My Thoughts on Book Collecting

A portion of my book collection
circa March 2016 from Instagram

I was recently asked elsewhere about why I collect so many books. I thought it would be something interesting to write about, so here I am.

I not only adore reading literature, but I also love book collecting a little more. Perhaps several bibliophiles will be angered by my obscene statement, but that's just my interest. I don't really like reading on my Kindle (no offense to people who do), and I also don't like borrowing books. I like to keep books, to collect them, to surround myself in their love and warmth. That may seem greedy, but it seems like everyone collects at least something, whether it be shoes or dust. I just so happen to collect books. I read a lot, too, don't forget. I fantasize day in and day out about getting more books to read and display, like trophies. I don't hate people who read and pass on a book, in fact, if you're one of those people, good on you. I admire your will power to let go a book that you enjoyed, and to pass it on to other people to enjoy as well. 😊

But, why do I collect books? Multiple reasons. Most of the times, it's so that I will be able to reread it when I want to. Sometimes, it's because I have a sentimental connection with it, and I'd be letting go of childhood memories if I got rid of them. And, in very rare occasions, it's just for filler on my shelves; books that I have no intention of reading, yet, no intention of getting rid of them. I also just love feeling books, just taking them off of my shelves, flipping the pages, basically groping the paper, looking under the dust-jacket, and reading some of my favorite parts if I'm not feeling up to rereading the entire thing. I also just like to admire my collection, staring at it all in it's entirety, surrounded by them. It's the overall atmosphere of books in general, from reading them, to groping them, to looking at them, to smelling them, they just make me happy. I love books. One day, I would like to make something like a "Little Free Library," only it would be as big as a Walmart. Impossible, I know, but it's a fantasy. 😃