Yesterday Anne discarded seven bags of books. It had been something needing to be done for a long time, bookshelves overflowing onto every level surface, including the floor.
There’s just something about accumulating them, and a resistance to letting them go. And that’s whether or not they’ve ever been read, read so long ago, or even (admit it) never will be read.
The fact is, even with the seven bags gone and a large box of others “to be stored,” we still found ourselves with only a little bookshelf space left for anything new.
It’s not that I’m such a reader. I’m painfully slow (unlike Anne). But these things become such friends, it’s hard to let them go. And their presence adds character and interest to any house. I’m reminded of a New Yorker cartoon where a sophisticated bachelor says to his equally sophisticated lady friend looking at his bookshelf, “I’ve had those books for years. They represent the person I once aspired to be.” (Actually I keep that cartoon on my bookshelf.)
Anne, rummaging at Bart’s, before entering.
But we keep buying. I’d just bought an arm-load from the library used book store, ironically the same place we donated our seven bags. In Ojai earlier this month we had to visit “Bart’s,” the famous outdoor bookstore. Of course, we had to buy something. And so it goes, a continual flow. Like an addiction. (Though, of course, I can quit any time.)
If that wasn’t enough, I’m making books. I’ve done six already since I first became a publisher two years ago. They’re all on my website, here.
The most recent one, Sketches of Italy, was featured on my “Blank Canvas” blog, here.
These, I mention, not to push, but just in case you share my addiction. There could be worse ones. And, besides, there must be something like AA for the likes of us. Maybe I’ll see you there.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
10:20 am
So true Hyatt. I have a severe case of this and love most every minute of it, but yes the letting go… I am going to have to get better at that.
10:27 am
Great going! Reading is an art too and can really be addicting!
I know as I have loved books from before I could read (mother read to me) and now where I still read about 6 books a week that I get from the various library bookstores and either return to some library bookstore or share with family. And yes, my bookcases are full and I keep reference books on the floor – no apology there as I can easily find them.
12:33 pm
Great stuff Hyatt. Hardbacks preferred but paperbacks will do. Downloaded books just aren’t the same!
10:24 am
I loved your blog yesterday about the books… really insightful. Now I will think of you every time I look at my overstuffed bookshelf. Thanks for giving me permission to release some of my “bound prisoners” that I’ve been holding captive for years, and negotiate a prisoner exchange for some new books.
6:48 pm
We left a lot of books in the Philippines and then Nepal as we moved on. We said we were not going to buy more, just use the Library. Somehow they just keep accumulating.