We're moving to a new home over the next couple of months and will have to start packing my books soon. I've decided that I'm going to get rid of a lot of junk that's been doing nothing more than collect dust on my bookshelves. I think I'll have to ask myself the following questions:
1. Have I ever read this book?
2. If I have, did I enjoy it?
3. And will I ever read it again?
4. If I haven't, will I ever read it at all?
5. Am I keeping it just because it was a gift?
I will keep books that I have read and enjoyed and will read again. Also, books that I fully intend to read in the future. Nothing must be kept for purely sentimental reasons. Or because I feel guilty about throwing it away.
I hope to make more space on my bookshelves ... so I can buy more books!! Ha-Ha. No, seriously, I have so much junk at the moment that it's time to be ruthless, sensible and practical.
My bookshelves look something like this at the moment:
The books are all arranged higgledy-piggledy thanks to lack of space, my baby son rearranging them as he sees fit, and my use of the shelves to house items other than books.
Hopefully, by the time we've moved to th enew house the shelves will look more like this:
Well, that's the plan anyway.
If anyone wants a list of the books I decide to get rid off let me know. I may even post the list on this blog and have a mini sale - all proceeds to the SPCA!
I think it would be awesome, Daphne! Thanks for answering my question! Btw, have you read Roverandom by JRR Tolkien?
Posted by: Julianne | Tuesday, September 28, 2004 at 18:55
Hi Julianne, If you mean why I review children's and picture books in this blog, well, it's because it's supposed to be a primarily children's and young adults book blog, a sort of extension of my Tots to Teens column. I have been thinking of expanding it to include adult books though. What do you think?
Posted by: Daphne | Monday, September 27, 2004 at 10:03
I guess our bookshelves would have to look like the first pix at some point! Hehehehe.... Btw, Daphne, thanks for the kind comments. I appreciate it very much. And I find your blog to be a great place to come to! Especially if I want a review on a book! Oh yeah, i was wondering why you seem to review children and illustrated books lately?
Posted by: Julianne | Friday, September 24, 2004 at 22:40
My book shelf looks something like the first pix. I have so many books and keep buying so many that they are stacked on top of one another on benches, tables, cupboards, shoe racks etc etc.
I gotta start organising my bookshelves too...
Posted by: eyeris | Thursday, September 23, 2004 at 18:49
Hi STW
Yes, I think the first pic has more character, but just think of the pain when you reach for a book and something falls off the shelf onto your head!!
Posted by: Daphne | Thursday, September 23, 2004 at 11:52
I think your bookshelves look pretty tidy compared to mine! My books are sharing space with stationery, files, modem, etc. Anyway, am sure your new shelves in new home would be a real showcase. Hope to get a chance to view...I for one will be most interested in your mini sale if you decide to post a list! BTW, have you read "Back Home" by the author of "Tom's Midnight Garden"? Got it in Pay Less Books last Sunday, will pass to you if you have't read it yet.
Posted by: kwan | Friday, September 17, 2004 at 11:26
Oh but don't you think the shelves in the first picture have far more character? Sounds like you could have some success with Bookcrossing. Otherwise, I suppose you could make some money to ...erm...buy more books with. Oops, Catch 22. ;-)
Posted by: Subtext Whore | Friday, September 17, 2004 at 03:49
Hello "Too Many Books". I'm interested in books you might have. Please e-mail me at vanessa_trinity@hotmail.com.
Posted by: Vanessa | Thursday, September 16, 2004 at 22:33