What’s unique about the number of books read?

Why do we track how many books we read? Why not count articles, magazines, or blog posts? Imagine an app that monitors every word you read and provides a total at the end of the year. Perhaps the next wave of AI-powered glasses will track not only how much we read but what we retain.

But does the number really matter? If you quizzed me on all 30 books I read last year, how much could I recall? Would I even want to know my exact retention rate? Maybe I should focus less on quantity and more on comprehension. Could tools like Readwise, which helps revisit past highlights, improve retention?

One approach I’ve been refining is writing about each book after finishing it. I review my highlights, jot down my thoughts, and create a mini book report. Readwise syncs with Obsidian, pulling in my highlights so I can reflect on key insights. I structure my notes with sections like Key Points, Personal Impact, and Action Items, and I’m considering adding details on who might benefit from reading the book, whether I’ve shared it with others, and if I’ve blogged about it.

The Power of Books

Books offer something unique–deep knowledge, immersion into another world, and a window into someone else’s perspective. Yet, attention spans seem to be shrinking. The internet has rewired how we consume information, making it harder to sit down and focus on a book. Some people struggle to finish long-form articles, let alone entire books. Does that matter? Are short-form videos and bite-sized text replacing deep study? The answer seems obvious.

Reading is a skill that requires practice. We should guard against losing it. Slow down. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb. Get lost in a good story. Let a book transport you beyond the present moment.

I struggle with this too. Even after reading over 30 books last year, I sometimes find my mind wandering after just a few sentences. I’ll read a page, then realize I absorbed none of it. Even rereading it doesn’t always help. When that happens, I close my eyes and focus on my breath–just breathe, slow down, reset. Losing the ability to focus is unsettling, not just for individuals but for society, workplaces, and families.

A Modern Problem?

Is this inability to focus solely a product of the internet age? I’m not sure. I didn’t use computers until high school or have internet access until college, yet I remember struggling to concentrate even then. Maybe distraction isn’t new–maybe it’s just easier than ever to indulge in.

The real challenge is how we engage with information. Do we skim and forget, or do we slow down and absorb? Reading isn’t just about finishing books–it’s about understanding, applying, and growing. That’s what I want to improve.