Thom’s
Comments
(group member since Mar 28, 2011)
Thom’s
comments
from the Book Buying Addicts Anonymous group.
Showing 201-220 of 592
I love reading and books so a simple logical extension of this statement would be to say that I love words. At an early age I realized that words were free and I could use as many as I wanted to. This is a very valuable commodity that costs the consumer nothing. Many of these word users have amassed vast fortunes (and reasonable livings) by just arranging these in a specific order. I make a point of learning and using at least five new words a week. This may seem like lots of words but I know (like my TBR books, I will never run out). I used to come across more unknown words that I do now. Part of the reason is I think the vocabulary of today’s writers is smaller than his/her 100 year old counterpart. If I can’t find my weekly five words in my reading I randomly open the dictionary and see what treasure it reveals. Do you actively expand your vocabulary? Do you think the vocabularies of readers are greater that that of non-readers?
I do, on occasion, lend out books. It isn’t an act that comes easily as I am very attached to them. Generally speaking, I haven’t come to regret my actions. Some say that opposites attract. This must be a truism as a vast majority of my friends are confirmed non-readers. I’m not so addicted that I can’t carry on a conversation or discussion without constantly referring to reading, books and libraries. That is one of the main reasons I joined these online groups. Occasionally I discover that some of my online friends and I have other things in common. My advice to the world (no matter how difficult it is to do personally) is spread the wealth…books are the earth and water that supports the forest of knowledge.
It depends on many factors such as the book, my mood and the world around me. Sometimes the same book feels differently when I reread it for a second or third time. Generally speaking, I feel more emotion as I grow older; maybe it is a hormonal imbalance. I can remember that years ago I had to set the novel Shogun aside because I couldn´t deal with what I knew was coming. I eventually braced myself up and finished it. I have reread it at least two times since and the feeling of pending dread remains. If I can identify with a particular character, I can often feel their emotional pain. I find myself thinking, `this is only fiction…they aren´t real´. This reminder sometimes eases the emotions.
I went out today and tripped over the following hardback books (all for 8 Euros).
There was one more hiding in the bag! This makes 29 (a much more balanced and eye-candy catching)!
This should be enough to tide me over for another month.
I’ve attended universities in both the US and Europe. I think more than just reading is required to get a college-level education. If it was possible to attain this level of education, than students would only have to have their textbooks and further instruction would be unnecessary. Don’t get me wrong, much can be learned from books and a well read person is better prepared and rounded as a non-reader.
Size does matter. I much prefer 1000 page books to those just counting 200. I don't burn out with long books, I enjoy them. A long series of books can however do it.
I have both books and an e-reader. Through unconscious natural tendencies, I find myself manually turning paper pages and leaving my mutant cyber-book on the shelf. I have to admit that I love the feel, smell and weight of a traditional book (paper or hardback). I know I will eventually have to surrender and go with the times but, for now, I plan to enjoy the thousand-plus unread books in my library
I have to agree with Tammy, Mary and Jocelin.... it depends on the book and my current mood. It has often happened that I couldn't get in to or feel comfortable with a book. Days, months or years later I pick it up again and presto it is a four or five star read! This proves that the problem is in me and not in the book.
As of today...I have read 67 of 150 (45%) and that puts me 31 books ahead; right on schedule.
I have often stated that I was a born collector. Even in my early childhood I was thrilled at the sight of anything in multiples. Toy soldiers, car or even farm animals stimulated my sense of well being. The first time I entered a library I thought I had gone to heaven. I started collecting books before I acquired the affinity to actually read them. Once I realized that they were more than just eye candy for my senses, I was hooked. Having a large supply of unread books is a blessing. I really feel that it would be the same as possessing everything you will ever want; where is the joy of living? As with the majority of us our obsession has mutated over the years. I may debate over the purchase of a personal item but will buy a new book without a second thought. Even if the book stays on my library shelf for years, I will never regret the spontaneous acquisition. I see books in any form as treasures and friends. Treasures you hold dear and friends are always there to entertain, support and comfort you. They ask so little of you but give so much.
Dear God, may we all be blessed with insurmountable stacks of unread books. Life without books is a meal without spices.
I think most, if not all, of us is in agreement that reading cq collecting books, is a part of us as individuals. This blog has shown us that we are not deranged or distorted but rather unique. Buying, owning and reading books are as natural and necessary as grocery shopping and eating. Although both are necessary, neither can be denied. Perspective is the all important aspect. We have come a long way from our hunter/gathering forefathers. We no longer have to live o day to day existence but can see and plan for the future. Books that you don’t read today can always be read in the future (and they require neither refrigerating nor freezing). Book buying is an investment in your life and future. One could argue that you are what you eat and also (by extension) you are what you read. I say BULLY! Bully for you and I hope you and anyone else that is blessed with this affliction enjoys your dilemma.
I am currently reading the 1951 paperback edition of
The President’s Lady by Irving Stone
. This book has traveled the world as a constant companion and looks its age. The binding is cracked and the pages are loose and yellowed. With an 8 size font, reading is becoming very difficult. I would gladly buy another hardback edition but I doubt if I could part with my old and yellowing friend. Books are more to me than just objects to be used and discarded without thought or feeling. I physically and mentally ache for my old and dear friend and wish I could revive him (or her) to former glories. This book is almost as old as I am and looking at it really makes me feel my age. Loving books isn’t always a bed of roses….
