I am almost done updating my Unread Library. I also organized all the books into sections, both for me and for anyone who wants to look at the list. It took me a few hours, and I got tired once I hit the poetry section, so most of what you see on that shelf hasn’t been added. I’ll update the list eventually, hopefully this week, but really there is no rush because I have books to read until the end of time.
The idea of me not buying a book until I finish all the books I haven’t read is so preposterous that I calculate the odds of that happening similar to the odds of Trader Joe’s vegetables lasting more than 3 days before spontaneously disintegrating into a rotten, pulpy mess.
Some things you just know will never, ever happen.
I cut a few books off the list. There were some books on chakras and positive thinking that I tried several times to read without success. True story: the author of the chakra book later renounced the book and said she wanted no ties to it because she now believed it was all foo-foo-la-la. If the author can’t read it, there is no reason I should. Delete!
As ridiculous as the list is, I’m excited. I have some great books! Also, I have some garbage books! Some will be a nice reminder on the perils of impulse book shopping. I won’t read everything, but I will make progress. I was going to reward myself with a book for every book I finish, but I after giving it some thought, I decided I couldn’t come up with an idea that would defeat more soundly the entire purpose of this project.
Maybe a new book for every two books I read.
Speaking of books, I asked around and it looks like people need more time to discuss This Is How You Lose Her. I’m thinking next week, Tuesday or Wednesday.
Hello! I just discovered your blog a few days ago via Besotted, and your writing is fabulous. I spent some quality time with your archives. I’m particularly inspired by this book project (as well as the William Morris one), because I’m in the same boat. Too many books! And still I want and want and want more….I’ve been trying for years to go through my unread library without success. So happy to have found your blog!
Your pantry is amazing, Sanae! I slapped that thing all over the interwebs. :)
And if you get three chapters into something and are still not remotely interested, I think you’re allowed to chuck it.
That’s my general rule of thumb, anyway.
Wow – three chapters – that is very generous. I usually try one chapter or less.
I am giving myself permission to let go of unread books – it’s hard, but I’m making progress.
You both are cold blooded! ;) I give it to the half-way point. I’ve found especially with classic literature that things don’t get interesting until then. Newer stuff is the opposite.
Say, I like the idea of rewarding myself with a book after each unread book I read. Oh wait, after every two. Well, whatever. I still like it, a lot.
And thank you ever so! I’m so close to being finished with the book–but I was gone over the weekend and work has been a tad insane. But seriously–how rotten would I be if I won the book and did not partipate in the conversation? Rotten like a well-hid Easter egg, that’s how . . .
Once I get the last of my reserved library books, I’m going to start tackling all the books I own. I got them all out last weekend from their cupboard and it was rather flooring. How on earth have I amassed so many? Why aren’t there more hours in the day for reading?
And to think, I haven’t finished the list! There are still more to add, and I doubt I will ever complete the list.
So glad it’s not just me with the Trader Joe’s vegetables! What is up with that?! Also, have you read Quiet, The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain? It’s amazing – a must read. I’m almost finished with it and am at the obsessed phase. (Clearly.) Actually said to my husband the other night as I was reading, “I think she has a window to my soul!” He gave me a look. Anyway, she is also a former lawyer who decided to stop torturing herself and do something else. I think you’ll love it, for many reasons.
I’m reading Quiet right now (not literally), it has been passed around work, and truth be told, we’re all feeling a lot better about ourselves. Totally enamoured with the read; there just so many things about Quiet that are compelling and uplifting.
That was going to be a book club pick, but I chose Daring Greatly instead. I’m still not sure I made the right decision. We’ll see!
Jenn – So glad you feel the same way, and very cool that you are passing it around the office. I think that’s exactly the idea of it.
Jules – Daring Greatly will be great (get it) but definitely put Quiet on your list for later. You’ll love it.
I have Quiet on my list. My 15yo said she saw a Ted Talk the other day with a woman talking about what introverts have to offer. She (daughter) really liked what the woman had to say and I’m thinking it’s the author of this book. I work with fundraisers – all major extroverts – and I come home EXHAUSTED from dealing with them.
Your (un)read library, so many good things on it. Sherlock Holmes, just recently read those, and I have to say, was really pleasantly surprised. Quick, short stories really.
This is dorky, but honestly, I still feel Shakespeare has to be read (acted) aloud. It might even be fun to play out as a family, make a summer outdoor activity of it. Maybe in two-three years time…think when my little guy is in grade three we should be able to tackle the Tempest – magic is a pretty awesome draw in the play, especially to an eight year old.
This month is filled with finance. I’ve got dozens of different books on varying elements of teaching financial responsibility…to both children and adults. It is going to be a dull month. Might have to throw in a novel or two.
It does have great books, doesn’t it? Such a shame that I haven’t done a better job at reading what I already have. Acting out Shakespeare sounds kind of fun. I’ll have to noodle on that for a bit.
So glad to see this post up. Perhaps it will give me incentive to start working systematically on my unread books. Way too many. Then a friend ecommended a couple new ones to me yesterday……..why do I have to do mundane things when all I want to do is read. Sigh. Will be watching your list.
Thanks, Susie! And thanks for the motivation. :)
Must. Not. Look. At. List. All that will happen if I look at your list is my list will grow. As it is, I’m peering at the picture of your bookshelf trying to see if there’s anything on there I “need.” Have you ever gone to Lookshelves.com? The site for literary voyeurs – it’s posts of people’s bookshelves. Not the styled kind – the kind crammed full of books. :)
I do really like Lust for Life. Now thinking I should get it down and re-read it………
You should add Boys Adrift by Dr. Leonard Sax to your parenting/boys list. It’s an excellent book.
I will look into it, thank you! It sounds great. :)
I, too, have an unread library shelf or two. It’s like my emergency stash, in the event I’m unable to get access to more books, which is a weird way to be. I really need to just read some of them already. Anyway, love seeing your list! (I just placed an order at the library for one of them, thus extending the life of my unread library even more.)