Thom’s Comments (group member since Mar 28, 2011)

Thom’s comments from the Book Buying Addicts Anonymous group.

It depends generally on two things. Number one: If I am well rested and have no other commitments or distractions. Number two: If the book I’m reading catches and holds my attention. If these two requirements are favorably met I can read pretty much the clock round. Normal circumstances are often very different and my reading has to contend with many outside influences. I average, on a daily bases, from five to seven hours; depending on the season.

July looks to be a good buying month!

I have done my best to reduce my to-read list by buying these : and

I love the written word! If you add that to my natural compulsion to collect, the result is obvious. I collect books (among other things) indiscriminately. Bound books, paperbacks (both new and secondhand) and digital books find their way into my life. Once they’re in, like good friends, they never really leave me. I can’t really say that I do anything strange with either my books or my friends but just hold them dear and give them the respect they deserve.

That sounds like the perfect retirement job…. I would love to be able to read and earn a little money to boot! I would jump at a job like that if I wasn’t expected to work a forty-hour week.

I would hesitate to do that as it tends to brand a book tainted or inferior and often the book isn’t at fault. Very few books would be put in my hypothetical “started-but-could-not-finish” shelf. I try to give all authors the benefit of the doubt as I know writing and publishing a book is no mean feat. I save my criticisms until I’ve finished a book and even then in many cases I give it a positive review. It has happened in the past that a disappointing first read, completely redeems itself on a second reading. The maxim and truism “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” could be accompanied/expanded with “a book is as good as the mind that reads it” or something to that effect…
Everyone develops or follows a system (the classification that best suits that individual). I like things simple… My to-read shelf is a method to remember books I’ve come across and want to read but don’t yet have. I don’t record unread books I have in my library (I haven’t found a simple way to do that) but only the books I defiantly want to have and read, the books I’ve already read and the books I’ve re-read. Some of my read shelf could be moved to re-read but I haven’t written a review for them yet.

I don’t know if this applies to any or all of you but I sometimes have a problem with long time plans. There is a right time for everything and sometimes I start a book and soon decide it isn’t the right time for that particular book. I generally put it away for a week, month or year and read something else in its place. Eventually I pick up that earlier attempt and find my mind and circumstance makes it the right time and I enjoy the book very much.

I really can’t imagine the number of books I would collect if I lived in an English speaking country. Here the majority of the available books are in Dutch. German, French and English books are also available but in lesser quantities. I have and read all four languages but prefer English. Most of the other books are either technical or reference books. My library counts more than 5000 but 95% of them are English.

I would have to answer those two questions as follows: EVERYWHERE and NO.
I buy books anywhere (I’m not proud) and I don’t mind admitting it! I don’t particularly have to have new books but I try to buy books in reasonable condition.
I’m not predominantly interested in one or two genres but tend to be remarkably flexible. If a book catches my eye or a review my attention I won’t hesitate to buy it.

I wasn't really looking for books but just couldn't resist adopting them and giving them a loving home.

I would ask (first) is there really a hereafter and (second) are there books available?

When ever I travel to an English speaking country (U.K. U.S. or Australia) I tend to travel very light and bring back as many books as the airline will allow. My last trip to Melbourne saw me abandoning clothes to retain books. Call me crazy but I can get clothes anywhere..... I don't regret my choice.

I try to keep it under €1000 a year but sometimes it doesn't work. If truth be told, I seldom think of the cost (especially on a yearly basis). If the books cry to me, I give them a loving home.

American football season hasn't started yet so I have lots of time to read. I am now at 139/175. I will probably have to increase the goal again but I hesitate in being too presumptuous.

Not that I'm aware of......but this is an international site......just look around you and count the hidden noses and bowed heads.

As hard as it seems for you to believe....... the majority of the world's population don't read. In a world of television and the internet, many deem it enough. I've heard by many that e books are the base cause of the downfall of bookstores but that doesn't compare to the two aforementioned developments.

I have thousands of books. Since my children have flown the coop I have been able to convert one of their bedrooms into a library. I have bookshelves (from floor to ceiling) on every wall and still don’t have enough space. I have started hiding them away in discrete places and corners throughout the house (to the complete horror of my partner) but, nevertheless continue to acquire more books. I don’t think I’m weird but rather unique. Many of my friends and colleagues actually pride themselves on not reading or even possessing a single book. I think that’s weird!

I have just finished Under the Dome and am starting Jackdaws. I think they are both winners!

I haven't worked out the number of pages or words but I have now read 128/150 64 (42%) ahead. I will have to increase my goal soon but I don't want to bite off more than I can chew and swallow. During the college and NFL season my reading time is drastically limited.