The Basics:
I have sold books, studied books, taught books, bought books, borrowed books (but never stolen books, at least, not intentionally), collected books, published books, attempted writing books, (once I even threw a book,) and now I am attempting — again — to enjoy reading books.
And, for the first time, I am blogging about them.
Housekeeping
I have packed books, stacked books, unpacked back-breaking boxed-up books, moved books, cleaned books, straightened up untidy books, reduced books, recycled books, and on occasion, otherwise disposed of books (but I’ll never admit to charcoaling a book).
Tip for cleaning used books: Windex on paperbacks works wonders.
Organizing
I have alphabetized, categorized, and catalogued my books, I’ve annotated, colour-coordinated, and relocated my books, I’ve displayed books, counted books, referenced academic books, and made all kinds of lists of books: books I’ve read, books to read, and books I want to own, favourite books, funny books, and books that I have . . . lent.
I’ve also worked for books. (Which doesn’t fit any of the categories so I’ll just put it here.)
Preserving
I have carefully penciled my underlines in books, just as carefully erased in books, worn white gloves while handling books, unintentionally damaged books, taped, glued, and stained books, treated dried-out leather books, wrapped dust jackets in their own covers of books, inherited old family books, collated tipped-in plates of books, collected signatures on the title page of books, and even autographed a few of my very own chapbooks.
Hold on to those, and maybe one day they’ll be worth millions.
Losing
I have lost books, forgotten books, foolishly loaned favourite books, received battered copies back of lent books, received nothing back of borrowed-out books, unintentionally baptized books, lusted after other people’s books, fallen out of love with certain youthful books, sold to second-hand shops of books, sold my soul by buying at big box stores of books, and given away a precious few books.
But as for the number of books I’ve encountered – why, I’ve lost track.
Question: What is your relationship with books?
Commonplace Book Blog 
I love it , Heather! It takes me back to the days of toddlers and doing everything I could think of to not be charged by the library for destroyed books. Only two did we have to buy…not bad compared to number we signed out. My in-laws think we have too many books! Is that even possible? I absolutely love them and just having them around me, even if I’m not reading any of them, makes me feel enriched.
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The image of you diligently trying to deter determined toddlers from destroying books made me laugh out loud – they just love exploring so much! It’s impressive that you only had to replace two books! 🙂
I don’t know if there is such a thing as too many books. 🙂 And I know what you mean about just being among them and feeling enriched. I heard from the bookseller I used to work for that it’s kind of like gaining knowledge through osmosis. For me, it’s the physical reminder of happy memories of reading specific books, all rolled into a feeling of happiness when I’m among them.
Thanks for your comment, Vanessa!
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