I can’t go into a bookstore, browse, and leave without buying a book.
I’ve tried, but it happens every single time. I’ve tried not touching the books and just walk around admiring the spines. I’ve tried carrying around a cup of coffee so my hands are too busy to pick them up. I’ve tried reminding myself that I have too many books already. My last trip to the bookstore, I bought seven new books, even though I still had some at home that I hadn’t finished reading yet.
I have a Kindle for goodness sake. Why would I need to buy a physical book? Worse yet, why would I buy a book that I have already read on my Kindle?
Because I really love books. I have several that I’ve read and re-read over and over again. Those books are prominently displayed on my bookshelves, ready and willing to be grabbed and read again.
I’m currently reading three books that I’m torn if I like or not. Normally, how I roll, is if I love the book, I finish it as fast as possible. But sometimes, it takes me forever to get through a book. I think we’ve all read books that we’re not quite sure if we like or not? (Shh…don’t tease me – 3 books at one time, may just be the reason I haven’t finished reading them or not, right?)
Book #1 – On Writing Well by William Zinsser
I’m almost done with this one, and there are helpful writing tips as the title suggests, but, there’s something about the book that I just can’t get into. I frankly think it reminds me of the scorn from my 10th grade English Literature teacher who was smug in his critiques, condescending when I thought I had tried hard to write the assignment, and he ruined my desire to write. Oh, my, that’s a tad harsh and no real reflection on William. At least, I’ve gotten over my dim recollection of my teacher’s disdain of my writing from back then by writing every day, regardless of feedback good or bad. My takeaways from the book are to be mindful of what I write about, how I write each sentence, pay more attention to how others write, and that there isn’t a topic that I can’t write something about. I’m sure William would be disappointed in that synopsis from me – an inferior writer, like he’ll ever see it!?! His writing style is eloquent and does challenge me to become a better writer – for that reason alone, I shall hang on to the book and refer to it often.
Book #2 – Population 485: Meeting Your Neighbors One Siren at a Time by Michael Perry
I enjoy reading this book in a random fashion. Each chapter, or should I say, each thought he writes about, takes me about 30 minutes to read which makes it a perfect treadmill book. Yes, I’m a multi-tasking runner on the treadmill (aka, the dreadmill). I love reading while I’m running. The better the book, the longer I run. Michael’s clever writing style draws me in. As I read his words, I can place myself right there in the scene. One chapter he mentioned the year he graduated from high school and I realized why I connected with his writing. Not only does he write about a small neighboring town of New Auburn, Wisconsin, close to where we live, he graduated the same year I did. We’re the same age. And when you meet someone who is your same age, even if it’s in a book, there is an immediate connection. I don’t mind that I’m not able to finish this book all in one continuous read. I can pick up where I left off without feeling lost.
Book #3 – Kick the Drink…Easily! by Jason Vale’s
I’ve been reading this book for 2 years. A friend of mine was reading it and we shared thoughts about it over a drink. The irony, right. I thought, what the heck, I’ll read it and see what happens? I’m not a boozer, but I can be stupid at times and have more than the recommended healthy amount for a woman of my age and stature. I still haven’t kicked the drink, (i.e., not having another drink ever again) but I’m just following what the book says to do. What? Yep, there’s a sentence buried in the book (can’t find where at the moment) that he said, “Don’t stop drinking while you’re reading the book.” I’ve been following that ever since, and I haven’t finished the book, and I haven’t quit. No matter what the title says, if the person reading it hasn’t decided to quit themselves, they aren’t going to. He does include exceptional examples on why you should quit, along with providing convincing arguments on why it is an addiction and poison. He shares multiple ways to say the same thing, “You can quit drinking. You’ll be fine and you won’t have to quit hanging out with your friends. You’ll be a better person without the drink. You just have to convince yourself that you want to quit and you will.”
I have a premonition on which book I will finish first…
What books are you reading? Do you have a vice you’d like to quit and you read a book and it helped you quit?
Sitting here in a seafood restaurant in Malaga, it’s raining and on my 4th glass of red wine, a Rioja. I could existentialise about it…… but I won’t! Stop beating yourself up about books, I’m the same even though I have a Kindle. Also a teacher of mine said I’d never make it, 6 years later I have a doctorate. Read more Epicurus!
Dr. B, thank you for sharing your thoughts and encouragement! Cheers to you – hope you’re enjoying your trip! How’s the book you recommended? It’s still on my to-read list. I’ll add Epicurus to my list too!
Hell, which one did I recommend?
You crack me up – this is the title you recommended! Travels with Epicurus: A Journey to a Greek Island in Search of a Fulfilled Life
That’s the one!!
I can relate. Bookstores are both joyous and dangerous ground for me…i have a kindle as well bit there is something about the feel and smell of a hardcover book that always draws me in….it makes me connect to the book on a more personal level as opposed to simply seeing words on a screen, very cold and not at all cozy to curl up too….i also have many books on the go…usually poetry and prose.
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, I appreciate hearing your intriguing thoughts and how you can relate to the love of books. Happy reading to you!!
