I also love to browse other's bookshelves as agree, I think you can get to know a person that way! I am a paper book reader and use the library a lot, rarely reading digital books. I created a nature book library in my creative studio closet, so they are all accessible right alongside my craft supplies!
I love what you say about checking out other peoples' bookshelves! Many years ago I was the first person from the family to meet my brother-in-law's girlfriend. When I came back from her family's home one of my father-in-law's first questions was "what books do they have on their shelves?"
I still have a LOT of books all over our house and in my studio. We did donate a lot when we moved the last time and I have purged some since then, but it doesn't seem to have made much of a dent. I need to be surrounded with books. I'm a big library user, too, and usually have piles of library books around the house and in my studio, too.
Another great place to get inexpensive books is from library book sales. Our library has a permanent used bookstore, an annual big sale and a bargain cart where I've sometimes discovered gems. Whenever I travel visiting used bookstores and also libraries is one of my favorite things to do!
I so agree about library book sales. I used to volunteer in my library's used bookstore. I was in charge of the children's section which was always a mess, but I had the best time organizing it every week. When my daughter was little, she and I would our library bookstore every week, we eventually collected all the books in The Series of Unfortunate Events.
Oooh I love this. I have a lot of books; many from my youth, many from my university days, and many that were Christmas gifts. Of course there were a lot that I bought myself! I used to be quite liberal with the books I'd buy but now I have to REALLY want one before I buy. If I think it's a reread then it's a buy for me. Some books I have reread many, many times. I love seeing what other people have on their shelves! Mine are so eclectic - from Sweet Valley High to Jane Austen!
I most definitely have a books case, actually several full of wonderful books. My dream library would be something like from Downtown Abbey. Just one large room full of books with big open windows and lots of places to lounge around to read. Oh and a fireplace for those cold winter days!
Oh! A fireplace is most definitely required in a library! I love the Downtown Abbey idea-one could have tea every afternoon in the room. I just need a Mrs Patmore to make it! Thank you for becoming a paid subscriber! I appreciate it more than you can know.
You are so welcome. I am excited to be on Substack had never heard of it. I am literally in process of writing my first book based on my grandfathers letters he sent home from fighting in the European campaign during WW2. So excited to start this journey.
How exciting! Substack is great place for writers. I recommend George Saunders's Story Club Substack and Joyce Carol Oates'. Both are very inspiring for authors. Be sure to stay in touch-I can't wait to hear more about your book.
I have many bookshelves in my house, and an entire closet for my cookbook collection, but my dream is an actual library. I’m putting it out here to the world, I going to make it happen in 2024! My four kids are all grown up and I’m going to turn one room into my reading room. Question: do you have one book, that, if you see it in the wild at a book sale or second hand shop, you buy it to give away to friends? My old standby is “A Prayer for Owen Meany”. I’ve read it four times over the past three decades and each time I finish, I love it just as much. My newer pick is “A Gentleman in Moscow”. 😀
My only daughter just left for college and I'm trying to figure out where I'm going to make my library/reading room too. I loved John Irving-I think my favorite by him was Cider House Rules but I remember loving Prayer...too. And A Gentleman in Moscow is great. How sweet that you buy books for your friends. I would probably pick up a copy of Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier, but I'm not sure many of my friends would appreciate it.
Great choice! I figure if my favorite books are sitting there for a few dollars why wouldn’t I buy them and pass them on. Whoever sleeps at my house usually goes home with a book! Here is to libraries in 2024!
I also love to browse other's bookshelves as agree, I think you can get to know a person that way! I am a paper book reader and use the library a lot, rarely reading digital books. I created a nature book library in my creative studio closet, so they are all accessible right alongside my craft supplies!
A nature book library in a closet sounds like heaven.
I love what you say about checking out other peoples' bookshelves! Many years ago I was the first person from the family to meet my brother-in-law's girlfriend. When I came back from her family's home one of my father-in-law's first questions was "what books do they have on their shelves?"
I still have a LOT of books all over our house and in my studio. We did donate a lot when we moved the last time and I have purged some since then, but it doesn't seem to have made much of a dent. I need to be surrounded with books. I'm a big library user, too, and usually have piles of library books around the house and in my studio, too.
Another great place to get inexpensive books is from library book sales. Our library has a permanent used bookstore, an annual big sale and a bargain cart where I've sometimes discovered gems. Whenever I travel visiting used bookstores and also libraries is one of my favorite things to do!
I so agree about library book sales. I used to volunteer in my library's used bookstore. I was in charge of the children's section which was always a mess, but I had the best time organizing it every week. When my daughter was little, she and I would our library bookstore every week, we eventually collected all the books in The Series of Unfortunate Events.
Oooh I love this. I have a lot of books; many from my youth, many from my university days, and many that were Christmas gifts. Of course there were a lot that I bought myself! I used to be quite liberal with the books I'd buy but now I have to REALLY want one before I buy. If I think it's a reread then it's a buy for me. Some books I have reread many, many times. I love seeing what other people have on their shelves! Mine are so eclectic - from Sweet Valley High to Jane Austen!
Isn't Sweet Valley High just a 1980s version of Pride and Prejudice? Ha!
I most definitely have a books case, actually several full of wonderful books. My dream library would be something like from Downtown Abbey. Just one large room full of books with big open windows and lots of places to lounge around to read. Oh and a fireplace for those cold winter days!
Oh! A fireplace is most definitely required in a library! I love the Downtown Abbey idea-one could have tea every afternoon in the room. I just need a Mrs Patmore to make it! Thank you for becoming a paid subscriber! I appreciate it more than you can know.
You are so welcome. I am excited to be on Substack had never heard of it. I am literally in process of writing my first book based on my grandfathers letters he sent home from fighting in the European campaign during WW2. So excited to start this journey.
How exciting! Substack is great place for writers. I recommend George Saunders's Story Club Substack and Joyce Carol Oates'. Both are very inspiring for authors. Be sure to stay in touch-I can't wait to hear more about your book.
I have many bookshelves in my house, and an entire closet for my cookbook collection, but my dream is an actual library. I’m putting it out here to the world, I going to make it happen in 2024! My four kids are all grown up and I’m going to turn one room into my reading room. Question: do you have one book, that, if you see it in the wild at a book sale or second hand shop, you buy it to give away to friends? My old standby is “A Prayer for Owen Meany”. I’ve read it four times over the past three decades and each time I finish, I love it just as much. My newer pick is “A Gentleman in Moscow”. 😀
My only daughter just left for college and I'm trying to figure out where I'm going to make my library/reading room too. I loved John Irving-I think my favorite by him was Cider House Rules but I remember loving Prayer...too. And A Gentleman in Moscow is great. How sweet that you buy books for your friends. I would probably pick up a copy of Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier, but I'm not sure many of my friends would appreciate it.
Great choice! I figure if my favorite books are sitting there for a few dollars why wouldn’t I buy them and pass them on. Whoever sleeps at my house usually goes home with a book! Here is to libraries in 2024!