How many unread books do you have at home?

[Marti]

Well I severely underestimated the books on my to read shelf!!! There are about 100 books down there. About 25 per shelf times 3 shelves plus stacking on top and ...well it isn't pretty!!!

[Carol]

Marti wrote: "Well I severely underestimated the books on my to read shelf!!! There are about 100 books down there. About 25 per shelf times 3 shelves plus stacking on top and ...well it isn't pretty!!!"

That will give you plenty to do,whenyou are over your head in snow. Or are you a snowbird?

[Marci]

300+ because my sister has some of my books which I bought but gave to her before I read. One of these days I will need to visit her to " inspect " her shelves. I am expecting 4 more in the mail any day from Powells!!!

[Angie]

Ok so the official count is 59 books are sitting on my shelves, desk, floor, kitchen table, just begging to be read. 59 out of the 137 on my to read list. Goodness I better get off Goodreads for a while and really start reading haha

[Carol]

Angie wrote: "Ok so the official count is 59 books are sitting on my shelves, desk, floor, kitchen table, just begging to be read. 59 out of the 137 on my to read list. Goodness I better get off Goodreads for a ..."

Yes. Me Too

[Jaclyn]

Liz wrote: "I have this weird thing where I want to save the books that I own that haven't been read, so that if I ever go to the library and can't find ANYTHING, I can pick up one of my books and read it."

Liz, I totally agree. A few years ago I ended up unexpectedly bedridden for 2 weeks and didn't have time to go the library to get new books, obviously. I was forced to reread books I owned (which was only a few at the time), and had already read. This wasn't altogether bad, but it killed me to have so much time to read, and no new books. I told myself that just incase that ever happens again I will always have several unread books on my shelves waiting for me. Between that and GR I would venture to guess that I probably have nearly 100 unread books on my shelves, if not more. I'll get around to counting them one of these days, because now I'm curious, but I think this is a safe guess.

I try only to buy books by an author I really like, or good reference type books, so most of my shelves are either "bragging rights" type books (i.e. classics and difficult books), non-fiction, or books I really love and would be more than happy to read again someday. That said I probably still own over 300 books and the number grows weekly because like many of you I am addicted to my local used-book store and library sales, plus because so many people know about my love for reading, people are always giving me books (as gifts and on loan).

[Jaclyn]

I forgot to mention that I also have a huge library addiction. I have 20 books out right now, and many of them have been renewed several times. I also have 6 on request/hold. I'm embarrassed to admit this, but my library allows you to renew books up to 3 times, as long as there isn't a hold out on it; even with that much allowable time, I have still gone into the library, "returned" the book, and re-checked it, thus starting my 3 renewal limit over again. I really do want to read them, I just have so many that I have a hard time getting to them sometimes! Sad, I know...

[Edith]

I probably have close to 100. Most of those are given to me by my Mom who reads a lot faster than I do. I tend to read the ones that I buy myself much faster.

Jaclyn - I've been trying to be good lately and not buy as many books so I'm also finding myself with a "library addiction" I completely understand!

[Susanna]

I think less than 50. More than 25. I don't know, not a lot but enough. I should ban myself from the library until I'm finished with my own bookshelf.

[Julie]

I'm really good at this, i only have 2, yes 2 books sitting waiting to be read. i hate having a huge stack and knowing i cant get to them yet. plus it gives more of an excuse to go to the bookstore.

[Jaclyn]

Jaclyn wrote: "I would venture to guess that I probably have nearly 100 unread books on my shelves, if not more. I'll get around to counting them one of these days, because now I'm curious, but I think this is a safe guess..."

Ok, so out of morbid curiosity I finally added all of my books to GR and then created a shelf for the ones I own but have not read. This includes most of my husband's books but none of my daughter's books (and she has a very full shelf with some good children's classics that I will add - and read - someday). My count came to a total of 248 owned and 133 of those are unread (more than half - yikes!!). Some of these are admittedly not books you would typically "read", but use more for reference; and some are my husbands books which he has read, and I may or may not read someday, but still... My husband would give me such a hard time if he saw this post - luckily he's never on GR! Might be a good time to return some of those library books and get cracking on my own library! Sheesh... sort of embarrassing.

