I assume that those who read blogs also read books, at least some of you. And there will be those readers of books who are also bibliophiles, a word that makes us sound perverse but we are really quite benign. We just collect many books; we can't help ourselves. It is a compulsion. When we run our of room for bookcases we would very nearly start to eliminate our furniture to make more room for them.
I wanted to have a clause in my marriage vows that chained my spouse to this decree. He, looking forward to old age, declined his signature. So, over the years I collected a sizable library and then began to re-read books. I very rarely ever bought new ones. Once in a while I would join a club in order to get all those books for a buck; then I would meet the requirement and exit the club. Re-reading books is to me like listening to a favorite piece of music over and over.
When I was younger, I might have eliminated furniture. What is a soft chair or a nice recliner compared to a book, I would have thought. Now I am 51 and age has required the sad change of perspective. Sitting on the floor Indian Style just doesn't work anymore. I need the recliner.
I also need my nice leather high backed computer chair because I spend a fair amount of time sitting here writing, researching, reading or watching House or Bones. (I haven't a television.) I also spend money. The government who provides some of us who have disabilities a small monthly stipend, but we are not allowed to save much money. If we do, they will confiscate it! Yes, the government discourages our saving money. Hence, if some begins to accumulate, I pass the time with my stated interest of spending money. I am discriminative though; I don't buy just anything.
I'm not rich either, far, far from it. But I am now buying a fair number of books. I have finally reached the point that I want to share. Barnes & Noble is wonderful. They have those nice comfy chairs and the delicious coffee. Sometimes you get a grand bargain book, but did you know that, if you go to Barnes & Noble on line and search their store for a book that is wanted, you have the option of purchasing a used copy from their authorized used book sellers? Yes indeed!
I have purchased books in superb condition, hardbacks, for as little as $1.99. Some older books that are now collectors items have been priced much lower through these authorized sellers. Or, if they fail to offer a reasonable price for a good book, Amazon.com usually comes through with the same book for much less. Or visa versa. You must do a little research into the used book business to find the very lowest price for these collector's items.
Today, I fairly squealed with delight when my mail lady arrived with three recently purchased books - all of them look brand new with perfect dust jackets. One of them is The Riverside Collection of Chaucer's works. When at University we used The Riverside Shakespeare book because it was the very same book used at Harvard. This book is in excellent condition. Except for a name scrawled in small letters in the top right hand corner of the first page, it is a perfectly clean copy, for $35.00.
I just had to say that.
Friday, June 12, 2009
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My hubby says I have too many hobbies. One can never read enough.
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