I'm having one of those moments that I assume are familiar to all enthusiastic book owners and collectors (or perhaps more accurately in my case hoarders) where I feel totally overwhelmed by the number of books hanging around the place. They're everywhere. In an attempt to eat at a table tonight I had to move a pile of them only to realize that if they went on a counter there would be nowhere to prepare the food - and then I started looking for a specific title (
The Bloomsbury Cookbook)... I couldn't find it in the pile of books I'd bought myself, the pile that I mean to read very soon, the pile I keep by the bed, the pile of review copies that I'm committed to getting around to soon, or the pile of review copies that I've had for a shamefully long time. It didn't seem to be among any of the piles of books read but still looking for some sort of permanent home or in any of the wooden wine boxes enjoying a new life as makeshift book shelving. I was quite surprised when I found it in the last place I looked - with the other cookbooks - where it doesn't really belong yet because I've not had a proper look at it. Now I have located it I'm not sure which pile (bedside books I've bought myself and not yet read, sitting room books I've bought and not yet read, books I'd quite like to review soon because I'm specifically excited about them, or back in the kitchen) it properly belongs in.
What I do know is that I don't have enough space on my bookshelves, don't have enough space for more bookshelves, and don't have any intention of not buying more books and actually to be fair it's not precisely the number of books or the scenes of mild chaos that are overwhelming me. No, the problem is the sheer number of books I want to read now, right this minute - or at least by the end of the week - and the possibly irrational resentment that I have to spend time at work earning a living and sleeping instead. The problem with my recent holiday it seems, is that it was just long enough to unwind and get over a mild case of readers block, not nearly long enough to find the time to follow every inspiration that came my way. At least it's not the worst problem a person can have...
That all sounds so familiar, and I have no answers but I can definitely say that you are not alone.
ReplyDeleteMost the time it's quite nice to look around and see lots of books to look forward to but just sometimes it's gets a bit much doesn't it!
DeleteOh how I know this problem well, and in the excitement of having so much I want to read I find it hard to actually get lost in a book - I'm thinking about the next. Good luck managing to get it into a more manageable order, perhaps a clear out is on the cards?
ReplyDeleteI struggle with clear outs, I want ALL the books... I don't keep ones I've read and know I won't read again or don't feel like part of my collection but otherwise it's very hard to let go. They're earmarked to be a comfort in my old age.
DeleteHow well I know this problem...
ReplyDeleteI bet you do!
DeleteYour situation echoes my own, oh so closely...
ReplyDeleteA common problem for book addicts I fear. It's good to know that most of us are in the same boat.
DeleteI feel for you ... there are hundreds of books here I have not read, I wish to read them, I intend to read them but when? There are 4 floor to ceiling 32" wide double stacked shelved bookcases here. I also have stacked series (in order) under the dining room sideboard, my desk, on window ledges ... so what? Indeed ...
ReplyDeleteThat description makes me want to explore your house!
DeleteIt is a common problem I fear. The stacks of books became a problem for me, so I took the step of giving away the books I knew I wouldn't read again, but before I did that, I started a book journal logging all the books I had read, so they are with me in spirit :)
ReplyDeleteThat's one of my reasons for blogging - it helps me keep track of books read, it's always a surprise at the end of the year when I look back how many I've forgotten already. Reading over blog posts or journal entries and they come right back though.
Delete"the problem is the sheer number of books I want to read now, right this minute - or at least by the end of the week - and the possibly irrational resentment that I have to spend time at work earning a living and sleeping instead." My thoughts exactly.
ReplyDelete