You’ll find me at my library. I don’t like clutter and books lying around my house is clutter. Besides, libraries today have so much going on! Next week hubby and I are going to our library to attend a cooking session using an Instapot. How cool is that! Our library has talent shows and movie night and yoga days and Mommy & Me stuff. I also get to read every single magazine from the comfort of my computer, once I log into my library. I LOVE reading magazines!
You do understand that your taxes pay for your library. So by buying a book, you’re paying for it twice. My daughter once told me the reason why she couldn’t afford to buy a house is because she didn’t have the down payment money. When I looked around her apartment and saw the endless collections of books, CDs, videos, and tapes cluttering up almost every single wall (she had to buy the shelves to store the stuff) I told her “There’s your down payment money!” Total up all the money you spent on this stuff and you’ll quickly figure out your house down payment money was collecting dust.
Have an excuse that you don’t want to drive to the library? Ours delivers AND picks up. No more excuses! I absolutely adore my library. Before we move anywhere, I check out the local library first. I use the library as the judge of a neighborhoods character. But hey! That’s just me.
I love our library! I’m just as guilty going there and grabbing so many books to read I can’t get them all done before they have to be returned. You have great points about saving money and the cool things the library has to offer. I think I’ll head there next time I’m looking for a book to read!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I appreciate hearing from you, Cindi!
Shelley, I just love libraries so much and the people who dedicate themselves to working in them. When my kids were young and growing up, every Saturday morning was our ‘spruce up’ day. We’d clean our rooms and tidy up and run to the library by noon. It was a nice time for all of us to be together, learn and enjoy. Then we’d all head to the beach and READ!!! Good habits to install in our kids (who have in turn passed it down to their own kids).
Thanks for listening to me. I never know how some people might react to my enthusiasm. 🙂
I can sense your passion and love how you integrated libraries into your life. I agree to instill the habit of reading in our kids early in life is so important. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I appreciate hearing from you!
I’m reading Cities of Gold by Douglas Preston — it’s really involved in the history of the Mexicans/Spanish/Native Americans/Anglos from the 1500’s to the present. It’s also his story of traveling from Mexico thru Arizona and New Mexico following the (supposed) route of Coronado. Doug Preston is one of my fav authors, but I’m having to really slug thru the history in this one. It’s good, it’s just history-loaded.
That sounds interesting to read that far back into history. I’ll add it to my to-read list. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I appreciate hearing from you!
I’ve read all my life. I avoid book stores mostly because of the prices. I have a Samsung tablet, Using it from my granddaughter. I love the feel and smell of a real book. However I read the freebys or $.99 cent books. I average 3 books a week. I browse the Amazon books. You can’t believe some of the storylines that are in there. Wow!! Just keep reading and writing. You write and I will read you. when will your first novel be printed. lol. I’ll buy it.
Pat, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! Great book reading habits you have. Thank you for the continued encouragement and kind words!!!
When I got rid of my home and had to pack up all the books, I stopped buying more books, for the most part. I carried those books with me, BOXES of books, for 3 or 4 moves before I garage sled them for a nickel apiece.
I have done some trading of books in my travels, but for me, it’s primarily the Kindle.
Yes, I have been known to read as many as three books at a time. It’s like you said, one book you read straight through, another takes forever as I am falling to sleep while reading it, and another is usually an enrichment type book.
Support authors, then sell or donate the books, Shelley!! No dust collectors. LOL
Donna
Thank you, Donna. I appreciate hearing your thoughts and tips, great ones at that. I’m gradually getting to just the Kindle mode. I love your tip – support the authors, then sell or donate! There will be a few I will keep, but I’ve limited the space so the collection has to be weeded out before new can join in. 🙂
I am very behind in my reading, Shelley. I have several books that are either unfinished or never started. I keep telling myself to find the time to read, but other things seem to get in the way. My hope is that when I’m retired, I can become that vociferous reader that I’ve always longed to be.
If you want to try another book about writing, I recommend “Writing Tools” by Roy Peter Clark. I found it to be invaluable.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Mary. I can just see you sitting there with books surrounding you and the kiddos cuddled up next to you! Yes, that’s an excellent book, I have read it, and want to buy a hard copy for my library. I have that one on my Kindle. Hope you find time this weekend to enjoy some reading time!
A package arrived yesterday – a book from my step-sister! Never before. I had finished a book the night before and was mildly panicky about being without. As I read the above, I find just the words “bookstore” and “library” so stirring! I was in a library today — they have a $1 shelf and I bought 2 books. I kind of like stumbling on books without knowing anything about them. But I never remember authors or titles! Except recently I read a book called: “Thrice the Brindled Cat Hath Mew’d.” Was I going to pass that one up? Not a chance!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on books, Ellen. I love that book title – I’d probably purchase it, too, if I saw it. Was it good? I’ll add it to my reading list. Great to hear from you as always!!!
I liked it a lot – a mystery where one is caught up with the people because there are hilarious family dynamics and the heroine is fun to hang with. I recommend it. You are indeed the genuine article when it comes to being a book reader! I am a Johnny-come-back-to-it-lately and am not in the same club as you, my sister, two good friends and others who gobble them up … while also spending enough time with each. I admire you all!
I shall make sure to read it based on your excellent recommendation! LOL – we’re in great company sharing reading thoughts together with you!