Tsundoku : The Japanese Art of Collecting Books

Explore the Japanese concept of tsundoku—the art of joyfully collecting and living with books—in this charmingly illustrated volume.

The Japanese term tsundoku sums up a concept that may sound familiar to many readers: buying books and often putting them aside to read at a later date. The fact is that these books we've accumulated and which now reside in “piles of shame” on our bedside table, in overflowing bookcases, or even on the floor number too many to be read in a single lifetime.

This is where the art of living tsundoku comes in: the joy of choosing and buying books, rebellion against must-read lists, and creative ways to organize your bookshelves. Learn the best excuses for when you are caught red-handed buying yet another new book, and the forbidden pleasure of rereading. Enjoy the endless possibilities of stories yet to be discovered by having a house of unread books. But, above all, this philosophy reminds us that we do not necessarily have to have read all the books we own to love them unconditionally. Feelings of guilt, be gone! Books are a cure for the soul: just leafing through one makes us feel better immediately. Included throughout are quizzes, creative prompts, and whimsical illustrations.