic sprint we never signed up for. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with tips, tricks, and a gentle reminder that it’s okay not to read all the books (even if they’re really, really pretty).

Let’s reclaim our reading lives, shall we?

What Is Book FOMO, Anyway?

Book FOMO (fear of missing out) is that sinking feeling that you’re the only one who hasn’t read that book. You know the one. It’s on every “Best of” list. Your favorite creators are raving about it. Your coworker’s book club picked it. Even your cat seems to be side-eyeing you like, “Really? Still haven’t read that?”

This fear creeps into our brains and tells us:

• You’re behind.
• You’re missing out.
• Everyone else is having a better reading life than you.

Spoiler alert: they’re not. They’re also buried under a TBR avalanche, just like the rest of us.

Symptom Check: Are You Experiencing Book FOMO?

You might be suffering from Book FOMO if:

• You keep buying new books even though you haven’t read the last 20.
• You feel guilty for re-reading instead of tackling your TBR.
• You panic when someone asks, “Have you read this yet?” and you haven’t.
• You start five books at once because you can’t decide what to read first.
• Your bookshelves are overflowing, and you still say, “I have nothing to read.”

Sound familiar? No shame here—we’ve all been there. But fear not, friend. There’s hope!

10 Helpful Tips to Combat Book FOMO

Strategy #1: Create a “Chill” TBR List

Let’s stop pretending we’re training for the Reading Olympics. You don’t need to read 100 books this year unless you genuinely want to.

Instead of a monster TBR list that stresses you out, try this:

• Make a “short stack” TBR each month. Pick 3-5 books you’re genuinely excited to read right now.
• Keep the rest of your TBR list in a “later” folder or spreadsheet. Out of sight, out of pressure.
• Label it “Books I Might Read Someday (Or Not).”

This lets you stay organized without letting the TBR pile boss you around.

Strategy #2: Be a Book Snob (Yes, Really)

Here’s your permission slip to be picky. Just because a book is trending doesn’t mean you must read it. Your taste is valid, even if you don’t vibe with every hyped release or BookTok darling.

Ask yourself:

• Does this book actually sound interesting to me?
• Do I like this genre, or am I chasing popularity?
• Would I rather re-read a favorite instead?

Be honest. Life’s too short to read books out of peer pressure.

Strategy #3: Stop Hoarding Digital Guilt

Ebooks are magical, but they make it way too easy to impulse-buy. One tap and boom—another book you forget about until your Kindle has more residents than a small town.

Try this:

• Use the sample feature first. Only buy it if you can’t stop reading after the first few chapters.
• Keep a “digital TBR wishlist” in a notes app instead of buying immediately.
• Set a monthly ebook limit, like “Only 2 new downloads this month.”

You’re not missing out; you’re being intentional. Look at you go!

Strategy #4: Embrace the Art of the DNF

You have full permission to not finish a book. Yep, even if it was expensive. Even if your BFF loved it. Even if it’s on every “Must Read” list.

DNFing (Did Not Finish-ing) a book isn’t a failure—it’s freedom. Life’s too short for boring books or characters you wouldn’t want to get coffee with.

You wouldn’t finish a show you’re not enjoying just because everyone else loves it, right? (Looking at you, that one overhyped fantasy series.) Reading should feel good, not like homework.

Strategy #5: Reclaim the Joy of Re-Reading

We don’t talk enough about how comforting re-reading can be. So what if you’ve read Pride and Prejudice five times? That’s five times of joy, coziness, and swooning over Mr. Darcy.

Re-reading:

• Reduces decision fatigue (no TBR paralysis!)
• Sparks nostalgia and comfort
• Helps you notice new things every time
• Can be transformative

And guess what? You’re still reading. That counts.

Strategy #6: Curate Your Feed for Sanity

If scrolling your feed makes you feel like you’re constantly behind in reading, it might be time for a little digital tidy-up.

Try this:

• Follow creators who focus on reading for joy, not just stats or trends.
• Mute hashtags like #BookHaul or #TBRChallenge for a bit.
• Seek out smaller book accounts that feel more like cozy chats than comparison traps.

Protect your peace. Bookstagram should inspire, not intimidate.

Strategy #7: Unsubscribe (Literally and Emotionally)

Bookish newsletters, publisher emails, ARC sites… they all scream, “LOOK AT THIS SHINY NEW RELEASE!” It’s like your inbox is a bookstore yelling at you 24/7.

Unsubscribe from anything that makes you feel pressure to read more, buy more, or rush through books. Or at least filter them to a folder you only check when you’re in the mood.

Also, emotionally unsubscribe from:

• Reading challenges that stress you out
• Guilt about not reading “smart” or “deep” books
• The idea that your worth is tied to your Goodreads goal

You’re allowed to read for fun. Full stop.

Strategy #8: Use the Library Like a Test Drive

Can we give it up for libraries for a sec? The ultimate cure for book FOMO. Try before you buy. No commitment. No guilt.

The library lets you:

• Check out hyped books and see if they’re your vibe
• Borrow audiobooks for those long walks or laundry days
• Put yourself on a hold list so you can cool off from impulse cravings

Hot tip: If you don’t get around to reading it before the due date… that’s a sign it probably wasn’t a priority. Let it go (cue Elsa music).

Strategy #9: Remember Why You Read in the First Place

Ask yourself: Why do I read?

To escape? To feel cozy? To learn something new? To fall in love with fictional people who ruin your real dating standards? (Guilty.)

Whatever your reason is, keep that front and center. You’re not a content machine. You’re a reader, and that’s supposed to be a good time, not a race to read the most or keep up with every trend.

Your reading life should nourish you, not deplete you.

Strategy #10: Declutter Your TBR (Without Guilt)

Once or twice a year, Marie Kondo your TBR list. Go full “spark joy” on that sucker and clean your TBR book list.

• Does this book still interest me?
• Did I add it just because everyone else did?
• Would I even recognize this book in the wild?

Let go of the ones that no longer call to you. Your future self will thank you.

Bonus: Make Reading Social Without the Stress

You don’t have to go it alone, but you also don’t need to join every book club in existence.

Instead, try:

• Buddy reads with one friend and declare no deadlines
• Monthly themes (like “witchy reads” in October or “swoonworthy romance” in February)
• Journaling about your reading life—what you’re loving, skipping, or craving more of

It keeps things fun, flexible, and personal. You’re not reading for the internet; you’re reading for you.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Behind

If you made it this far, congrats—you’re officially a recovering Book FOMO victim. But the truth is, you were never behind to begin with. There’s no gold medal for “Most Books Read.” There’s no judge tallying up your abandoned reads.

Books are patient. They’ll wait for you. And the right book will always find you at the right time.

So, breathe. Unclench your jaw. And maybe go read something just because it makes you happy.

Even if no one’s talking about it.

Even if it’s not “trending.”

Even if it’s just a cozy re-read with a cup of tea and your favorite playlist in the background.

Because that, dear reader, is the heart of a joyful reading life.

And if this post helped you breathe easier, feel free to share it with a fellow bookworm who needs a reminder that they’re doing just fine.

Happy reading, without the pressure. 💛📚

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