You know that moment when you open your emails and see the cheerful little reminder from NetGalley, kindly nudging you about the number of ARCs you’ve got waiting? It’s like a polite librarian tapping you on the shoulder, whispering:
“Hey, remember all those books you promised to read? Yeah… they’re still here. Waiting. Watching.”
When I first started my NetGalley journey, I was the picture of discipline. I had a rule – the golden “one-in, one-out.” I’d request one, read it, review it, and only then allow myself to request another. It was neat, tidy, and anxiety-free.
And then… publishers started uploading all the shiny new books at once. My carefully constructed self-control? Obliterated. I went from serene book monk to ARC dragon, hoarding titles like I’d never see a book again in my life.
The temptation is REAL. You scroll, you spot that perfect cover, the blurb gives you chills, and before you know it… click. Request. Repeat. And when that approval email lands? The serotonin hit is unbeatable. But so is the creeping panic when you realize your “to be reviewed” shelf is now longer than your actual bookshelf.
Suddenly, every NetGalley reminder feels like a countdown clock. The more you apply, the more approvals trickle in, and the more you realise: deadlines don’t care about your reading slump, your day job, or that you got distracted binge-watching Netflix instead of reading. Nope – those books are piling up, and you’ve got only yourself to blame.
But honestly? I wouldn’t change it. The thrill of discovery, the sheer joy of being approved for something you’re dying to read – it’s like Christmas morning over and over again!! Yes, the pressure is real. Yes, my brain occasionally screams “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, EMMA?!” when I look at my ARC list. But in the end, it’s a delightful chaos. A bookish rollercoaster I willingly strapped myself into.
So here’s to NetGalley reminders, anxiety-inducing ARC lists, and the eternal struggle between “I’ll be sensible this time” and “Ooooh, shiny new book – request!”
Tell me I’m not alone here?! How many ARCs are you currently ignoring while pretending you’ve totally got it under control?
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