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

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

I imagine many people have your problem of the lack of space and your innovative solutions should inspire many. The Kindle or another E-reader is the future and can’t be underestimated or overlooked but traditions die hard (especially for me) and I plan to expand, fill and enjoy my library for, many years to come.

It appears that your new house was filled with empty bookshelves. You have made a good attempt to alleviate the situation. With winter on the horizon you should have more than enough to bridge the cold and miserable weather.

Very impressive Louise! I can’t say that it screams organization but it does radiate a charm any book lover would embrace. Like a giant tree it seems to be spreading its roots (which is absolutely essential for its growth and survival).

I bought these today.......

One of the strange things about an expatriate, raised in the western-most city in Texas and migrating to a European country largely under sea level, is a developed affinity for fish. Our house counts more than five aquariums, ranging in size from modest to humongous. Spread around my house, they each present a different would unto themselves. The variety of lighting, fish and aqua capes create different worlds and moods. As a purely amateur enthusiast, I buy fish and plants because I find them visually appealing. Often purchases end up as expensive meals for other aquarium inhabitants. I came across this book and suddenly realized I had no written literature on this interesting hobby of mine.Aquarium Fish of the World The I passed a book market and bought:

Libraries
Libraries have, traditionally, a reputation of being large, quiet and dusty places. I don’t know if this reputation is based on facts and supported by worldwide studies or is merely a Dickensian image embedded in the minds of millions. I suppose the most logical approach to this question is to dissect it and study it piecemeal. Logic dictates that, considering the bulk of traditional books, libraries tend to largeness. However, a critical eye could rightly observe and argue that I have already put the proverbial horse before the cart as I have not yet established what numbers constitute a library. If the answer to this is simply a collection of books, wouldn’t a group, throng, mass, crowd, multitude, horde, herd or even covey also apply? This leads me to my first question……. What, in your opinion, constitutes a library?
In my mind’s eye, as a child, libraries were quite intimidating. I can still picture the head librarian, with half glasses, scowling at me when I dared to enter her kingdom. The “QUIET PLEASE” sign above her head seemed to hold a threat of eternal damnation by the glare she gave me as I passed her on my quest to find a safe haven outside of her line of vision. The fruits of the mission were well worth the trials as I found a world that eventually made me, me. I always considered my comparative insignificant stature in comparison to the seemingly never ending maze of books reason enough to refrain from vocal utterances. The sign above the librarian was, in my opinion, was quite unnecessary. When one enters into a large church or cathedral, no intimidating signs declaring “THOU SHALL NOT SPEAK OR SPIT” accosts them and for the vast majority it wouldn’t enter their mind to do either. Libraries are temples to the written word but does this make them odds with the spoken word? I think not. When I open a book and my eyes begin their dance over the words within, I am soon transferred from my chair to a world I’ve never been. I explore the ever changing facets of this new world and become totally oblivious to the world in which I live. I can, however, imagine that some people have a more precarious hold on this literary world and are more easily pulled back to reality by someone engaged in vocal exercises; be it talking, singing or burping. This leads me to my second question…….. Are you easily distracted while reading?
The traditional form of a book makes it a dust magnet. A multitude of varying angles and hidden compartments form safe sanctuaries for dust and air-transported dirt particles to invade and peacefully inhabit. Some could argue that this addition, collected over time, adds to the original book. Others are dismayed that the fresh smell of ink has long since dissipated and replaced by a gala of unknown and unfamiliar smells. I agree with both but consider them mere side-tracks to the main issue (after all books are made to read and smelling them is purely incidental). I’ve collected books for more than a half a century and never once seriously considered systematically cleaning them. I am blessed with a good woman. She is my perfect counterpart. We share many interests from literature to our horde of children and grandchildren. Not all of our interests are shared. A simple example of this is my life mission is to enjoy my life and make it a better place than it was before me. My partner’s life mission is to enjoy her life and make all she touches clean and bright. This leads me to my third and final question….. How many of you systematically clean your library and books on a regular basis?

Do you ever from Bol?

I can identify with that! I am always on the prowl for new shops and new buys I never knew I coundn't live without.

Hi Steve,
You sound like the proverbial mouse in the bakery or dog in the butcher shop. I’m sure the first reaction of many on this site is that you are in heaven. I can see both sides of the coin and think you may have many internal and external conflicts. I empathize with your dilemma. I wouldn’t want to be that close to my passion. Welcome to our elite and ever-expanding group.

I first read John Jake’s Kent Family Chronicles thirty-five years ago. I found the (then published) series in an Amsterdam bookstore. Being the bi-centennial year in the United States I just couldn’t resist the purchase. The Bastard (volume 1) caught and held my attention from the first chapter to the last. I read and enjoyed the entire series. Through the Kent family, John Jakes outlined the history from the United States; from its conception, through its development, temporary division and eventually to its world status of the early twentieth century.
If asked I would say that this epic surpasses later works as North and South, Charleston, Savannah and California Gold. John Jakes has a knack for bringing history alive and interesting for everyone. I’m sure all of his readers have a favorite book or series of books. Although I really liked The Bastard, I can’t really choose one particular book out of the entire series to acclaim as best so I simply go for The Kent Family Chronicles as a whole.
Do any of you have a favorite book or series by John Jakes? Do you see any similarities in characters within his books?

Caitlin wrote: "I bought this for $1 (total) at the library book sale in town:
[bookcover:Fortress in the Eye of T..."

At those prices you can't go wrong! I'm always looking for book sales.

Rita wrote: "My addiction started when I discovered that books that I wanted had gone out of print and became difficult (if not even impossible) to find - coming from a small country (Denmark), this is somethin..."

Holland isn't much larger but books (in any language) are plentiful and easy to find.

I really don’t understand your dilemma concerning English books. I live in Holland (more populated but comparable in size) and the number and accessibility of English books is great. Granted that Dutch books outnumber English books but all that means is that I have to search a bit harder.

I passed a book market and bought these for 3.75 Euros I don't think it was a bad buy.

Well said, Patricia!

and Abraham Lincoln by Lord Longford. A somewhat modest but good day of book shopping.

1. Are you careful with the spines? Or do you crack your books open to make them lay flat?
I am always careful with my books and never crack their backs or lay them flat.

2. Do you use bookmarks? Or do you dog-ear the corners? If you do use bookmarks, do you use those fashionable metal ones?
I always use a bookmark.
3. Do you write in your books? Ever? If you do, do you make small marks, or write in as much blank space as you can find? Pen or pencil? Highlighter?
NO

4. Do you toss your books on the floor? Into book bags? Or do you treat them tenderly, with respect?
I treat them like the friends they are.

5. Do you ever lay your book face-down, to save your place?
No


6. Do you bathe with your books? Hold them with wet hands? Read out in the rain? Anything of that sort?
I shower alone and try to stay out of the rain.

7. Are your books lined up on a bookshelf? Or crammed in any which way? Stacked on the floor?
My books are lined up on bookshelves.

8. Do you make a distinction--in regards to book care--between hardcovers and paperbacks?
No
9. Naturally, you love all of your books, but how, exactly? Are your books loved in the battered way of a well-loved teddy bear, or like a cherished photo album or item of clothing that's used, appreciated, but carefully cared for?
My books are loved and taken care of like friends.