Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: Confessions of a Book Nerd

Every time I think about getting a handle on the books that live in my house, I also think about my relationship with books and reading. I find the thinking about books to be way easier than the culling, organizing, and prioritizing.

In fact, I had planned on going through my bookshelves a few days ago because I need to get the stacks of books off the floor. Instead, I put on an audiobook and did something else.

Right before I started that audiobook, I had the following random bookish thoughts.

1. I used to save every book I read, whether I liked the story or not. Over the years, I've become very selective about what I keep. Granted, I still have piles of books all over the house plus overstuffed bookshelves. For some odd reason, though, I perceive myself as being ruthless about culling books.

2. I'm a polygamous reader. As a foundation, I always have a print book, an audiobook, and an eBook in my rotation. In addition, I likely have a science book, a fat book, and an "Oh look it's shiny and new" book in progress. More often than not I finish all the books I start, but I don't worry about it too much.

3. I used to finish every book I started, even if I didn't like it. Now I have no problem whatsoever abandoning books that don't call me. This is different from those books that somehow get pushed to the side for the new and shiny (see point 2).

4. I go through years-long stages of being yea or nay about writing in books. This summer, I've suddenly begun to write directly in my books again. It's kind of fun.

5. I used to never read a mystery series out of order. Now  I'm not so picky and will read anything in the crime / thriller / mystery genre regardless of series installment.

6. That said, for almost every other genre, I'm a strict in-order reader. Curses to all those damn trilogies.

7. I love surprises. I've read books based on the title or cover or author alone. It's exciting to go into a book totally blind. What's more, I never read the author's note or the foreword until I've finished the book. I really don't understand people who read the end first (these people, I am told, actually exist).

8. My eyes/ears are always bigger than the time I actually have to read/listen. I buy books and accept review books with all the sincerest intentions in the world. Reality sinks in every day, but I still remain full of hope.

9. I was quick to adapt to electronic editing, but I've struggled with eReading. I can't figure out why. Still, I make sure an eBook is always in my rotation (see point 2).

10. I used to write thoughtful, insightful, long book reviews of every book I read. Now I post a few thoughts on Litsy and do quick reviews here. I'm hoping my mojo returns.

11. On the other hand, I have no trouble writing reviews for freelance assignments. Perhaps the deadlines or money is a motivator.

12. On the third hand, I find I love writing round-ups and spotlights and features. Which is great because . . . well, see point 8.

13. I have mixed feelings about book acquisition. A day without new books makes me very sad, but a day with new books can be a little stressful--where to store them, when to read them, how to write about them.

14. I still buy books (see point 13). No matter how many review copies I get there will always be other books I just have to own.

15. I still use the library (see point 13). No matter how many books I own, there will always be books I want to read but don't want to save.

16. My books are basically not organized--not by genre, or series, or author, or color. Yet I can (almost) always find what I want when I want it.

17. Sometimes I question my sanity.