I really should join the library

I read a lot. I buy a lot of books.  A lot. I know it's not good for the trees or reducing consumerism.

Does it count that I do reuse?  I read most books multiple times, lend to friends, give to friends, donate to book drives and occasionally sell at a garage sale.

I can never find what I want at the library.  Or I'm too impatient to wait for someone else to return the book I want.  Or if I do take books out I never remember to return them on time and end up paying big $$$ in late fines so I might as well just purchase the books.

These are my book shelves (there's another one on the other side of the room).  Books here have been read, usually 2 or 3 times.  Some of them more.  The first Harry Potter has been read 7 times.  Each time a new book came out I'd re-read the set from #1.

The books in the drawer beside my bed?  These are on the go, I read a chapter or two, move onto something else and then come back for another chapter.  Except the flying book and the wine book, I reference those frequently.

The pile at the end of the bed?  Chicklit, easy read books.  They were not bad the first time round.  They will get a second read, then find a new home.

Books on the floor in the office?  Read once.  Not a big hit.  I don't need to keep.  Will go to garage sale or friends.

Books I read in the week we were on the island for Christmas...

• Two Little Girls in Blue - fluff
• The Little Lady Agency - fluff
• Book of the Dead - I've always been a fan of the Kay Scarpetta series, but I think I'm done now. These characters deserve some happiness.
• The Nasty Bits - I didn't know what to expect. I haven't really watched Anthony Bourdain's TV shows. This is a collection of his essays, articles and anecdotes from over the years. Mr Bourdain is a very entertaining writer. A good read.
• Twilight - I had to see what all the fuss was about. Now I'll have to read the 2nd book. I enjoyed Twilight. Yes it's definitely a book aged at teenagers, but it's still worth a read. I ended up giving several copies as Christmas presents.
• Friday Night Knitting Club - a novel about friendships, old and new and renewed. It made me cry. You should read it.

Up next...

• Pride and Prejudice - this is a re-read, but it's one of my favourite books. I'm about half way done.
• New Moon - the 2nd in the Twilight series
• The Year of Living Biblically - One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible - as Literally as Possible.
• Sylvia by Bryce Courtenay - one of my favourite authors.
• The Lucy Family Alphabet - a christmas present from my closest friend sent from Aus.

I blame my mother.  She always had (has) a book in her hands.  I can almost guarantee that I got at least one book every birthday and Christmas. I had wall to wall, ceiling to floor bookshelves that my dad built in my childhood room.

And now Kelli has gone and recommended 2 more - Winterdance and The Ridiculous Race. Anyone else want to add to my list.

Comments

[Colleeny]

Hi Rachael,

Have you ever been to a bookcrossing meeting? You take books you're not wanting to keep anymore, and pick up the books you want from the other participants. There is an active meetup group that has once a month meetups in vancouver, and burnaby.

[lera]

I wish I had more time to read. I still never finished the Little House on the Prarie book I started on vacation. In August. :-)