February 7th, 2025

Dear Readers,

Depending on your Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube algorithm, you may often be bombarded with a myriad of different “tips and tricks” to help you be more effective, efficient, or effectual.

One of the most common that I see is “How To Read More Books” or something to that effect.

Since I am an (aspiring) avid reader, of course, I always click on them. Without fail, they always say the same thing.

Schedule time to read.

Pick interesting books.

Don’t get distracted.

Boilerplate stuff. Nothing that’s really reinventing the wheel.

So, over the past six months to a year, I’ve been employing these habits in my life. I have, in fact, read more books. More books than I have ever read in a whole year.

I didn’t really even read that many, at least not a number that's worth bragging about.

But, after some contemplation to start this year, I realized something. I barely remember a quarter of the information in any of the books I read!

I was so concerned with completing the books that I missed the most important part: the words in them.

Now, of course, I know that it’s impossible to retain everything. But I mean, it was pretty abysmal. There may actually be, at least, one whole book that I couldn’t tell you a thing about.

What a waste of time.

I would spend roughly two weeks just looking at words. Not comprehending them, just looking, staring aimlessly.

I was more obsessed with the idea of finishing books than understanding them.

I could proudly say, "I read five books this month," but could never tell you more than a sentence or two about them.

---

I know it's February, but it’s never too late to make a New Year's resolution.

My resolution this year: read fewer books.

But actually read them. Comprehend them. Write in them. Take notes about them. Articulate my views about them.

So, as a way of holding myself to this standard, I will write and send out a (relatively) comprehensive review after I finish each book.

Be on the lookout for book reviews coming soon!