I have declared before that I would not buy any new books before reading the unread or disposing of the unreadable books I now possess. At least I think I have. That was a good idea. I've decided to reinstate that practice all because of a new book I bought and am reading. The irony is sickening, as Calvin would say.
It's a book about not letting clutter take over your house, and while I don't think I yet have a problem with clutter in general, I see a strong tendency to turn my book hording into clutter. Since I profess to have such appreciation of good literature and good writing, it hardly seems fitting for me to fill my shelves with unread "treasures," thereby reducing something "important" to an unwanted object taking up very precious shelf space (since my husband's calling requires many books, which he does frequently read and reference).
Besides, I've been letting the stack of unread books grow to such an extent that the thought of beginning the task of reading them all overwhelms me. Not very helpful to my object of developing my literacy.
Grandma is probably laughing at me right now, and wishing I would go get a bike instead of buying a new book on getting rid of clutter books. She also has a very developed library, but I dare say she has read all the books in hers.
5 comments:
what happened to your old bike? purging books that you haven't read and aren't likely to savor over and over is a good idea. i purged many of my books this winter. the sad state of our local library makes me want to hang onto my books. the library has lots of trashy books but few classics.
I've become pretty dependent on the library for my books these days--which I find is a good thing when it comes time to move. Books are heavy!
Hilary, Melinda has lots of wisdom in this area. You can talk to her. In fact you and her could start group therapy for this problem. Did I say group therapy, I meant book review club.
PS open an account on ebay I've bought atleast twenty or more books on ebay. I bought an entire set of Washington Irving and have several classic editions of James Fenimore Cooper (I'm trying to learn more about early American literature). Melinda just bought a complete set of Louisa May Alcott (hardcover) and a complete paperback set of George McDonald off of ebay. As you can tell she's just the person to help you with book clutter.
Oh one thing you can do about the book clutter is buy more furniture to pile them on. We use our dining room table and the cupboard space as well as book shelves. If you just sit down in your apartment and look around I'm sure you will come up with lots more spaces to put your books.
Uncle Jim
hmm. buying furniture for books is a good idea. i prefer to keep my books under things. i have divided into categories (i.e., organized) and stashed under a dresser, under the bed, and in my closet under my shoe boxes.
i own a lot of books too
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