Here's how to decide whether to keep a book or get rid of it

Image: Shutterstock

Image: Shutterstock

I own more books than I can read in a lifetime. I need to try out Erik Knutzen's system for cleaning his bookshelves.

The book was released to the universe if:

  • I had read it and absorbed the information
  • The library has a copy
  • It does not give me joy
  • I don't think I'll ever read it
  • My interests have changed
  • I read part but don't think I'll read the rest

I kept the book if:

  • It's a volume I refer to for reference on a regular basis
  • It gives me joy
  • It's especially beautiful as an object (only one or two books actually ended up in this category — I'm not a book collector)
  • I really intend to read it
  • I want to re-read it