Tolle, Lege (or, Actually Read Your Books)

I’ll come out the gate with a confession: I am very much a collector of books. Part of the reason why I’m charmed by textbook minimalism, but don’t think I’d ever call myself an outright minimalist, would be because of my love for books.

Physical paperbacks and hardbacks with the beautiful book sleeves? Chef’s kiss indeed. I reorganize my bookshelves once a quarter, taking stock of the different stories I’ve curated for my little library over the years. I’m the first person to admit that having a collection of books is quite fun.

… but that’s not why I’ve brought you here today.

In my philosophy on living abundantly, I want to draw our attention to book reading, not book buying.

In 2022, the National Endowment for the Arts reported that less than half of Americans reported reading any book that year. Yet it seems that bookstores are thriving, as the American Booksellers Association shared that in 2025, 73.3% of surveyed booksellers experienced an uptick in sales compared to the previous year. This is a great thing; yay books!

However, the dichotomy between book collecting and book consuming remains. We’re buying the books, but are they merely shelf ornamentation? Is our collective love of buying books, but not consuming them, a reflection of restlessness?

We find ourselves in search of the next story to add to our TBR shelf on our preferred reading app of choice, and as much fun as that can be, it’s so much more fulfilling to contemplate a good book.

Living abundantly with what you have can start by simply taking inventory of the stories right at home. The tangible act of stopping and focusing on something outside of the constant hum of your life turns that perpetual to-do list off in your brain (unless that is just a me thing) and changes your pace, even if just for a little bit.

In our paradoxical understanding of abundance, stopping to listen and stepping into someone else’s shoes through the pages of a book helps us grow more than we know. Rather than attempting to satiate the ever-restless itch to buy another book for your library, consider the ones you already have.

An invitation (or three)

I understand that most people may struggle to carve out enough time in the day to catch their own breath, let alone read a book. That’s why, this week, I propose you start small.

In his book Atomic Habits — which is definitely worth a read, if productivity books are your jam — James Clear notes that accessibility is one of the keys to making a habit stick. In reading, let that same principle apply, not just in mere proximity.

In that spirit of accessibility, here are three ways you can incorporate more reading with what you have.

Reread a childhood favorite.

This is one of my favorite things to do when I’m in a reading slump. Stories that once captivated you as a child often have the same magic that they held when you were little. Plus, you get the added benefit of being ~older and wiser~ throughout the whole experience.

Audiobooks/ebooks count.

You don’t need physical books taking up real estate in your home to embrace reading. Audiobooks are more accessible now than ever before. If this is more on your wavelength, go for it! I’m also a huge proponent of using your library card’s benefits to the fullest through apps like Libby or Hoopla. I’ve read dozens of novels and audiobooks, thanks to these apps that are powered by my library card.

Instill a book-buying ban.

*gasp* There, I said it. Don’t buy a new book until you’ve picked up and read one you already own. Take it from me: you’ll be surprised by what you have waiting for you on your bookshelf (and your wallet will thank you).

Long story short? Appreciate the stories you have on your shelf. Take up and read them.