What is a TBR and why do I need one for Independent Bookstore Day?

What is a TBR and why do I need one for Independent Bookstore Day?

Thanks so much for asking. A TBR is a “To Be Read” list; that is, a list of all the books you want to (or sometimes have to) read. This can be kept on sticky notes, a sheet of paper, in a notebook/dedicated planner or by using an app, such as Goodreads.

But Alex, why is a TBR important? Can’t I just buy the book and have it on my shelf waiting to be read? You can, but some of us have long TBRs and not enough money or shelf space to keep all those books. Also, what about those of us who like to read digitally? A TBR keeps your wallet and shelf space safe from books you may not get to for several months. It also keeps you MOTIVATED to read. When you see all the books you want to read, you’re more likely to read continuously to get to the end of the list (except, the list never ends, because you are CONSTANTLY adding to it). Plus, it’s just a fun way to track your favorite pastime!

My TBR is kept digitally on Goodreads, but I add books in many different ways. Sometimes they’re written in my catchall traveler’s notebook (link to prior post), sometimes it’s a note/photo on my phone, sometimes its a sticky note, and sometimes it’s a pile on my bookshelf. When I get to a point in the day/week/month where I can open Goodreads, I will open the app and update my list.

While it can be costly, a pile of books is my FAVORITE way to keep a TBR in addition to my Goodreads list. I just love the smell of them, the way they feel in my hand, and looking at all their pretty covers on my shelf. If you’re local to the Rochester, NY area, I’m going to share my favorite local stores where you can start getting ideas for and stocking your TBR:

1. Siren and the Sea: 426 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620. This is a LOVELY bookstore slash cafe (with the BEST APPLE FRITTERS I HAVE EVER HAD). Relax downstairs with your coffee and a good book, and venture upstairs for books galore and a great selection of other bookish gifts. This is a queer-friendly and woman-owned business, so I HIGHLY suggest checking them out!
2. 2. The Unreliable Narrator: 302 N. Goodman St. Ste. #E101 Rochester, NY 14607 (Village Gate) Another woman-owned, and queer-owned bookstore for the list! The Unreliable Narrator is like walking into a castle basement, filled with luxury stationery, queer books out the wazoo and a collection of witchy goods. Oh. And more coffee. My favorite part: their blind date with a book section (ask me how I screamed “I WANT TO READ GAY SMUT PETER PAN” in a bookstore).
3. 3. Yellow Warbler Books: 772 Monroe Ave. Rochester, NY 14607. QUEER-OWNED, WOMEN-OWNED (Thanks, Rochester). This cute little shop just opened up and I was lucky enough to be able to visit on the first day. The owner is an absolute sweet gem of a human and her collection of new and used books is next level. I was able to snag a great book by John Green and three used books (one which was on my TBR) for under $40. That did include several stickers…
4. 4. Book Culture: 28 S. Main St. Pittsford, NY 14534. Come visit the Rochester area location of this NYC bookstore (community parking behind Breathe Yoga across the street). I visited this place for the first time this past weekend and WOW! Wow wow wow! So many books, so many little nooks and crannies filled with trinkets and other bookish gifts (including my What the Duck 7 year pen). Give yourself some extra time to explore as there are so many things to look at. There’s even a gift shop attached! Do you like cats? This place has cat books and cat gifts hidden all throughout which was an added bonus for this cat daddy.
5. 5. Bleak House Books: 5 W. Main St. Honeoye Falls, NY 14472. You’ll have to take a short jaunt to Honeoye Falls for this historic shop, who honestly had me at their stationery offerings; I was DROOLING. And I can’t explain it, but the owner gives “walking dad joke” energy in all the best ways. He was so nice and let us browse at our pace (which was circling the store at least four times). Oh, did I mention THERE’S A DOG THERE?! Vera, who looked like a doodle of sorts, was the SWEETEST MOST GOODEST GIRL I HAVE EVER MET AND I WOULD DIE FOR HER. Go pet Vera. And browse a gorgeous shop while you’re at it.
6. 6. Act 4 Books: 4 South Main St. Perry, NY 14530 What a fun little store right next to Letchworth State Park. A great collection of stationery, books for the whole family, and tabletop games! Grab a coffee while you browse and know that your money is supporting a community-supported bookstore who gives back with their non-profit arm “Act 4 Community”. Grab a book and then head over to read it in the state park!
7. 7. Books and Crannies: 2364 S. Union St. Spencerport, NY 14559. This amazing used bookstore has such a cool concept and is so close to home. Books and Crannies aims to provide employment to neurodiverse young adults and as a neurodiverse older adult, I find this really cool. Not only do I urge you to browse their amazing collection of used books (where I got the first book I knocked off my TBR this year, “Flowers for Algernon”), but I also urge you to donate your gently used books to them.
8. 8. Lift Bridge Book Shop: 45 Main St. Brockport, NY 14420. What can I say about my hometown book shop other than they are one of my favorite places to kill time, to buy gifts, and to spoil myself. From their EXTENSIVE collection of used books to their sprawling storefront of new books, kids toys and books, stationery and more, Lift Bridge has you covered no matter who you are or who you are shopping for. The staff is always so lovely and they’re nestled right in the beautiful and historic Village of Brockport. Definitely add them to your list of places to visit!
9. 9. Author’s Note: 519 Main St. Medina, NY 14103. Another quaint, historic Village, this time a bit outside of Rochester heading to Buffalo. Author’s note is worth the drive. First, they have fountain pens. You all know how important fountain pens are to me. Not only that, but they have a great collection of books, other stationery products, gifts and more. The only bookstore in this list that carried the book vases and planters I’ve been seeing allover booktok! Definitely worth your drive to visit.

I hope to see all of you while I’m out and about on Saturday, April 25th for Independent Book Store Day! Get some of your own TBR inspiration and follow me on Goodreads!