[Lindsay]

I am down to 6 nowadays (which is pretty good for me!) but I do have about 15 books on hold at the library, just waiting for them all to come in! Trying to save a little money since books are my biggest expenditure! haha

[Carol]

Bought three today and put three more on transfer from other libraries. Grand total 30 books piled up to read. Instead of getting smaller . It is getting bigger.

[Tammy AZ]

I stopped counting at 200 - I just can't stop!

[Bridgit]

oh gosh...300? 350? I have no idea at this point. After a few years of taking a CAR FULL of books home from the BEA i have accumulated way too many books - and still not been able to curtail my buying habit. I actually had to make my husband take a taxi home one year because the trunk, back seat and passenger seat were so full of bags of books that he couldnt fit in the car...

[Bridgit]

Book Expo America - its for trade only. Bookstores, librarians, publishers, etc. It beats Christmas for me as favorite day of the year. They bring in hundreds of authors for book signings and all publishers are giving away ARCs for the upcoming year. All books are free and you can get most of them autographed. Most of the books are 3-6 months in advance of their actual publication date...

[Suzanne]

I am over 125 and still counting ... aaahhhhhhhhhhhhh

[Jaclyn]

Bridgit wrote: "Book Expo America - its for trade only. Bookstores, librarians, publishers, etc. It beats Christmas for me as favorite day of the year. They bring in hundreds of authors for book signings and all p..."

Wow, so cool. I must admit I'm jealous. It cracks me up that your husband had to take a cab home one year b/c your car was that full! That's hilarious! And my husband thinks I'm bad...

[Carol]

I no longer feel guilty. You guys are fantastic. So many books so little time.

[Christy]

72

[Viki]

49 - I made a promise not to buy anything else until I finished 10 books - 1 down 9 to go. I have to take a list with me when I shop so I don't buy duplicates. I have so many books on the list that were recommended by GR members. GR has helped broaden my scope of reading - I love you guys!

[Denise]

I haven't read every answer here but I have to laugh. I have between 10,000 and 14,000 books in my house. Most of them I have NOT read. I have boxes of books that I don't even know what is in there (a friend of mine asked me if I wanted the leftover books from a AAUW yearly book sale). I would hate to tell you how many years ago that was and I haven't looked at all the books yet. I have so many book shelves that I really don't have more room for shelves. My books are all double shelved (a row behind another one). And then whatever room between the books and the top of the next shelf is filled with books laying on their sides. I have piles of books here and there. I have paperback books on a ledge going up into my loft. And the saddest thing about this is instead of reading the books I have I check books out of the library to read. I know my library card number better than my kid's home phone numbers (those I have to look up, I know my library card number by heart). Right now I only have 5 books out of the library (I just took back a bag full because I am going to be out of town for a month so I took back everything but the ones I wanted to take with me on my trip.) Most of the time I have 20 to 40 books checked out of the library and more on reserve that I am waiting on. I admit it I am a book whore. Yep, that is me, an addict. Even though I have so many books in the house that I haven't read (thousands) I practically go into a panic attack if I don't have at least 10 books checked out and a dozen on reserve. It is like I am afraid that I will run out of books to read. I also have several hundred magazines that I haven't read yet (because I am always reading books who has time to read magazines even though I subscribe to them). I also have a huge stack of newspapers that I haven't read but can't throw away (besides I am planning on moving as soon as I find a house in Phoenix--I live in Columbus OH right now) so the newspapers will come in handy when I am packing (and yes I have thought of the nightmare of moving my books--obviously I will have to get rid of some of them--oh my god that is a horrible thought). I know that many of you will think that I am kidding but I would swear on my mother's grave that I have that many books in my house (I live in a 3 story brick house built in 1920 it is BIG).

