What tomes are waiting patiently on your shelves?
Oh my. So very many. Mostly fiction, a lot of classics and older, obscure books. I also have a bookshelf of memoirs in which I’ve hardly made a dent.
There are several factors to blame for my current state.
First, I had a year when I went library sale crazy. I would hit up every library sale I could find, often twice, nearly always for the “bag sale” portion of the weekend. I also had a great used book store clearance section easily accessible. As a result, my shelves are literally overflowing with books I picked up for pennies apiece.
I now work in a book store, and I’ve found my tastes have become much more refined. I can go to a sale and pick out the two or three books I actually want to read without bringing home the other 20 (or more!).
I’ve also gotten really good at using the library. It used to be that I’d check out a bunch of books, put of bringing them back, and then owe a ton of money in overdue fines. Now I limit the number I check out. When a library book comes in for me at my local branch, it takes priority over any other books waiting in line, and when I’ve finished it, I return it ASAP. No fines, no clutter.
So, the incoming book waves have diminished. However, the tomes previously acquired continue to stare patiently at me from their shelves (and piles, and stacks, and boxes), waiting for their turn. Meanwhile, I’m so busy trying to read new stuff for my job that I never even touch the old ones I already have.
It’s ridiculous.
Any good ones? As you did not list any 🙂
Organization helps.
If I worked at a bookstore, I’d probably end up owing money every two weeks instead of getting a paycheck!
Erin, do you work at a bookstore? Cool. Lucky you. Working at a bookstore or library is my dream job.Shana< HREF="http://blog.literarily.com" REL="nofollow">Literarily<>
Erin, do you work at a bookstore? Cool. Lucky you. Working at a bookstore or library is my dream job.Shana< HREF="http://blog.literarily.com" REL="nofollow">Literarily<>
Cool thoughts!< HREF="http://readingandmorereading.blogspot.com/2008/10/booking-through-tomes.html" REL="nofollow">Tomes patiently waitiing to be read<>
I’m addicted to library book sales, but since the money goes back right into the library purchasing account I don’t feel guilty at all 🙂
The must-read-now newer releases often seem to trample over the poor classics in the TBR pile. my book clubs most often select more contemporary books to read, meaning I have to keep putting off reading the classics on my shelf.