Going through the books

 For someone who grew up not really enjoying reading, I've come to the realization that I own a lot of books.  Too many, in fact.  Now, don't get me wrong.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a lot of books.  I love them.  And, now that I am an adult, I love reading them.  But in our never ending, or at least it feels that way, purging of the house I do recognize the fact that I have more than my share.  Cookbooks in particular, but that's for another blog.

This bookcase is almost full!

So, I am going through the books and sorting them into categories.  There are books that I haven't read yet.  So many of those.  There are books I have read that I want to keep because I will read them again one day.  This is a tough category.  I'll tell myself that yes, I'll read it again one day.  But will I really?  I am really having to buckle down on this one and make some careful choices.  There are books that I have read or at least tried to read that I don't want to keep.  This one is easier.  It does not necessarily mean that I did not enjoy the book, I just already know I don't need to reread it.  And there are some that I just don't want to finish reading.  I actually just put a book in my "get rid of" pile that I was 3 quarters of the way through and decided I didn't care how it ended.  I didn't particularly like any of the characters so it was time to stop wasting my time.  I always have hope when I'm reading a book like that that it will improve.  I made it through an entire mystery set in a historical home in Wilmington, NC that I prayed would get better.  It never did.  I almost put that in the recycling bin because I didn't want anyone else to endure attempting to read it.  And then there are the antique and vintage books that belonged to family.  I have no intention of letting those go.

There is a local used bookstore that we will take the extra books to and hopefully get some money for them.  If not, then to a charity they will go.  I do believe that books are important and I prefer having an actual book in my hand than read an e-book.  Just my preference.  I do think, though, instead of buying a book that I may or may not like, I should invest in the library first.  That's what it's there for, after all.  And I should support any local business I can....even if checking out books is free.  Of course, I read slowly so I'll end up paying fines anyway LOL

I just went through a stack of books.  2 to keep, 1 to get rid of and 10 yet to be read.  Hey, it's a start!

Happy Reading!