[Susan]

Wow Denise!!! I am totally jealous!! The worst part for you must be when you finish a book and have to decide on which one to read next huh? Wow, I cant even imagine moving all those books! You are going to fill up most of the moving truck with just boxes of books!

[Liz]

Marti wrote: "I have about 50 books unread. I try to keep them all together on a 3 shelf bookcase in the corner of the hall (at least that is my newest goal). I like the idea of going down and browsing to pick ..."
I know what you mean about duplicates, it happens to me because I'm an English major and it's a serious pain when you're in class and you have a different edition from everyone else in the room. However, some books just have far superior critical editions (like Norton and Broadview), and then I can never quite bring myself to get rid of the duplicate.

[Lyn (Readinghearts)]

Ok - I just counted the ones sitting around my bedroom and there are 50, plus about 100 more in two separate tubs, and then another 150 sitting around the living room. And that does not count the front bedroom, which we have turned into a library. I feel your pain (joy)!

[jessi]

Denise wrote: "I haven't read every answer here but I have to laugh. I have between 10,000 and 14,000 books in my house. Most of them I have NOT read. I have boxes of books that I don't even know what is in there..."

You should join paperbackswap.com and get rid of some books you don't want (there must be some with that many, lol). That way you can get credits and acquire books you do really want.... if there are any left you don't have. If you do, when you fill out your information, you should list me as a referral, and also friend me. My name is infinite13 on there.

[Suzanne]

I have about 50 on my TBR pile. I belong to Bookmooch and I just mooched 2 more today. YIKES!! I am sending out 9 books this week. Books come in;books go out.

[Marti]

carol (akittykat) wrote: "Marti wrote: "Well I severely underestimated the books on my to read shelf!!! There are about 100 books down there. About 25 per shelf times 3 shelves plus stacking on top and ...well it isn't pr..."

LOL yes it will give me plenty to read.... although I love a good snow day and I am fine with being snowed in, the last couple of winters I have had ice days with electricity going off for a few days at a time. So what did I ask my best friend for === to buy me a camping light I can read by the next time we lose electricity = It was the best Christmas present EVER...

[Roseann]

Hundreds and hundres--I've been reading library books for the challenge and have been neglecting my own kids!

[Julie]

No less than 100.

[Tess]

Brilliant question because I look at the books on all my shelves that I haven't read and wonder if I will live long enought to read the books there. I can't tell you how many there are, more than 1,000 for sure and I still buy ARC's from Indie's regularly.

I've found duplicates quite often & I get really mad at myself. I've decided I can just read all the books or make a list of all the books. Making a list would eat up too much reading time, althoug I really should do that for my signed first collectable books.

By the way, every month I clear off my bedside table and put books back on shelves so that I have only the book I'm currently reading left there. By the end of the month I have books stacked high because I've noticed them on my shelves & decided I have to read this one or that next.

I have a serious addiction. I recently stopped buying signed firsts and now I buy ARC's or uncorrected proofs only from Indie booksellers on ABE. Much cheaper than using Amazon or Barnes & I'm helping Independent Booksellers, which is necessary.

Great question. I can tell you are a person after my own obsession.

[Abigail (42stitches)]

Almost every week I add to my give-away box. And I have knocked off a few books. But I have been really bad about going to the library as well. And borrowing books from friends. And my husband has been on a couple amazon kicks and asks me if there is anything I want to fill in an order to get the free shipping...So my tbr from my shelves is probably still in the 75 books range. However, I got a kindle since my last post. So if you count ebooks too...make that about 500 or so.

[Kate]

I have 129 books waiting to be read - an entire bookshelf dedicated to only my unread books and another one for the books I have read.

The three years of law school when I was averaging maybe 4 or 5 books a year didn't stop me from buying them. That's when the hoarding started for me. Now that I've been out of school for 2 years, I've picked up on the reading ten-fold, but I'm also still buying, so at least I've stayed steady around the 130 mark for quite awhile.

