The Library

Tsundoku is a Japanese word that means collecting books and letting them sit unread until the moment you need them.

In direct speak, without the over-romanticization of the word: you're the type of person who collects books, stocks them away, probably lets them collect a little dust before ever reading them. Some may call it procrastination, but I don’t care. I prefer the romanticized idea of tsundoku. I think there's more to it than procrastination.

I can see my wife's eye roll now when she realizes I just bought another book, and it needs a home.

Tsundoku is building a personal library that’s ready for the moment your interests and present opportunities collide. Looking at the books I haven't started yet is arguably just as impactful as focusing on what I’m reading now. The books are literally laying a trail toward the things I care about even if I don’t fully need them yet.

Most importantly, tsundoku keeps my desire for learning alive. Seeing those books on my shelves is a constant reminder that there's still so much more to learn. That trait alone is worth more than the cost of the books themselves.

Also, there's something to be said for how magical building a home library can be. I’d guess that before our homes were filled with screens and technology, someone’s library or study revealed more about them than any other room in their house.

Imagine creating a room strictly to fill you with inspiration and dial up your focus. Filling it not just with books, but with art, handmade furniture, plants, heirloom family items, and music that reflects your mood. Sitting in that room with a macchiato or cappuccino, overly caffeinated, ideating, and consulting your books before taking action is thrilling.

Okay, let’s move past the long explanation of where the name came from.

In The Library series, I’m going to take a Tsundoku approach to the idea of a book club. I’ll share reflections on whatever book I’m spending time with and would love to hear your thoughts. It will likely jump around. Sometimes I’ll finish a book straight through if it’s holding my attention. Other times I’ll return to it later.

Let’s see where this goes.

‍

‍