Thursday, October 16, 2008

Booking Through Thursday - What’s Sitting on Your Shelf?

Okay–here was an interesting article by Christopher Schoppa in the Washington Post.
Avid readers know all too well how easy it is to acquire books — it’s the letting go that’s the difficult part. … During the past 20 years, in which books have played a significant role in both my personal and professional lives, I’ve certainly had my fair share of them (and some might say several others’ shares) in my library. Many were read and saved for posterity, others eventually, but still reluctantly, sent back out into the world.

But there is also a category of titles that I’ve clung to for years, as they survived numerous purges, frequent library donations and countless changes of residence. I’ve yet to read them, but am absolutely certain I will. And should. When, I’m not sure, as I’m constantly distracted by the recent, just published and soon to be published works.

So, the question is his: “What tomes are waiting patiently on your shelves?“


I see a dentist whose wife is an avid reader. Knowing that I taught high school English, she sent me three canvas bags full of books, which I took to school and used as a base for a lending library. When I stopped teaching, the books came home with me, with my full intention to read them. However, here they sit, making me feel guilty.

I bought a bunch of Christian Fiction books from a sale table this past year; they're in one of my husband's dresser drawers, organized by date of publication. I nibble on that pile though, and will eventually read them--I'm sure of it.

Finally, I have one Reader's Digest volume that sits on a table in my family room. I use it as a foundation for a pretty basket. It was sent to me because I foolishly checked a box indicating I would try it for free. I canceled that trial subscription after receiving it; thank goodness, or I'd have even more unread volumes. I doubt if I'll ever pick it up. I don't want to read condensed versions.

What books do you have waiting on your shelves?

Note: I have several giveaways. You can enter by clicking on the book(s) in my sidebar.

25 comments:

Dawn said...

I have a small pile of books. I'm reading a Stephen King book now (though I've been too tired to read for weeks now). I have a couple of Jodi Picoult books and one by Nicholas Sparks. I do most of my reading in the summer!

take care,
Dawn

Anonymous said...

You would find a collection of John Grisham novels, two shelves of travel books and in another bookshelf two shelves of health books. Then I have baskets of my favorite magazines. Martha Stewart, Oprah,Better Homes and Garden and so on. :)

Hugs,
Chris

Gwendolyn said...

Sadly, there is nothing unread in my house. I even read my kid's books. When I run out (like now) I will sadly wander around trying to find something that I haven't read in a while to re-read, but that depresses me. I need to get to a library. :O)

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Sally
I know what you mean about having books sitting waiting to be read...sometimes you think you may not read them but one never knows...you know?

I have a little basket with 3 books given to me by an English teacher at school here...a couple of years ago. I don't want to take them home because at home I have some books by my nightstand waiting to be finished...once I finish that over 900 page book Pillars of the Earth...one day.

I have some wonderful Nora Roberts books people have given to me because they know I love reading her books. They are sitting...because one day I WILL begin to read them. Some books that get dropped off I pass on even though I know I'd like to read them...but others..they sit and wait.

Geez...how I love a great book! I think I need to get to bed earlier in the evenings so that I can get back into reading just a bit before turning off the light!

I hope you have a wonderful day and you have a chance to get into a really good book!
Judi

I was happy to give you that Award and you found it before I could tell you! I really enjoy your blog.

Judi

Anonymous said...

Sally, you sure pegged my grandson Cody. He just turned 13 and is in the lovable but annoying teen category. He doesn't want his picture taken and he is the apple of our granddaughters, 13 $ 12, eyes, which makes him sure he is a hottie. LOL

Now for the books. Oh yeah, I know where you are coming from. We have books beyond your imagination. My dh and I both love to read and since we have moved there are boxes of books still unpacked that we want to read. Lord have mercy. I am at the point where I just want to take them to the nearest book store and start over. We do not have the large house anymore. sigh. there is no easy answer. I want to visit the library and then return them and that is what we have been doing lately.

I believe your question will apply to many.

Hugs...Jeanne

Anonymous said...

Good morning, Sally!! I am reading a book now, I'm so thrilled! I go on spurts with my sitting still books. I get hooked on an author and go buy up a few and say I'll read them later...sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. Now, I do buy a lot of decorating and cookbooks. My decorating books do get read over and over and over again. There's something about a cookbook - I just love to read the recipes whether I ever cook anything from the book or not. I love my cookbooks. I guess I'm a pretty simple one!! lol
Thanks for agreeing I'm saving Mr. Precious money!! Woo Hoo!!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Erin said...

Oh, they're very organized: old vs. new, published vs. ARC, fiction vs. nonfiction vs. memoir vs. classics. Maybe I need a system to help me get through them. Hmm...

Erin said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
ellen b. said...

