Wrap Your Books Challenge [+ spring reading list]

Strength: Buying books and creating a huge TBR pile (er….TBR bookshelf).

Struggle: actually reading the books I own (I’m often more motivated to finish library books before they are due)

Here’s the thing- my shelves dedicated to books are full (hi spatial limit!) and in an effort to not add anymore clutter to my home- I need to read some books I already have to make some room. I actually set a goal to read 23 books I already have in 2023….and I’ve only read ONE.

I love following book accounts on IG and Tik Tok and I’m constantly adding new books to my TBR list. I need to slow dow and remember that I already own dozens and dozens of (hopefully) great books that I was once so excited to read. I do NOT need anyyyy new books. I’m working on developing contentment in all areas of my life and reducing the urge to shop and spend money- now it’s time to find contentment in my reading life too.

So long story short- I recently came across two fun ideas/challenges from @brittanysbookclub and @morganized_living that I am going to combine this spring to encourage me to read the books already on my shelf.

Brittany’s challenge is called “Spring for my Stacks” and is to read 9 books from your shelf this spring (she also has templates if you’d rather read three or six books- check her IG story highlights!)

And the idea I saw on Morgan’s page was to wrap books in your TBR pile and choose from them at random. I looked at my bookshelf and chose 9 books that I would be excited to read right now. & then I used some wrapping paper that I’ve had for like….10 years!!! and wrapped them up. I chose to number them so that I could remember that #1-4 are nonfiction and I’ll choose at random based on whether I need a fiction or nonfiction book to read!

I loved both the ideas and am combining them to call it “wrap your books challenge” for the sake of brevity/ to make it easier to refer back to 😉 I love a good challenge+ a good visual+ a little added fun. This will be the perfect way to find contentment and joy in reading again this spring.

Here are the books I chose for my “wrap your books challenge”. I included affiliate links if you’d like to click through to learn more about the books…HOWEVER, don’t forget that the whole idea of this is to read what you already have 😉

The Measure by Nikki Erlick: This book is about a group of people who receive an item that will tell them the exact number of years they will live. I love stories like these that have a hint of surrealism to them, but also make you think. (Good Reads rating: 4.08)

Take my Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez: I’ve heard great things and the storyline is inspired by true events:”A profoundly moving novel about a Black nurse in post-segregation Alabama who blows the whistle on a terrible wrong doing done to one of her patients”. (Good Reads rating: 4.4)

The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth: Her books are a must read for me- this is her newest one that I recently got in my Book of the Month subscription. (Good Reads rating: 4.06)

All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham: Thrillers are my favorite genre to read and I really enjoyed Willingham’s previous book, “A Flicker in the Dark”, so I’m excited to read this one! (Good Reads rating: 4.19)

Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin: I typically really like Gretchen Rubin’s books and how she presents information, so I’m excited to read this older book of hers! (Good Reads rating: 3.53)

Everyday Magic by Mattie James: I follow Mattie on Instagram and honestly was just sold by the subtitle: “The Joy of Not Being Everything and Still Being More Than Enough”. (Good Reads rating: 4.28)

The Fun Habit by Mike Rucker: As I try to live a more intentional life this year, adding more “fun” into daily life is one of my big goals. I’m always looking for more practical ways to do this! (Good Reads rating: 3.43)

This is Where you Belong by Melody Warnick: We recently moved into a rental home that is about half the size of our previous. I’m trying to find contentment and love this home, even if it’s not forever. I recently saw this book recommended and it seems like it may be good inspiration for that! (Good Reads rating: 3.7)

This is How it Always Is by Laurie Frankel: This has been on my TBR list for years and I’ve only heard great things! (Good Reads rating: 4.28)