A couple of months ago, I was chatting with my Twitter book-ish friends and the conversation was mostly about books- what we were reading, what we wanted to read, what books we’d bought and things of that nature.
Then… as the discussion went on, and we made several comments on being addicted to books & first world problems of book lovers- we realized how many books we have (or have been loaned)- books that have been sitting on our shelf for far too long, patiently waiting to be read.
So, it was decided then: August would be all about books on our shelves, books we’ve been meaning to read. And it would be known as Conquering the Book Stacks (#ctbs).
What does this mean? Basically, for the month of August- we aren’t buying new books. We are going to shine a spotlight on our book shelves and start crossing books of the TBR List. In doing so, we’ll be able to thin our shelves (in preparation for more books in future to add to TBR list 😉
So join us in August- read the books on your book shelf, the books your friends loaned you- heck go to the library and borrow books. Try really hard to take a break from the buying of new books- and read that stack of books you already own.
Suggestions:
Pick a theme (beach books, certain authors- whatever!)
Go Random- no plan, just read, read, read!
When #ctbs officially begins, I’ll post my plan for my books, my goals, and more.
Looking forward to a great month for August, for reading some of the books that have been on the TBR list for too long, and to introduce my readers to some of the fantastic book-ish folks who are going to encourage and celebrate our reading plans in August.
If you do the Twitter thing, when we talk about books we’re reading for August, we’re using the #ctbs hashtag. Join in. Meet some new book folks. Find out about other reads. Tell us how the not buying books for August is going. How many great books you have in the TBR list stack. If there are any duds. Books that are “meh”. Books that are over-rated or under-rated.
Happy Reading!
Traveling With T 
This sounds like a great idea. I know I will be loading up with books at DBF LaborDay weekend so thinning out my TBR is crucial in the next month. Plus I will be motivated if a bunch of us are doing it. My resolution this year was to not buy any books until DBF. I ordered a paperback last week bc I started reading a library copy & I wanted to highlight some passages. Otherwise I’ve not “purchased” any new books. That’s not to say my TBR pile has decreased. Between library lists, free downloads & ARCs my TBR pile never seems to decrease.
Join us, Rhiannon! It’ll be fun!
I know my TBR list just grows (and grows some more!)
Love the idea of ctbs! Last week I moved my books to a new shelf, and I was astonished at how many I’d not yet read. Glad I’m not the only one!
I did the same thing, but I’m a little ashamed to admit mine fill an entire (albeit small) bookcase. Honestly, though the magnitude is daunting, I wouldn’t have it any other way! I love seeing them there, knowing that each one is a book that I want to read. It’s like a mini-bookstore buffet, that caters specifically to me! 🙂
I have a big curio cabinet and it’s filled. Then 1 bookshelf. Then stacks of books. Bargain books get me every time.
You are NOT alone 🙂 🙂
Oh god I did the same thing. And the next day a box arrived from Barnes & Noble with more books. Had to start getting creative with how I’m stacking books on the shelves since I’m running out of space. I’m in! 🙂
Orly-
I’m now stacking on the floor- it’s crazy 🙂 🙂
Glad you are joining in! You can update us by using #ctbs on Twitter, if you blog making a list of goals (you don’t have to do that- and you don’t have to blog to join in). There are no hard and fast rules to this month- we are TRYING to not buy books (but book signings are ok! Plus anything you have pre-ordered!)
For me, I’m trying to be more aware. Stop cruising the B&N aisles looking for more bargain books, etc.
Can’t wait to hear about how Aug treats you!
Yes! I’m doing this already, but my goal is for the rest of 2013. I have so many unread books to read already, and it wouldn’t hurt me to save the money. My only exceptions (for when I come across that new book that I HAVE to read) will be books borrowed from the library or purchased with a gift card (it would be shame to let a gift card expire, right?) I also plan to have a “cheat day” for the Library Sale in October, since it only happens twice a year.
A cheat day is needed if you’re going for rest of 2013! And so true- you should never let gift cards go unused 😉
I love this idea! I’ll be traveling in August, so can’t take a lot of my unread print books with me, but I have a list of ARCs (ebook copies) to read that is as long as my arm. I had already decided to stop buying bargain ebooks and freebies unless they are by authors on my autobuy list. And my book budget is practically nonexistent right now anyway. So this will fit right in with my goals, and be good inspiration for me to get more of my existing books read!
Great! So glad you are joining in! Can’t wait to see how August and #ctbs goes for you!
Such a good idea!!! I missed this while on my road trip, but I was actually thinking about doing something similar for September!
Thanks 🙂 🙂 🙂 It’s just needed at my house. The books are overwhelming my shelves!