Doina’s Comments (group member since Oct 10, 2007)

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

The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax - Dorothy Gilman

smoke and shadows - tanya huff

I wish I could say that my book buying rampage was limited to 5 or 6 books, but once or twice a year I make a list of all the authors that caugh my attention, or that I want to start reading, and then I go out and buy most of the books in the series that they wrote. That way it's easier to wait for the next book to come out, because I already have a whole bunch of books from that series that I can read without the wait. So, in the last couple of weeks I bought close to 100 books. At times like these I have to say that I love used book stores. :)

Murder in Mesopotamia - Agatha Christie

Well-Schooled in Murder by Elizabeth George

The Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde

Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde

Shadows in the Darkness by Elaine Cunningham

Dead Men's Hearts by Aaron Elkins

i probably should add that when it comes to comics, graphic novels or poetry i can read more than one book at a time too. but it's usually things that i have read before. i was amazed reading some of the posts and seeing that people read up to 5 or more books at a time. i could never do that and do justice to all the books that i am reading. when i read i completely immerse myself in the story, often not noticing that i am running late, or that i missed my bus stop, or that i probably should be doing something else. glad to see there are other people who find reading several books at a time distracting.

I use powells.com for their great reviews. I especially like the staff picks/recommendation section. And I like amazon.com too for their reader reviews. But what ultimately makes me buy a book is me actually reading a few pages. I will look at a book based on the description and reviews, but if I don't get hooked by the writing style of the author I will not pick it up. Both amazon.com and powells.com have excerpts available for most books.

I agree with you Lori! It seems to me that on the very rare occassions that I read more than one book, it seems that it is only because either I have to take a break from a book because I need some time away from it, or because the book is boring. I like to give a book my full attention, and I usually read when I have enough time to finish the book in one setting.

Hello Wes! My name is Doina and I'm a bookaholic too. Owning a bookstore would be my idea of heaven. If you have an obsession you might as well profit from it. I love used bookstores because not only do I get great deals, and find books that are somewhat harder to find in the regular chain bookstores, but they have great character. Going back to being a bookaholic, I have close to 100 books that are in my to read pile, and I just purchased another 50 or so from an online used bookstore (most of them are from different series that I started and am now working my way through). And I have absolutely no idea where I am going to put them, considering that I already have 4 bookcases filled with the books that I absolutely cannot live without, stacks of books by the bed (also, my nightstand is a chest full of books), and by the couch in the livingroom, plus more books stored away. The way I see it, there are worse addictions out there.

even though i never really leave the bookstore without at least 5 books, and even though i have now close to 100 books on my to read list, i am amazed that some people can read more than one book at a time. i can barely put down one book without finishing it, i can't even imagine being able to focus on more than one at a time. (i've done it for school but not when i am reading for pleasure) anybody else out there like me?

i love reading in my living room, late at night when no one is awake. hot cup of tea next to me, and some jazz in the background, it's heaven. (and since i have insomnia anyway, it usually is the best time for me to read) i did notice that i can read anywhere, no matter how noisy it is. as long as i can read for at least half an hour with no interruptions i am fine reading anywhere. it bugs me when i get interrupted because i don't like to put a book down once i start, and it is very rare that i don't finish a book in one setting. (not that i finish books in half an hour-i wish-think of how many books you can read in a lifetime if that would be the case)

i love amazon.com for cheap books. they have a very good selection and it's not often when i cannot find what i am looking for there. it's very easy for me to track down series that i want to purchase all the books for, and most of the times i find books under $1 plus shipping and handling (which i think is $3.99). or, if i can't wait for the paperback to come out, i get hardcovers for a bargain price there too. and of course, bookstores that sell both new and used books can be found in most cities.

i currently have 84 books on my to read list and i am planning a trip to the bookstore later today, because that's how i relax. as you can see, there are other book addicts that are worse than you are. i am trying to go through my books and gift whatever i don't plan to read again, and even though i downsized my library (i am down to 4 bookcases and 4 plastic storage bins), i still cannot help myself when it comes to buying books.

i love the fact that i got introduced to goodreads because it is easier to keep track of what i need to read and what is on my list to buy. :)

i don't really like to borrow or lend books. there is only one friend that i swap books with, and that's only because i know she will take good care of my books and that she will return them when she is done. i hate lending a book to someone, and then have them return it in pieces, or all bent out of shape, if they even bother to return it. i sometimes highlight passages, or write notes in the margin, but i take care of all my books, and if i lend them out i expect them to be returned in the same condition that they were lent out in. therefore, i do not think that you are selfish.

and i very rarely end up borrowing a book, just because, if i really like an author or a book i will end up buying it anyway since i love to re-read books. if i end up buying a book that i end up not liking, like you i just end up giving it away to someone that i think might enjoy it.