I’m Am So Stealing This TikToker’s “Book of the Year” Idea (It’s the Sweetest Tradition!)

I applied for a local library card almost immediately after stepping foot on campus my freshman year. I’ve always been a reader and enjoy having an excuse to get out of the house and peruse the shelves. That being said, I hate having to return a book that I want to share with a friend or keep in my collection because it spoke to me. 

That’s why when I saw this TikTok video by Caroline Savage (@carolinemaysavage) I knew it was the perfect way to combine my goal of using my library card more with my compulsion to buy books that mean a lot to me. 

In her video, Caroline explains a tradition she started a few years ago: “I buy the hardcover version of the best book I read that year,” she says. “Then, on the title page I write just a few facts about my life this year.” She goes on to detail the things she inscribes the book with, including her name, age, relationship status, where she’s living, her job, pets she has, and a few sentences about why this book meant so much to her this year. 

I love the concept of this personal “Book of the Year” so much, and it aligns perfectly with my reading habits and library card goals. It’s also so customizable: Caroline mentions buying a hardcover book, but you could also get a paperback if that’s more your style or head to a used bookstore for your copy. Basically, be loyal to your favorite way to read. 

You could also use the space on the title page to write whatever you want, from a note to your future self or a favorite recipe. Or, if you’re like me and defacing a book feels like a sin, you could write your note on a bookmark or insert in the book. 

Buying books has always been a favorite pastime of mine. I love perusing the bookstore aisles, the dopamine hit of getting to read a new book from my favorite author, and having a book by my side for the perfect cozy night in. But in my effort to use my library card more this year (both to cut down on spending and support my local library), I’ll definitely be adopting this “Book of the Year” tradition as my own. Good news for me, I already own my favorite book I read this year: Funny Story by Emily Henry. 

It’s a good reminder that I don’t have to buy every book on my TBR list, and I think it will make the books I do purchase that much more meaningful. And, if this is an idea I keep up with, my future kids and grandchildren can inherit my favorite books and read all about my life.