The last few months haven't been a season of reading for me so I have a lot of books waiting for me to get to. A couple by Elizabeth Goudge and the new Biography of Beatrix Potter. We do have some books I need to purge so I have room on the shelves for some others...

squawmama said...

Sally... I know exactly what you’re talking about... I have separation anxiety with my stuff... clothes, shoes, things friends give ma and yes books... I have hundreds of them... Travel Books, mystery books, Science Fiction Books and romance novels... I am reading one now that is part of a series and have about 8 in queue... So it is hard getting rid of them...

Hugs,
Donna

Knitty said...

I had a mistaken impression of what Nora Roberts were like and avoided them for years. Silly me! My niece just gave me a tall stack of NR paperbacks. Today I will finish The Penny by Joyce Meyer, then on to Knitting Bones by Monica Ferris before I tackle the Roberts books.

Neabear said...

I'm still reading the same Debbie Macomber book I mentioned last week. I have lots of books on the shelves and in boxes that were my mother-in-laws books. I go through now and then and get rid of ones I think I will never read, like the too raunchy romance novels. I get rid of most as I read them. I am bound and determined to get rid of at least one bookcase, but need to read the books to empty it. Like that phrase, "So many books, so little time..." That's me.

Stacy at Exceedingly Mundane said...

Great topic and answer :) Boy, that first part really gets me - an avid reader is one who knows how easy it is to acquire books and how hard it is to let them go! That's definitely me. I have so many waiting to be read that my list would be incredibly long. Some classics, some I've bought new and intended to read, and many I've picked up at library sales or bookstores. So many books, so little time!

Have a great day, and Happy Reading!

Chrisbookarama said...

My shelves will always have books I haven't read. I'm always picking up something at the used bookstore for a rainy day.

Killlashandra said...

I agree that there are certain books you just don't ever get rid of for whatever reason. I've got my Dad's college Shakespeare book with paper so thin so you can see through it. I love it! Actually I have a lot of books and it would be hard categorize them. I do have a tendency to keep my school books I guess and anything written by CJ Cherryh. :)

nikkicrumpet said...

My answer to this....ALL OF THEM. It's my husband's pet peeve about me. I can't let any of the books I buy go. I lend them out...but I always take them back and keep them. We have literally thousands of books stuffed into every nook and cranny of our house. I use the pretty ones to decorate and put on the book shelves...and the ugly paper backs go into every cabinet that has a door. I'm a hoarder...I don't even know why I do it...but I can't stop myself lol. At least everyone I know, knows where they can come to get a good book!

Wanda said...

Down with condensed versions! I hate it when I get a book on tape for my mother-in-law and it isn't the whole story!

Anonymous said...

Hi Sally, I too have a basket of books I am waiting to have time to read. The problem is I see something else I am interested in and become distracted. There doesn't seem to be enough time in the day sometimes.

Susan said...

I think I'm going to have to make a Resolution for next year to read at least 1 book that I actually own for each 2 books I borrow from the library - that's the only way I'll ever get through them all :)

Coloradolady said...

I have gotten in the habit of passing on books I have already read to my aunt, who is a avid reader. That way, I don't have them sitting around. the only problem with that is...I get them back. HaHa.

To answer your question on the second post today, it seems that SkyWatch friday takes place all over the world, and thus it is already friday on the other side....so in keeping with the brotherhood for all to share, over here, you should post on Thursday...that is the only thing I don't really like doing....posting fridays post thursday afternoon.....but, I enjoy the site and the photos. ~confussed yet??
Have a great weekend.

imjacobsmom said...

I am so behind on my books because I am addicted to blogging! I work a 10 hour day, cook dinner for Jacob, do a few loads of laundry, etc. Crack the homework whip, and then blog. But, I am on vacation the rest of this week due to the MEA. I hope to read a book I picked up from Sam's Club the other day called The Wednesday Letters and I need to finish The Shack. I hate to admit my favorite books are true crime novels. The last one I read was about the notorious Marjorie Caldwell. She is the daughter of Elizabeth Cogdon. Elizabeth and her nurse were found murdered in her Duluth, Minnesota Glensheen mansion. Marjorie and her husband Roger were accused of the murder. She is still alive and well and living in Arizona. It is a fascinating read, because this woman has done some things in her day. The book is called Will To Murder. It was written by Gail Feichtinger. ~ Robyn

Kim said...

I agree--condensed books don't appeal to me at all! Give me the real thing! Thanks for visiting me today.
*smiles*
Kim

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

I'm mainly a nonfiction person, so I have scads of books on spiritual growth.

Nancy said...

Well, I'm actually re-reading Jean Auel's Clan of the Cave Bear right now. Have you read them - they are wonderful.

So you started teaching at 45??? That is just amazing, lady! Good for you. :)Nancy

tanabata said...

My mom used to read those Reader's Digest condensed books sometimes and I never understood either. At least you're putting it to good use! :P