I missed out on taking part in last week’s Booking Through Thursday meme but returning to take part in this week’s one, I find that Deb asks the interesting question:
If you usually buy your books, tell me why. Why buy instead of borrow? Why shell out your hard-earned dollars for something you could get for free?
Well firstly I’d say that I both borrow from the library and buy my own books but admittedly, if money were no object, I’d buy all my books. I know it sounds weird but I just prefer reading a book I own. New is best because you have the pleasure of ‘wandering’ through ‘virgin territory’. The smell and feel of a new book is a sensorial delight for me, and definitely a big part of the reading experience.
I usually buy 2nd-hand though so the joy of ‘new book’ is not experienced as often as I’d like it to be. However it’s still of paramount importance, and a great delight to put a book on my shelf that I’ve been chasing. I love trawling 2nd-hand bookstores. I feel to some degree that it nurtures my soul and the delight of picking up an old Steinbeck or Tolstoy, a Murakami etc. is indescribable.
As people covet more material goods such as clothes, jewelry, movies etc. so I covet books, and fulfill a need to surround myself with booky goodness. Books are a huge part of my life and to be working in my study with a clump of Hemingway’s or Steinbeck’s staring down on me is empowering, and at anytime I can reach up, pull one down and absorb the words of a literary genius, something I can only do for a limited period with books I borrow from the library.
About Rob
Typical male! Wishing for “Virgin Territory” !!
*grin*
Having said that:
Buying gives me a high, be it second hand books! That way I get to own the books!
Must buy!
says:
Rob *blushes*
)
I don’t think it’s weird that you prefer reading a book you own – I’m the same and I do like reading a new book – although I ‘d never thought of the “virginal” aspect! I do enjoy reading so much that books are never very far from my mind – whether they are new, old or borrowed.
I covet the books, too!
And, I like the Virgin Territory!
Ah, a new, never-touched book! Who doesn’t prefer that? However, I don’t have unlimited funds, so I vary.
Hey, I mentioned the feel and smell of books too. Part of the experience.
I always get excited when I find a book I want at the book store! I love to buy my books. And I hate time limits and fees! In the past I have had fees that I could have just bought the book and problem solved,lol.
We find that we don’t covet much anymore, less things means less clutter and cleaning.
Here is our Booking Through Thursday post.
I love the smell of new books too! I wish they’d bottle it as freshner
I agree: new book feel and smell is all a part of the experience.
Ah yes, if only money and space were no object, I’d surround myself with lots of “virgin” pen and ink!
Great reponse
Talk about the physical allure of books: the crafted pages, the paste, the fresh ink…I have always coveted books even as a kid. My parents thought I was the biggest bookworm because I wasn’t interested in toys or video games.
I’m always buying books. I buy them because I want to have them, period. I like to maintain a history of my reading over the years. There are so many good literature out there that have been overlooked by readers that after the first, or second printing they will go out-of-print. I’m always buying and preserving what I enjoy reading.
Finding a book I’ve wanted for a long time, especially if it’s out of print, gives me such a great feeling of satisfaction. I can see exactly where on my shelves it will go. Oh, to have money be no object!
Yup, books are the wordly material goods I covet, too. I don’t remember the last time I bought clothes or shoes, and I don’t wear jewelry. All of my spare cash goes to books.
some girls spend their cash on shoes or makeup; i spend mine on books. i certainly think my compulsive buys are much better than theirs.
says:
Thanks for all of your feedback guys. Looks like ‘new book smell’ is a real winner
)
I get a thrill from used books. I love knowing some other book lover has enjoyed the book I’m reading. Finding an old note or bookmark is very cool.
says:
Ah yes Tina the added delight of finding hidden ‘treasure’ – priceless!!!