We have a beautiful floor-to-ceiling bookshelf which was built into the wall of our living room long before we owned our home. When we first entered our new home, encyclopedia volumes and world history books remained on the shelves from the previous owners. We kept them to use as book ends and then quickly, too quickly, the rest of the seven shelves were filled with our personal books.
It has been fourteen years since those shelves got a good cleaning. I mean a take-everything-off-and-put-only-some-of-it-back kind of cleaning. Instead of shopping on Black Friday, that is what we did.
We cleaned.
We purged.
We realized we had two copies of The Age of Innocence and Daisy Miller, enough Bibles for a family of ten, and at least five outdated college textbooks.
At the end of the day, there was a mountain range of books spanning from our dining room to living room with the designation of either “To Sell*” or “Book Bin**”—I cannot bear the thought of throwing away a book, even if it is: a) one I hated, b) outdated, c) worn.
*I found a wonderful used bookstore near my house which I have passed dozens of times without stopping. Finally, last year I went. They have an extensive collection and also buy used books—which usually helps take care of a portion of my bill when I’m done shopping.
My last haul from The Book Garden
**For the books which I know are too outdated or not in the best condition, I put them here:
Yes, this exists, and it is amazing.
Would you believe even with all this, my book shelf is once again full?
In 2019, I began recording “Books I’ve Read” in a small journal. It was my attempt to be able to visualize all the books I read that year and a way of inspiring me to read more. It worked. In 2019, I read 20 books. This year, so far, I’ve read double that.
Like any good reader, my “To Read” pile continues to grow. Hopefully, I can find a place to put it all.
Coming Soon: My 2020 Book List
Thanks for sharing bookshelves are intriguing. With what us in them I need more.