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Building your TBR (to-be-read) is one thing – but actually choosing your next book? That’s a whole different challenge.
If you’ve ever stared at your stack wondering “What am I even in the mood for?”, you’re not alone. This post is all about fun, creative ways to choose your next book from your TBR — perfect for when decision fatigue kicks in.
(💡Looking for fun ideas to build your TBR? Check out this post.)
Creative Ways To Choose Your Next Book
There are so many ways to pick your next read – from simple methods to more interactive (and slightly over-the-top) ideas. Here are some of the best ones to try:
Spin a Wheel with Titles
Turn your TBR into a game! Write book titles on a dry-erase spinner wheel and give it a spin whenever you’re ready to start something new.
Gumball Machine Method
This one takes a little effort and money, but it’s just so fun.
Write your book titles on slips of paper, place them inside capsules, and load them into a gumball machine. Every time you’re ready for a new read, just twist and see what you get.
It turns your reading life into a year-long surprise.
You can find gumball machines and capsules on Amazon to set this up.
Pick a Number (Jar Method)
Assign each book on your TBR a number. Write those numbers on slips of paper, toss them in a jar, and draw one when it’s time to choose.
Want to make it visual? Put matching numbered sticky notes on your books.
Alternate Genres
If you read across genres, this is a great way to keep things fresh.
Try a pattern like
- Mystery → Romance → Historical Fiction → Repeat
This keeps your reading balanced and helps avoid burnout.
Roll a Die
Choose the six books you’re most excited about and assign each one a number (1-6). Roll a dice and let chance decide your next read.
Playing Card Shuffle
Print out mini versions of your book covers, turn them into “cards” and shuffle them together. Draw one at random when you’re ready to start your next book.
Simple, No-Prep Ways to Choose Your Next Book from Your TBR
If you’re not feeling crafty, these quick options work just as well.
- Pick the book that’s been on your TBR the longest
- Choose the longest book to tackle your backlog
- Go with the shortest book for a quick win
- Post a few options on social media and let your friends decide
Final Thoughts
There’s no wrong way to choose your next book.
Some days, the right pick is obvious. Other times, you might need a little help (or a lot of creativity) to make the decision easier – and more fun.
If nothing else, these ideas turn choosing your next read into part of the experience.
How do you usually pick your next read—mood, method, or pure chaos?
🌟 Come hang out with me for daily bookish chats on Facebook or Instagram!
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