The Peril of a Large TBR pile

You ever feel like the books on your bookshelf are talking to you?



Pick me, says that little paperback in the corner. Read me!

I can't, you say. I'm reading something else right now.

But remember when you first got me? it replies. That day I came in the mail and you opened me up and there I was sitting for you, all shiny and waiting. Remember how excited you were to read me?

Yes, I remember, you admit. You reluctantly put down the book you're reading and grab the little paperback, once more reading the description on the back cover. I forgot how excited I was about reading you.

But no, you can't. You quickly put down the paperback back on the shelf.

I'm sorry, you explain to the little book. But I already have a big stack of books that I need to read and review. See there, the pile by the bed? There's at least six books there! And the review deadlines are in two weeks. I can't possible afford to be distracted at the moment.

But it will be all right, the paperback counters. I'm just a little guy. Won't take you more than a day. If that.

Yes, you agree. But one day distractions lead to more distractions and then two weeks are over and I still don't have these other books even started. I really, really can't right now.

Determined in your resolve, you turn away from the paperback and pick up the gigantic 500 page novel you've spent 2 weeks already trying to wade through. It feels almost heavier in your hands as you try to thumb through the pages looking for your bookmark.

Please? you hear the paperback plead behind you. Pretty please?

Against your better judgement you turn around to look at the book a final time... and your fate is sealed. Sighing, you pick the little paperback up once more.

I never could resist the puppy dog look.