My friend Liz and her husband recently stayed two nights with us while on vacation in this area. I pulled a dozen or so books from my shelves to share with Liz - who is also an avid reader and wonderful writer. (She writes as Elizabeth Vollstadt and has various books and stories in print, including YOUNG PATRIOTS: Inspiring stories of the American Revolution- which she co authored with friend, Marcella Anderson. It's for children but I love this book!)
THEN, Liz unloaded the books she'd brought to share with me. (She'd also brought a gift for me - a book, what else!)
While she was here there were books stacked on the coffee table, the end tables, the dining room table, and the kitchen bar. A few books more than my usual stash covered every available surface.
I'd catch her reading as I puttered in the kitchen, or at night we'd have tea and then she'd head off to bed with a book tucked under her arm. Early one morning I looked out and she was reading a novel in the white rocker on the front porch, still in her pajamas and with her coffee in hand. Of course, I couldn't have her reading alone out on the porch so I joined her.
It was just the best visit ever - someone came into my world and totally "got it." She understood if I grabbed a book and read a few pages before or after dinner.
We both took notes - jotting down the names of books we'd read. Neither of us wanting to miss a single good book that's out there, novel, biography, mystery, YA, or whatever.
Luckily, we both married men who like to read. I saw Peter with the latest Steve Martini novel. And R was deep into newspapers and magazines.
So, how many books is too many books?
I think the number of books one has is irrelevant.
As long as one has a book on the nightstand, a book on the coffee table, a book in the office, one in the bathroom, and one at the dining room table and maybe one on the kitchen counter, well, I could go on and on. I guess maybe it matters not how many as long as you are enjoying what is inside the book you are presently reading.
That's it. One good book is essential. As essential as breathing.
THEN, Liz unloaded the books she'd brought to share with me. (She'd also brought a gift for me - a book, what else!)
While she was here there were books stacked on the coffee table, the end tables, the dining room table, and the kitchen bar. A few books more than my usual stash covered every available surface.
I'd catch her reading as I puttered in the kitchen, or at night we'd have tea and then she'd head off to bed with a book tucked under her arm. Early one morning I looked out and she was reading a novel in the white rocker on the front porch, still in her pajamas and with her coffee in hand. Of course, I couldn't have her reading alone out on the porch so I joined her.
It was just the best visit ever - someone came into my world and totally "got it." She understood if I grabbed a book and read a few pages before or after dinner.
We both took notes - jotting down the names of books we'd read. Neither of us wanting to miss a single good book that's out there, novel, biography, mystery, YA, or whatever.
Luckily, we both married men who like to read. I saw Peter with the latest Steve Martini novel. And R was deep into newspapers and magazines.
So, how many books is too many books?
I think the number of books one has is irrelevant.
As long as one has a book on the nightstand, a book on the coffee table, a book in the office, one in the bathroom, and one at the dining room table and maybe one on the kitchen counter, well, I could go on and on. I guess maybe it matters not how many as long as you are enjoying what is inside the book you are presently reading.
That's it. One good book is essential. As essential as breathing.
One can never have too many books. I almost never get rid of older books, either. Needless to say, my wife and I have quite a collection.
ReplyDeleteI have so many books, but a lot of mine are children's books, since that is what I write. But mine are very cluttered and laying everywhere. I do need to get more organized.
ReplyDeleteLoved your blog--thank you. Where would we be without books? If I don't have a book to pick up, I wander around feeling lost. Maybe that's why I think my car could find its way to the library by itself. And why, visiting here in Ohio, I borrowed my daughter-in-law's library card first thing and am already an expert on their self-checkout system. Have to go now. I finished "Beach House" and have new book to begin!
ReplyDeleteI so agree! You can never have too many! I like to pass along & share too. One of my daughters FINAL got the reader bug (I had about given up, but she surprised me at 20). I am hoping the younger one will too.
ReplyDeleteI am love with LIBRARIES!!!
Sometimes I feel like I live and breathe books since I own so many. Unless the day is extremely hectic, I always catch some reading time.
ReplyDeleteSo true!
ReplyDeleteI may smother in an avalanche of books, but it will be a lovely way to go.
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ReplyDeleteB. WHITTINGTON said...
ReplyDeleteI love each one of your comments because they reflect exactly my feelings about books.
When someone says to me, "I don't read." I think how sad. To me it's as essential as air and as spontaneous as breathing - I just naturally reach for something to read, when I sit and when I stand. I cannot survive without something to read. And sometimes the pickings get slim, I'll admit. I read junk mail inserts on occasion and even books I do not like.
So folks, keep readin' and writin'.
Blessings!
I loved this! You can never have too many books!
ReplyDeleteYour time with your friend sounds as perfect as a visit can be. Too many books is not even a concept my head can grasp.
ReplyDeleteLove this post, Barb. There are never enough books! Enjoy the moment, the chapter you're presently in, and savor each ending like a piece of favorite candy.
ReplyDelete