Tsundoku Book Club

In Japanese, the word “tsundoku” means a reading pile, or the tendency to buy more books than one can read. I fervently, though unintentionally, practice tsundoku. It is nearly impossible for me to walk into a bookstore and come out empty handed even with that very intent. My reading appetite is always far too large for the time I need to devour the books I want to read. 

To rationalize this purchasing practice, I remind myself that I am supporting an industry I love. Plus, the comfort in surrounding myself with stacks of books outweighs the anxiety I feel in not having the time to read each one. 

Maybe I should start the Tsundoku Book Cub that requires all members to pick a book from their own tsundoku pile, read it, then report out. They would have to explain 1) why they bought the book in the first place, and 2) whether or not others should add it to their reading pile. I’m not sure it will shorten our book stacks, but it’s a thought. Life is better with a tsundoku stash anyways!