Dear Library: It's not you, it's me.
I'm not going to be getting any books for myself from the library this summer.
I've always had a bit of a library addiction, and--trust me--that hasn't changed. I still get that tingly feeling in my fingers just driving by the building, and giddy elation when I walk out with an armload of books to be devoured.
But I'm forswearing those pleasures for the next few months. Not because the library has disillusioned me in any way. Rather, my own shelves have been chiding me for weeks and weeks. I have so many delicious-looking books in my own home just waiting for me. Last week I counted over a dozen unread books just on one bookshelf. So until I catch up on those a bit, I'll try turning a blind eye every time I drive by Main Street's chief attraction.
Maybe you can help me decide what to read first.
Should I tackle the YA shelf and delve into Maggie Stiefvater's The Scorpio Races? (I've heard so many great things about her writing style...) Or Elizabeth C. Bunce's Starcrossed?
Should I hit the adult shelf and read Rebecca, by Daphne du Maurier, which my little sister lent me forever ago, and I still haven't returned? (I know...I'm a bad sister.) Or actually fulfill my decade-old goal to read Don Quixote? Or stay light-hearted and read a P. G. Wodehouse novel? (There're still a few on my shelf I haven't read, unbelievably.)
Or should I turn to the non-fiction and academic, with Josef Pieper's Liesure, the Basis of Culture? (Though it somehow sounds less than leisurely--but cool.) Or John Paul II apostolic exhortation on the family, Familiaris Consortio?
Or one of those dozen middle grade titles: The Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian, Fever 1793, Iron Hearted Violet, Rodzina, Pilgrim Kate, Sea of the Dead, The Wonder of Charlie Ann, Boston Jane, The Canning Season, The Friendship Doll, Meet the Austins, The Golden Name Day...? (Can you tell I have a MG book-buying addiction? Library books sales are just sooooo tempting.)
One thing's for sure...I'll have no lack of books to keep me company while wait these next 2 1/2 months for Baby to come, and you'll be sure to hear about a great many of them.
I've always had a bit of a library addiction, and--trust me--that hasn't changed. I still get that tingly feeling in my fingers just driving by the building, and giddy elation when I walk out with an armload of books to be devoured.
But I'm forswearing those pleasures for the next few months. Not because the library has disillusioned me in any way. Rather, my own shelves have been chiding me for weeks and weeks. I have so many delicious-looking books in my own home just waiting for me. Last week I counted over a dozen unread books just on one bookshelf. So until I catch up on those a bit, I'll try turning a blind eye every time I drive by Main Street's chief attraction.
Maybe you can help me decide what to read first.
Should I tackle the YA shelf and delve into Maggie Stiefvater's The Scorpio Races? (I've heard so many great things about her writing style...) Or Elizabeth C. Bunce's Starcrossed?
Should I hit the adult shelf and read Rebecca, by Daphne du Maurier, which my little sister lent me forever ago, and I still haven't returned? (I know...I'm a bad sister.) Or actually fulfill my decade-old goal to read Don Quixote? Or stay light-hearted and read a P. G. Wodehouse novel? (There're still a few on my shelf I haven't read, unbelievably.)
Or should I turn to the non-fiction and academic, with Josef Pieper's Liesure, the Basis of Culture? (Though it somehow sounds less than leisurely--but cool.) Or John Paul II apostolic exhortation on the family, Familiaris Consortio?
Or one of those dozen middle grade titles: The Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian, Fever 1793, Iron Hearted Violet, Rodzina, Pilgrim Kate, Sea of the Dead, The Wonder of Charlie Ann, Boston Jane, The Canning Season, The Friendship Doll, Meet the Austins, The Golden Name Day...? (Can you tell I have a MG book-buying addiction? Library books sales are just sooooo tempting.)
"I'm not going to be getting any books for myself from the library this summer." LIAR. I say this to myself because my stack of unread books that I've bought is also large ... but then I go to the library and see a book I want and grab it or see one on sale for a buck ...
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how I want to re-read a fave sometimes even with new titles? Books are good friends. I just started Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton and loving it.
I'm laughing, because the main reason I decided to turn this into a post was so that I'd have some accountability in the matter. I keep TRYING to make the same commitment with dreadful results. :) If you hear me talking about a library book (Oh, wait, except that ONE I have to finish so I can return it--in the drop box, to avoid temptation!) you have my permission to chide. :)
DeleteAnd, yes, I love re-reading. Lately it's been in order to share favorites with my girls, which is beyond delightful.
Oh my goodness! I didn't even know you were expecting. Congratulations!!! And I'm afraid I'll be no help. I have my own library addiction I am dealing with, and the exact same problem that you have. Too many amazing books and not enough time. That's all there is to it.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to resist the siren call of the library. There's something magical about knowing I can read for free and not have to find shelf space for my find. But indeed, enjoy that TBR pile already in the house. I guess I'd recommend reading the borrowed book first, so you don't have guilt dragging you down.
ReplyDelete"Familiaris Consortio." Discerning, engaging (no pun intended), relevant,, courageously counter-cultural, and in the manner of any classic, timeless.
ReplyDeleteI'm that way with my Kindle. I have a backlog of books to read on there, yet I keep downloading new ones. I think there's something about the experience of choosing a book that's addictive!
ReplyDelete