Tsundoku
The Japanese Art of Collecting Books
Will be published approx. on 10. November 2026
Book
Hardback
208 pages
978-1-4549-6698-2 (ISBN)
Description
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.
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.
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Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
approx. 11/2026
Union Square & Co.
€9.49
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Person
Taiki Raito Pym is not a single person, but the pseudonym of a collective—a group of passionate readers who have fallen victim to tsundoku. Books began to occupy their homes ever since they were children and, by the time they realized it, books had already taken over their living spaces. And of course, they all have at least one cat. But that is another story!