When we moved apartments a few weeks ago I realized that I have a book problem. (This should have been obvious, no?) But really–I didn’t quite realize that I had too many books. Way, way too many books. Right now I have boxes of books in two different storage units. And I want to keep them ALL.
I poke fun at Jarrett all the time for being a little hoarder-y about certain things (he owns 3 back-ups for his favorite hat), but I am a major hoarder about books. I have a problem. I have a clutter aversion to every single other thing, but books… You really can’t have enough, can you?
Yes, it turns out you can. And you don’t realize it until you have to pack all the darn things into boxes and lug them down the East Coast.
So. I’m trying three tactics in our new apartment in an effort to stop the madness:
1. Limit space: We had to throw out an old bookshelf that was bowed from too much book weight, so I’m tasking Jarrett with building me two new bookshelves. We’re using these plans from Ana White, and we’re so excited to try our hands at our first furniture build. (Also, she has a fabulous book called The Handbuilt Home, in case you need more books…) But I’m limiting us to only building two big bookshelves. One I’ll keep in my office space for author/agent copies, and the other will be for my non-work books. So if anybody wants some free books this summer, let me know! A big clean-out will be happening early- to mid-September.
2. Virtual bookshelf: I have certain books that I hold on to just because I think they’re wonderful resources, and I love to recommend them to others. Most of these are books about books–books about writing, publishing, and platform building. I’m now putting those here, on my Bookshelf page, so that they’re always there if someone’s looking for extra resources.
3. Ebooks!: I am probably the last literary agent on this green earth who doesn’t own an e-reader. I usually have 2-3 books that I’m in various stages of reading, and I stuff them in my too-big purse like a lunatic. It’s like I refuse to acknowledge that this handy device called an e-reader would solve all my problems. But no more! I am getting myself an e-reader before I give myself scoliosis. But Nook or Kindle? Anybody prefer one over the other?
So in my imaginary perfect life in our new, uncluttered apartment, we will not have a book problem. Let’s see how this goes…
My husband and I are bookworms too! We also have what people refer to as “too many books.” But to an ardent book lover, is there a such thing as too many books? When we moved to our new home last year, there was no place to put all our books, and we wanted to create a cozy reading room like we had in our old home. So we had custom bookshelves built for our room, which we lovingly refer to as “The Library”, which incidentally is also the music room, since it houses a piano and an acoustic guitar. 😉 The cases are filled to the brim with beautiful books. It’s one of the first things you see when you enter our home, and instead of the “Wow, you have so many books!” We get, “Wow! That’s a beautiful bookcase! It really is a library!” Yet, we still have more books, and still buy more books! But we just can’t get enough! And part of my job with the local Greek newspaper is to review books, so I get several a month! (Woo hoo! Music to an avid readers ears!)
I, too, was hesitant regarding e-readers. My husband bought me a Kindle for Christmas a couple of years ago, and it’s very convenient. I will never give up the physical book — nothing beats the feel and smell of a book, and the physical action of turning a page rather than swiping. Plus, sometimes you just have to turn off the technology, so I use both. I like Kindle because there are more books available than Nook.
Good luck Maria, from Maria! Be well!
Wow, your library sounds amazing! I’ve always dreamed of having a bookcase-lined reading room like that (and lord knows I have enough books for it…), but we just don’t have the space now. One day!
And I totally know what you mean about loving physical books. I LOVE new technology and new media, but there’s still something special about touching and feeling a book. What kind of Kindle do you have? I almost want one that’s just an e-reader rather than a tablet…it’s kind of nice to be just in the world of the book, without having a zillion other apps to distract you.
Thanks for stopping by, Maria!