Friday open thread: to-read lists

The Friday open thread is making a tentative return this week, although I can't guarantee that this will continue for the remainder of the year. We'll see.

Today's prompt is sparked by me looking at my Goodreads to-read list, and feeling mildly irritated, for reasons that I will outline in my own answer: how do you use your to-read list (if you have one)? If you don't use a to-read list, is there any particular reason for this?

( My answer )

What about you?