TBR List Showdown: One Big List vs. Monthly Goals (Pros, Cons & Laughs)

Ah, the TBR layout in a reading journal—a sacred space where literary dreams either come true or quietly gather dust like forgotten bookmarks. As a professional blogger and book reviewer, I’ve seen countless attempts at TBR (To Be Read) lists, and oh, the glory and the chaos! Today, let’s dive tongue in cheek into the eternal debate: one big list vs. fresh monthly TBR goals.

First, the one big list: It’s the Mount Everest of reading ambitions. The pros? It’s comprehensive. You’ve poured your soul into a single sprawling list that screams, “Just look at me! I have so much to read!” It’s satisfying to see the sheer volume of titles that feed your bookish appetite. And yes, there’s a special kind of thrill in crossing off those babies one by one like a literary warrior conquering foes.

But let’s not kid ourselves. One big list can quickly descend into a chaotic novel hoarder’s nightmare. The cons? It’s overwhelming. That list can grow like kudzu—slowly creeping over every page in your journal until it’s impossible to tell where you started and where you might (or might not) finish. The guilt of neglected tomes can weigh heavier than a 1,000-page fantasy epic. Plus, the excitement can wear off when your goal feels less like a fun challenge and more like an impossible quest.

Now, enter the monthly TBR goals—the smart, trendy cousin of the one big list. Pros? It’s fresh, manageable, and quarterly meets your attention span without asking too much. Setting new TBR goals every month is like giving your reading enthusiasm a fresh coat of paint. It feels like a mini literary reboot, sparking excitement and keeping your reading journey feeling dynamic and alive. Plus, it’s easier to track progress and feel accomplished with shorter, bite-sized goals. Cue the monthly victory dance!

However, the monthly method does have its pitfalls. The cons? There’s a risk of losing the grand vision. If you’re constantly resetting, you might forget those long-term treasures buried in the “someday” pile. And sometimes, the pressure to tick off new goals monthly can turn reading from a joyride into a rush, making book choices more about quotas than quality or mood. Also, let’s be honest: Some months are busier, and sudden life chaos can derail the whole plan, leaving you with another “unfinished project” badge.

So which is the noble path for the dedicated book reviewer or blogger? The truth? It’s a literary choose-your-own-adventure. One big list is for the dreamers who crave a vast horizon, while monthly TBR goals are for the pragmatic readers needing fresh motivation and realistic checkpoints.

In the end, your TBR layout is less about rigid rules and more about what keeps you turning pages with a smile—or raising your eyebrow at your own ambitious list. After all, every great reading journey has a little mess, a little magic, and a lot of coffee. Happy reading, and may your bookmarks never get lonely!

YouTube Inspiration

Here is a list of videos showing how to make annual or monthly reading journal TBR layouts:

1. January 2025 Reading Journal Setup - Monthly TBR and more
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQx4dH_4NLk

2. Reading Journal Ideas Marathon - Includes TBR layouts by month and year
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dJRVYI92Xk

3. April Reading Journal Setup & TBR - Monthly reading reset and TBR planning
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq10DzfPRO0

4. 2025 Reading Journal Setup - Annual TBR and monthly spreads explained
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0o2gZzsRXg

5. May TBR + Reading Journal Setup - Monthly TBR and journal ideas
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Gu30kz3D5E

6. 2025 Reading Journal Set Up - Covers yearly TBR trackers and monthly spreads
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yzrbi8vStdQ

7. June TBR + Reading Journal Setup - Monthly TBR planning
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljaJbBIkbqE

8. NEW Reading Journal Setup - Includes TBR, book rating system, and more
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn4zztcTqqk

9. Setting up my Annual Spreads! | 2025 Reading Journal - Focus on annual TBR list
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKjmzSqZ01Q

10. My March TBR + Reading Journal Setup | Monthly Reset
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIzmWTvK4mk

These videos provide a variety of approaches for setting up your reading journal with either annual TBR lists, monthly TBR goals, or both. They include creative layouts, tracking ideas, and tips to keep your reading organized and fun. Enjoy setting up your journal!