I am a read-aholic. I’ve enjoyed reading even as a young boy. I inherited the reading gene from both of my parents, but my Dad in particular. My Dad was always reading books. Often two or three at a time. I still remember being scolded after furiously scribbling into one of Dad’s books.
“We do NOT draw in books!” he shrieked at me. It’s funny how vividly I can remember the moment.
Whoops, my bad.
Once I learned how to read, there was no stopping me. While other children spent their allowance on toys and entertainment, I was giving my money to the bookstores. On the weekends, my Dad would take me through a place called The Gallery. If you’re from Philadelphia, you know the place. Believe me, The Gallery isn’t nearly as nice as it sounds. But I enjoyed those moments walking through the bustling crowds because it meant my Dad and I were heading towards to the bookstore.
A well-written book remains my favorite entertainment. A fantastic, groundbreaking album finishes in a close second. Books contain the ability to let readers use their own imaginations. Everyone who reads a book has their own picture of each character. If the setting of a story takes place on a large ship sailing on the Atlantic Ocean, my mental image of the sea is going to differ from yours. There’s beauty in books because they are so personal.
I‘m 23 years-old-right now and I can’t even begin to count the total number of books I have read. I’d love to see the official tally. Between my personal buys, days and nights spent huddled in the back of bookstores, and required school reading material, I’d guess the count is somewhere in the 1,000′s. I have an attachment to books.
Unfortunately, books take up too much space in my room. Over the years I’ve moved to and from different places so many of my books have either been donated or lost behind. Yet, I still currently have around 60 books collecting dust on my shelves. I don’t want to get rid of ANY of my books. But deep down I know it’s necessary. Tonight I sorted through my collection and decided to donate 75% of my books to a used-bookstore/coffee shop in Center City. I’m going there tomorrow morning. I don’t know how much I will get back but I’m not concerned at all. I’m just happy the books will have a welcome home and I will have more space in my room. The books that I couldn’t wouldn’t part with yet are a mix of my favorites: A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin, The Jason Bourne Trilogy, financial advice books from authors such as Suze Orman, The Book of Basketball by Bill Simmons, and personal development books from authors like Nathanial Branden.
I’m thinking of purchasing an I-Pad or something like it so I could have all my books on one device. We’ll see though because I like the feel of actual paper in my hands. Bye bye books.
I know exactly the feeling! Good luck!
Thanks Sophie. I went to the store today and I was offered the choice of $7 or $14 in store credit.
Of course, I took the cash haha.
I feel really good.
Wow, can I ever relate to this! I’ve been collecting books since high school, and my collection has easily been my most prized possession for years. Sometimes I would just stand in front of one of my bookshelves and read the titles and the authors..it was like being surrounded by my friends and heroes. Giving up my books was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I had about 280 books and have pared it down to less than 50 now. I kept all the books about spirituality and personal development, and a few of my favorite novels (notably, Jane Eyre and Catch-22). Otherwise, the public library will be selling off my treasures at their book sale fundraiser. I have to admit, even though I miss them, it does make me happy to know that other people will be enjoying them. And it’s better for the environment. Only trick now is to make sure I don’t accidentally build that collection back up again….
Hey Maggie, first welcome to the blog and thanks for the comment. Dropping from 280 to <50 is great! I
find it so difficult to decide what books make the cutoff to stay and what gets given away. It's so easy for
me to make a case why I could keep each one. For me, I felt I could only keep my favorites and
everything else just had to go. I've seen Catch-22 before a lot in the different bookstores I go to and
since I just looked at the reviews on Amazon, I might have to go read it. Thanks for stopping by.
Reggie, I’m a little late to the game (just found your site, yay!) but I just had to add that I’m so glad someone else loves George R.R. Martin. An old friend turned me on to those books in college. Man are they good.
I’m really enjoying perusing your archives. Keep up your timely and well-written work.
cheers.
Hey Emily! Always good to have someone from Philly say what’s up
Seriously, those books are amazing. I feel so strange trying to explain them to people because it comes out so bad. I mean, how do you say, “The books take place in a medieval time, there are dragons and magic, there’s a giant Wall that separates wights and free-folk from the others, and many families are fighting for power of the throne.” LOL, doesn’t do it justice at all. I don’t know if you know but HBO is producing a series about the books. I don’t have HBO but I might rent it on DVD eventually.
Thanks for the comment.