One problem with Christmas and books
When it comes to birthdays and Christmas I have a problem. This problem was highlighted by a catalogue inserted in yesterday’s newspaper.
I like getting new books as gifts. That’s not the problem, however. When family members ask me what I would like as a gift I usually request a book or two (and sometimes more). And I often get what I ask for. Isn’t it nice to have such a compliant family?
Aiding and abetting this process are the numerous book catalogues inserted in magazines, newspapers and sent in the mail. Then there are those lists you read about this time of the year recommending several hundred books you ought to read before you shuffle off this planet. Such interesting titles in those lists and in those catalogues, too. I’d love to buy them or receive them and read them.
Ah – there’s the rub. I have so many unread books on my shelves it is becoming embarrassing. Add to that the growing piles of unread magazines in various rooms in the house and I have a major problem.
I think I might need to take a year or two off and just read.
Now which is the most comfortable chair in the house?
The importance of reading
“The man who doesn’t read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them.” Mark Twain.
If you don’t read you are missing out on a great way of learning as well as a wonderful way of improving your life. Books can instruct, inform, entertain, motivate and inspire. This is a simple and relatively inexpensive (if you join a library) method of growing as a person. Drawing on the wisdom of the ages, books cover every subject you can imagine.
Writing and the importance of reading:
For writers, reading is essential. Reading a wide range of authors in a wide range of genre is a very effective way of helping your development as a writer. All the different styles of writing, the range of voices used and the techniques employed by published authors will help develop your own style and voice.
Develop the habit of reading. Resolve to never let a day go by without reading something.
For me though, there remains just one problem – finding the time to read all the books I would love to read.
Free books for your library
I am addicted to books and reading.
I cannot go a single day without reading something. I usually have several books – as many as half a dozen – on the go at the one time. Add to that several new magazines and newsletters arriving in the mail every week. This year I have cut down on the number of newspapers I read in an attempt to get some sort of control over this addiction. I’ve probably filled the time saved by not reading papers with reading articles on a variety of blogs.
A few days ago (see “Books, Bookshops and Bookshelves“) I complained about having to add several new bookshelves to our growing clutter of furniture. These are an attempt to get some kind of control and order to the numerous heaps of books further cluttering up the house.
Now I have discovered a new way to add to my collection of books. [sigh]
These books are FREE. [Bigger sigh]
Most of these books are CLASSICS. [An even bigger sigh].
Many books, poems and short stories are quickly becoming available on the internet for free. Read Print is one such site offering thousands of books featuring the works of hundreds of authors.
At this rate I will need several more lifetimes in order to read everything I would like to read.
Books, Bookshops and Bookshelves
Last Monday we needed to travel to Adelaide on business. This is usually an excuse to visit one or two bookshops. While my wife was doing some shopping in a large department store I spent an enjoyable hour browsing in the large Borders Bookshop in the heart of the CBD. Inevitably I found a few titles I would have liked to read but resisted buying any. I have a large enough heap – make that heaps – of books waiting to be read as it is. I won’t even start on about the numerous magazines waiting for my attention. I also felt rather virtuous for resisting the call to buy more books.
On our way back to the car park we needed to walk right past one of the Angus and Robertson* bookshops. “Let’s just have a quick look at the bargain tables out the front,” I said innocently. Three books and $20 lighter in my wallet and we were on our way. Resistance is futile. Actually, any three books for $20 is good value. My wife bought two interesting novels and I bought a book about writing novels written by Elizabeth George, author of the Inspector Lynley crime novels. We are currently enjoying the television series based on the novels.
Later in the day we visited a large international furniture store. I hesitate to use the name here. Let’s just say the store has Scandinavian origins. We ended up buying five new bookshelves to accommodate all those piles of books and magazines making a mess everywhere. So this week I have been busy putting these bookshelves together. Next comes the reorganisation of the office, including moving it from one room to another. I would have enjoyed making the shelves myself as I’ve done on several other occasions over the years as our library has grown. Still, I doubt if I’d been able to buy the timber any cheaper than what we paid for these.
I can’t wait to get really organised.
*A large Australian based chain of bookshops.
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