Sometimes you get mad at me when I suggest that you simplify your books because books are awesome! You love books. I love them too.
Before I let go of my books, I always considered them a protected category when it came to decluttering. Once I did finally let go, I felt so much relief. When I stopped storing my books, I …
- didn’t need bookshelves anymore
- stopped feeling guilty about not reading the books I owned
- found delight in giving my books away
- began reading more than ever
How to Simplify Your Books
If you’ve noticed the benefits of decluttering and creating more space in your life, it might be time to let go of more. Here are a few ways to simplify your books.
1. Donate to the library or a local retirement home (call first and make sure they are accepting donations).
2. Trade books in at used book stores for credit for new reads.
3. Drop books in neighborhood little libraries.
4. Make care packages for friends.
5. See if one of these suggestions is useful.
I don’t save most of my books, although I do keep a few. I bring my books to little libraries, give them away on Instagram or pass them on to friends. Letting go of my books hasn’t discouraged my love of reading, but instead created more space and attention to support authors and discover new books. I recommend a gentle approach to letting go of your books when you are ready.
I have a pile of fiction books to read and give away including:
- If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane
- Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner
- Anna K. by Jenny Lee
- The Guest List by Lucy Foley
- The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
And for non fiction …
- Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad
- The Joy of Movement by Kelly McGonigal
- Difficult Conversations by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen
I recently read
- Dark August by Katie Tallo
- Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
- So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
- We are the Luckiest by Laura McKowen
- Outer Order, Inner Calm by Gretchen Rubin
A few books I keep and re-read:
- The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
- Loving What Is by Byron Katie
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
I keep a few copies of the books I wrote too!
Soulful Simplicity (signed copies available)
Project 333 (signed copies available)
As an avid reader, I know how meaningful books can be. Let go in a way that feels good to you. Happy reading!
For more book recommendations, check out the Soul & Wit Book Episodes here and here.
