What Is the PIE Method? A Guide to Selecting Non-Fiction Books

Bookstores and online shops are treasure troves of knowledge, stories, and inspiration. But for many of us, they can also be overwhelming. 

With shelves upon shelves of options (both physical and digital), how do you decide which books are worth your precious time?

The right book at the right time can be transformative, opening your eyes to new possibilities and pushing you to grow.

But sometimes, you invest in a book that doesn’t quite hit the mark.

Don't worry. I have a solution that will change the way you choose your next read. It's called the PIE method, and it's as simple (and delicious) as it sounds.

After reading this post, you'll have a practical, easy-to-implement strategy for choosing books. 

Let's get started!

What Is the PIE Method?

Imagine walking into a bakery where every pie is guaranteed to be delicious. 

That's what the PIE method does for your reading life—it guarantees that every book you choose has potential. 

But unlike actual pie, this method won't leave you with a sugar crash. Instead, it'll fuel your mind and spirit.

So, what exactly is the PIE method? It's a simple yet effective approach to selecting books that align with your personal growth goals. PIE stands for:

• Personal Interest: Books that pique your curiosity

• Information: Books that teach you something valuable

• Expansion: Books that challenge your current perspectives

Let's break it down further.

Personal Interest

Personal Interest is all about following your passion. 

These are the books that make your eyes light up when you read their descriptions. They could be novels set in a time you find captivating, biographies of people you admire, or non-fiction books about topics you've always wanted to explore. 

The key here is genuine curiosity—not what you think you should be interested in, but what truly excites you.

Information

Information focuses on practical knowledge acquisition. 

These books teach you skills, strategies, or information that you can apply in your life. They might help you become better at your job, improve your health, enhance your relationships, or master a hobby. 

The emphasis is on usefulness—how can this book make a tangible difference in your life?

Expansion

Expansion is about broadening your horizons. 

These books challenge your beliefs, introduce you to new ideas, or offer perspectives you've never considered. They might make you a little uncomfortable, but in a good way—the discomfort that leads to growth. This category helps prevent your reading from becoming an echo chamber of your existing views.

The Benefits of PIE

The beauty of the PIE method lies in its balance. 

By choosing books from each category, your reading diet is well-rounded. You're indulging your interests, acquiring practical skills, and expanding your worldview.

Think of it as cross-training for your mind. Just as a well-rounded fitness routine might include cardio, strength training, and flexibility work, a well-rounded reading routine includes books that entertain, inform, and challenge you.

The PIE method isn't rigid. It's a flexible framework that you can adapt to your needs. 

Some weeks, you might focus more on one aspect than others. The goal is to create a reading list that's diverse, engaging, and aligned with your personal growth goals.

In the next sections, we'll explore strategies for implementing the PIE method and look at some real-life examples. 

PIE Method Examples

Let's break down each component of the PIE method with some practical examples. This will help you see how to apply the method to your own reading choices.

Example #1: Personal Interest

Personal Interest is all about choosing books you're genuinely curious about. 

Although this may seem obvious, we often overlook our personal interests in favor of books we think we “should” read. Reading what interests you increases your enjoyment and retention.

For instance, let’s say space exploration has always fascinated you. You might choose An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield. This book isn't just about space; it's about leadership, preparation, and perspective, which could benefit you in many ways.

You might find that reading this book satisfies your curiosity about space and gives you fresh ideas for team management and dealing with high-pressure situations at work. 

By following your personal interest, you gained insights you might have missed if you'd stuck to traditional business books.

Example #2: Information

The Information aspect of PIE is about selecting books that teach you something useful. The more you learn from your reading, the more valuable your reading time becomes.

For example, if you want to improve your financial management skills, you might choose Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez. This book offers practical strategies for budgeting, saving, and aligning your spending with your values.

Let’s say you want to better manage your finances. You might find that this book helps you create a solid budget and changes your perspective on the relationship between time, money, and personal fulfillment. 

By choosing a book that addresses a specific area you want to improve, you gain both practical skills and a new outlook.

Example #3: Expansion

Expansion in book selection means choosing books that challenge your current views. When you do this, you effectively broaden your perspective and critical thinking skills.

For instance, if you usually read books on traditional Western medicine, you might choose The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk. This book explores how trauma affects the body and mind, potentially challenging and expanding your views on health and healing.

Maybe you’re not convinced that your mental health has that much impact on your physical well-being. This book might challenge your previous notions and lead you to incorporate stress-reduction techniques into your daily routines, benefiting your overall health.

The PIE method isn't about categorizing every book you read. It's a flexible guide to help you create a balanced, enriching reading list. 

By mixing up your book choices, you set yourself up for a reading experience that's not just enjoyable but transformative.

Tips for PIE Method Success

Now that you understand the PIE method, let's explore how to make it work. These tips will help you maximize the benefits of this approach and transform your reading experience.

1. Balance Your Selections

For the best results, try to find a balance between the three elements. A diverse reading list improves both your enjoyment and personal growth.

But what does this balance look like in practice? 

It might mean alternating between books from each category, or it could involve setting a goal to read a certain number of books from each category over a period of time. 

For example, you might aim for one book from each category each month.

Balance is important because you want a well-rounded experience, especially if you are a Gen X woman. You’re at a fantastic point in your life where you have a lot going on and a lot of opportunities. 

Whether you're looking to advance in your career, improve your health, understand your teenagers better, or explore a new hobby, a balanced reading list can support all these goals.

2. Keep a Reading Journal

When you track your reading choices and reflections, you give yourself a way to assess the impact of the PIE method. You can see how your reading habits and outcomes improve.

A reading journal doesn't have to be complicated. It can be as simple as a notebook where you jot down the title, author, and category (P, I, or E) of each book you read, along with a few key takeaways or reflections. You might also note how the book made you feel, any actions you took because of reading it, or ideas it sparked.

For the tech-savvy, plenty of apps and digital tools can help you track your reading. Goodreads, for example, allows you to categorize your books and write reviews.

By keeping a journal, you'll start to see patterns in your reading choices and their impacts. You might notice that books from a particular category inspire more action in your life, or that you're naturally drawn to certain topics. This self-awareness can help you refine your book choices over time, making your reading even more effective.

3. Be Open to Surprises

Sometimes, a book chosen for one PIE category might fulfill another. 

For instance, you might pick up a book on mindfulness for its practical stress-reduction techniques (Information), only to find that it challenges your entire worldview (Expansion). Or a biography you chose out of personal interest in the subject might end up providing valuable career insights.

This openness allows for serendipitous discoveries and connections. It helps you avoid pigeonholing books (or yourself) and remain receptive to unexpected lessons and growth opportunities.

Remember, the PIE method is a guide, not a rigid rule. Use it as a framework to enrich your reading life, but always be open to the magic that happens when a book surprises you, challenges you, or speaks to you in unexpected ways.

Start Using the PIE Method Today

The PIE method offers a simple yet effective way to enrich your reading life. Whether you're seeking inspiration, practical knowledge, or a fresh perspective, this approach ensures that each book you choose will add meaning to your personal growth.

So, which step will you begin with—Personal Interest, Information, or Expansion?