Not only do these come in handy for research and writing, they've been a source of pleasure and comfort for years. Stuck in the house, because of sickness or weather? You can go anywhere, from Hawaii to Timbuktu, just with the turn of a page. (And yes, there is a Timbuktu -- one of my old college buddies did some flying in that area.) Tired or worried about something? Someone else has struggled with it, too -- all you need do is find the right book.
I've got far too many of the right books. They're cramping our style, and clogging up our life. The only problem: which ones should go?
Others are having the same struggle. Their suggestions have helped, plus this Get Rid-Of List:
*Have you never read this book, in the years you've owned it?
*Was the book recommended, but you've still never read it?
*Is the book's premise (or solution) not that accurate?
*Is the book's theme or premise out of date?
*Did you never want to read it again?
*Did you want to smack someone with it, rather than read it again?
If your answer to any of these questions is 'yes,' that book should be thrown in the donation pile -- pronto. Take it to your library or thrift shop, and get the tax deduction.
What if you loved the book, but don't have the space? Give it to someone you care about, especially if it may be helpful. I have a huge rack of frugal living books; some of those (in good condition) are gift-giving possibilities for graduates and young marrieds.
There's also a theory that posits whenever you bring one book into your house, another one should go out. (Home dec items and clothes fall into the same category.) It sort of works, unless you luck into a stack of priceless goodies at a bargain price.
I don't think I will ever get a Kindle -- I love the smell, touch and feel of books, especially old ones, too much.
* * * * * * *From the "Sorry About That" department:
Another rendition of that lovely song, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," for the anonymous commenter who found Tommy Emmanuel's rendition as irritating as nails on a chalkboard.
You'll like this one better, Dear Reader. It's by Israel Kamakawio'ole, a talented Hawaiian singer who, sadly, is no longer with us. (I like his version, too, as well as Tommy's.)
The scenes are from the movie Finding Forrester. Hum along, if you will.
2 comments:
I agree with you about books. I cannot imagine reading a book on a tablet reader. Where is the smell and the feel of the paper & binding. I come from a long line of readers and I hope I don't fall prey to any eye disease, as did my father. I wanna die with a crochet hook in my hand, needles pinned into my clothing and a book propped up on my knees!
...and a pile of books by your chair, LouAnne!
Both our girlies now have Kindles, but I just can't do it -- for one thing, I have trouble getting pages to scroll. And I love the tactile sense that reading a book has...and the feeling that someone before me is sharing the experience. (Thus my great love of secondhand books.)
Thanks so much for sharing.
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