Books

[amqu]

Last week, I got a library card. You'd think someone who reads as much as I do would already have a library card, especially since I practically lived at the library as a child and young adult. However, as I got older and had more discretionary income, I visited the library less and less and bought books more and more, until finally I just

Comments

[qos]

Great minds are definitely thinking alike in similar circumstances!

The other element for me, which I didn't go into in my own post, is having finally owned up to the fact that I no longer feel a need to "prove" my intelligence and education by the size and diversity of my library. It would never occur to me to worry about "keeping up with the Jonses" regarding the kind of car I drove or my landscaping or any of the usual signs of wealth -- but it was important to me that anyone who came into my living space be significantly impressed by my library. I've let go of that vanity.

[amqu]

I wonder if that's very common, the idea that our library represents how we want to present ourselves to the world. Most of my friends and family are working class people who are generally unimpressed with the breadth of one's library. Not that they would look down on you for having a lot of books, but would consider it an interesting quirk, like collecting snow globes or fixing classic cars. "Wow, you have a lot of books...do you want to be my partner for Trivial Pursuit?"

[lostinagoodbook]

In my area it's partly the same. Anyone who reads alot of books is looked upon as having a precarious spritual foothold. Usually the conversation goes... "Wow you sure do read a lot of books. (pause) I only read the publications, I just don't have time to do anything but theocratic reading, I mean we do have so much reading given to us every year."

When I was younger I felt the need to justify myself with some comment about being a fast reader, or that I don't watch much tv to make up for it. But I really just don't care what they think anymore, so I just start talking about which books are my favorites and they tune out pretty quickly. ;)

[amqu]

Ah, the old "I only read the Society's literature" gambit.

I've been to Patterson and to Bethel in France. And you would not believe their libraries. Extensive and full of fascinating stuff.

[lostinagoodbook]

I love the idea of a library. But I don't like having to wait for something I really want to read right now to be returned. Oh and I'm really really bad at returning books. That's why I love Netflix so much. No late fees. *sheepish grin*

[candyaddicted]

I'm almost done with Stephen Kings Under the dome' THis book is BEYOND stellar page. I can forward the copy on to you when I am done. It might be end of december . the book is only 1070 pages long.