[Lyn (Readinghearts)]

So I was going to start knitting a baby sweater for my niece today, and while looking for my knitting needles, I found an old B&N bag of books. I am now up to about 300 - 400 I think. Not counting the books in the room we are turning into a library. WOW.

[Tess]

Reading all of your responses, I think I have a very serious problem indeed.

Heather you made me laugh because I only spend money on basic necessities like electricity, rent, etc. but I never go out to eat and I have no bad habits (more to ill health than virtue) although I spend a lot of drugs...NO, not crack...meds which really cost a fortune and dig into my book fund. Still without the meds I wouldn't be here to read.

I read at least 2 books a week, sometime 3. Still isn't getting the job done though. I'd better go on a book buying moratorium for a while.

I loved reading all your posts everyone.

[Sarah]

Yes, I have probably about 100

[Lisa]

I have been getting most of the books I'm reading right now from the library, but I have not stopped buying. When the coupons from Borders or B&N arrive, I feel compelled to make a trip to the bookstore. Even worse, sometimes I use it online, but have to buy more books to get the free shipping.

[Michelle♥]

Yeah, just hit my new high and first time ever. I have over 80 books here in my apartment to be read.

This is a new thing for me, especially since I tend to not buy that many books at once due to the fact that I can never decide which one to read next!

Going to used booksales is also new to me and I recently went overboard at the one this past weekend and that's where all these books came from!

Now I have to fight the urge to go out to bookstores or booksales. I want so many books and I want to read them all. Even though there's EIGHTY sitting all in my TBR bookCASE, that's right CASE not shelf!!
It's absolutely mindblowing to me that I still want to buy books after I have so many at home waiting to be read.
Oh well. I have an addiction. At least I can be proud of it! ;)

[Jaclyn]

Michelle♥ wrote: "Yeah, just hit my new high and first time ever. I have over 80 books here in my apartment to be read.

This is a new thing for me, especially since I tend to not buy that many books at once due ..."

Michelle, I can totally relate. Used book sales are new to me also and totally addicting. The idea that you can get so many good books for less than what you would pay for one new one is so exciting. I also used to only have a few unread books on my shelf b/c I bought as I read, and the idea that more than half of my books are now unread is amazing to me. I have no idea when I'm going to get to them all b/c I have no intention of stopping buying, there are still books on my wishlist waiting for me to find them and bring them home.

[vicki_girl]

I was putting off counting them up, but I couldn't resist any longer...the grand total came to 447 books. In my defense, though, 180 of these I recently acquired from my folks. Gah! That means 267 are my own fault!

...And I'm planning on going to large regional bookfair this weekend. I need help. :S

[Stephanie]

Vicki_girl - you made me feel a lot better! :D I currently have 108 sitting on my shelves unread, which is a little over a year's supply if I don't check anything out from the library, borrow from friends, or hit any book sales or thrift stores. Which is wholly unrealistic - I can't seem to get under 100 these days without adding more! :)

[Lindz]

I am about similar, I have about 40 unread books sitting next to my bed, and that doesn't include the books I want to re-read. I have not even counted the unread on my shelves!!!

[Sarah]

Lindsay, I'm so impressed. How'd you manage to get 40 books to fit next to your bed? :D

[Lindz]

:) There are two very large piles, and I think they need a building permit.

[Sarah]

Hahahaha

[Carol]

I have whittled my book pile down. I have eight books left,so I will be making my book runs soon
I have these left.

Incas
The Story Of Ruth
Winds Of Change
Bloody Mary
Tathea
Demian
The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test
And Ladies Of The Club

I am currently reading the last one

[PDXReader]

Heck, I've got 140 on my Sony eBook Reader, plus hundreds on my shelves here at home, plus another 50 or so under my desk at work. I think I've probably got about five years' worth of reading stockpiled.

[Carol]

In case of computer annihilation

[Bhumi]

I have less books at home than on my TBR list, that's for sure.

[Mir]

Hundreds. And that's not counting all my roommate's books that I haven't read.