This week, I read Anita Diamant's "The Red Tent". I remember when it first in 1997, and there was a huge hubbub about it. I steered away from it because of all the fuss that was made. Now I've finally read it, and in a way, I'm sorry that I didn't read it sooner. In another way, I'm glad I waited. I'm in a better way to appreciate it than I would have been in 1997. My life was way different then than it is now.
Over the past several months, I've considered donating some books to the library at the institute where I work. I have limited space in my little apartment, and I have read nearly all of the books that I brought from home or bought from Amazon.com (there are about 60 of them now). I'm just about ready for some new books to read and really need the space, so some of the books really should go and I'm sure that the library would be happy to take them...
...but my books are like close friends of mine. Even though I may not read them for another few years, I love them. They comfort me. They speak to me. They take me places when I need to escape from the everyday crap that life in the concrete jungle presents. So I haven't been able to bring myself to donate any of them to the library yet.
5 comments:
The only books I can bear to donate are books I didn't connect with, that I couldn't imagine re-reading, or that I couldn't finish (not that often, believe me. I plug mercilessly on to the bitter end!). So from the FOL booksale, when I buy 24 books, I might re-donate 2-3. Doesn't make that much of a difference, but it does weed out the dross.
I've read, and loved, both of those books.
As for me, I've gotten into the habit of borrowing books from the local library. It's walking distance from me, and I can check out most books from my computer, making it just as convenient as Amazon (plus I get a little bonus exercise). I rarely read books more than once, though.
One book that I've read recently and LOVED was No Man's Land. It's about a woman living in Vietnam right after the war whose husband comes back after being MIA for 14 years. The problem is that she has long since remarried, so she's torn between duty, honor, and following her heart. It sounds sappy, but it really is a good read!
I'm with you on the book thing. I have just stopped buying books. I force myself to beg and borrow books so that I don't accrue more. My shelves run over and I can't seem to get rid of any!
Hi Kat - it doesn't sound as thought it's time to let the books go just yet. I know The Red Tent and have read it more than once, but don't know the other. I think you'll give the books away when you're ready or find someone who will appreciate them.
It is hard to give up your books and like you said they are like old friends. Kathleen the photos are on the post.
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