May is here, and with it comes reviews of the books I’ve read and listened to over the past few months. Today, I’m not talking about the books themselves but sharing a personal revelation that has significantly changed my approach to reading – not every book must be finished!

Historically, I’ve lived by the mantra that “if you start something, you should finish it.” This principle was deeply ingrained in me from a young age, shaping not just tasks or projects, but extending into my reading habits. This led to a struggle where I found myself slogging through books that didn’t resonate, sometimes restarting them three or four times in a quest to reach the last page. It was exhausting, often turning reading from a joy into a chore. For example, I am a huge fan of Stephen King but I just could not get through Gerald’s Game the first time!

However, a recent insight from Tiago Forte’s book, The PARA Method, revolutionized my perspective. Forte introduces a liberating concept: not every book we start is destined to be finished. He argues that we should stop reading a book if it no longer serves us or provides value. This was a game-changer for me. I don’t mean to sound judgmental, but if I do not like the author’s perspectives, I will not waste my time listening or reading a book that, well, puts me on edge.

Letting go of the need to finish every book I start has been surprisingly freeing. It has allowed me to explore a broader range of literature without the pressure of commitment to each one. This month, as I review the books from the past few months, I’ll only be reflecting on this new approach, meaning books that I actually read or listened to from cover to cover. I may write a summarizing blog post of the books that I just could not get through – just because I did not like them does not mean that you wouldn’t.

I’m sure you are wondering how I select the books I read or listen to. Some of the books just appealed to me, either in cover design or summary, while browsing the shelves of Goodwill. Other books have been personally recommended by people I trust or admire. And others, are just pictures of book titles recommended by others on Facebook and Twitter. I love to read and listen to books and currently have nearly 200 books on my Audible wishlist!

This month, I invite you to join me on this journey of literary exploration and personal growth. We’ll discuss a variety of books and how embracing new ideas can lead to a richer, more enjoyable reading life. Let’s celebrate the books we love while breaking free from the old adage that everything started must be finished. After all, isn’t reading supposed to be a source of pleasure, learning, and liberation?

Stay tuned for more insights and stories as we turn the pages together this May!