Tsundoku—the Japanese term for acquiring books without reading them and letting them pile up unread. As a book lover, I often find myself amassing an ever-growing personal library, only to struggle with finding the time and motivation to read. To overcome this I’ve started a bookshelf where you can see a summary of what I’ve recently read including key takeaways and quotes.
Tsundoku reflects our enthusiasm for books and our desire to acquire knowledge, but it can also lead to a sense of guilt and overwhelm as unread books continue to accumulate. However, it’s essential to approach tsundoku with a balanced perspective. Having a collection of unread books isn’t inherently bad—it can be a source of inspiration, a reminder of the intellectual journeys awaiting us. The key lies in finding a healthy balance between collecting books and actually reading them.
If you’d like to join me in this here are some tips you could implement to get started.
- Set Reading Goals: Determine a realistic reading goal for yourself, whether it’s a specific number of books per month or dedicating a set amount of time each week to reading.
- Create Book Summaries: After finishing a book, take some time to reflect on its key messages, themes, and insights. Craft concise and engaging summaries that capture the essence of each book.
- Share Key Takeaways: Alongside the summaries, highlight the key takeaways or lessons you gained from each book. This will provide your website visitors with valuable insights and spark their curiosity.
- Update Regularly: Commit to regularly updating your bookshelf page with new summaries and takeaways as you progress through your reading list. This will keep you engaged and showcase your dedication to continuous learning.