Attrition rate

Since I started the habit of putting books in the bookswap bag instead of on my shelves unless I'm really, really sure I want to read them again (I think my previous criteria was 'did I enjoy it?', which wasn't strong enough - the world is rich in books, there will always be something new to enjoy, and only very old favourites tend to get a re-read) I've found I have a bit more space on my shelves. There's still some double-shelving (books behind books) but it's manageable. 

I have roughly 600 physical books (and some ebooks, but I'm leaving those aside for now), of which I think about a half to a third are what I'd consider my 'core' library - books I wouldn't think of getting rid of. 

And it occurred to me that leaves only about 300-400 books that I haven't read still on my shelves - and that 400 books max is actually doable. I could make a commitment to only read my own books and at a rate of 80 books a year (roughly) I would get through the lot in five years. 

Only, now I'm coming to write it down, I'm wondering why I'm even considering this. Remembering the posts I made in January last year about how I'd got bored of tracking things and it was making stuff that should be enjoyable a chore, and went back to my very relaxed New Years Resolutions this year - 12 'things' fewer overall, lose a few pounds, finish the canal. 

Things are already shifting in the right direction. 15 books in and 24 out - an attrition rate of about 2.25 a month. Reading off the shelves I've enjoyed The Victorians by Jeremy Paxman and The End of Everything by Katie Mack, Levels of Life by Julian Barnes and Excellent Women by Barbara Pym. So all I need to do is keep doing what I'm doing, and I will get there in about 14 years or so - and really, why make a chore of it?