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)