Read the best books first,
or you may not have a chance
to read them at all.
Henry David Thoreau
Yesterday I was ready to reduce my library to one large bookcase. But the truth is undeniable: I love good books. My brother may be in denial (see yesterday’s comments); I excel at rationalization. On a whim I decided to analyze my 2007 purchases, with commentary from the little self-justifying voice in my head.
January (2/5 read)
1. Beowulf audio version- It’s for school, an iron-tight, unassailable reason to buy books. It’s for the children! We listened to it, check this one off. Whew, it’s good to start with one I’ve actually read!
2. Too Late the Phalarope, Alan Paton – My dear Katie borrowed and read it, so someone has already received a benefit from this $1.00* book. Mindy Withrow said it was one of her top three books ever. I *will* read this book from the author of Cry, The Beloved Country.
3. Christmas Spirit, George Grant and Greg Wilbur – Have to be ready for Advent next year. Why don’t I already own this book, anyway? I’ve been neglectful, haven’t I? Naughty girl! Besides, it was only $1.55*.
4. Framley Parsonage, Anthony Trollope – Yes, I did read this. I can prove it too! It’s the best $1.27* I’ve spent this year. Less than a latté, far fewer calories.
5. The Pace of a Hen, Josephine Moffatt Benton – I’m sure this will be a good book when I get around to it. Besides, it only cost $2.97.*
February (2/4 currently reading)
1. That Distant Land (x3), Wendell Berry – These were gifts. It is a *noble* thing to buy books and give them away.
2. Small House at Allington, Anthony Trollope – It’s only self-control, a fruit of the Spirit, that has kept me from starting this $1.84* book.
3. History of the Kings of Britain, Geoffrey of Monmouth – There I go sacrificing for the children again! I had planned to skip this Omnibus assignment, but my son was interested. He’s 3/4 through it. And $1.90* to improve his mind – whatta deal!
4. The Piano Shop on the Left Bank, Thad Carhart – Pianos and Paris, come on! You won’t deny me this one little $1.93* pleasure! I’ve read a few chapters and am already thinking of the friends who would love to borrow it. See, I’m really trying to help the music-lovers in my life!
* It is sometimes convenient to “forget” the $3.49 shipping and handling charge
A Living Pencil 
Spoken as only a book lover could express it, I must say! You would laugh if you could see the 5 boxes of books that have been in my car trunk for the past month! However, I graciously donated a large number of them to our church’s MOPS garage sale, and another chunk to my counselor, who will undoubtedly get better use of them than I ever did. And truthfully, I did read a majority of them. I am still left with almost 2 boxes, which remain in my trunk till I figure out a place for them in my apartment.
Ahh, justification for book buying–how familiar!!! Jeff and I both are horribly afflicted with this. Take care.
I am, by far, the *queen* of rationalization!!!
If I had to guess (withoutchecking Amazon info) I’ve bought 8 books in February: 3 for DH, 2 for DD#3, 3 for me (Quotidien, Bird, & Devotional). I still think I want to own some more of Edith Schaeffer’s and Ruth Graham’s titles. Not that I love them more than others, I just think their family lives are worth examining.
RYC: I got into walking for the precise reasons which Curt mentioned PLUS it didnt cost anything. I insisted upon walking in my own neighborhood because I knew that if I had to get in the car to do it, I would make up an excuse.
And so, there are about nine hills in my neighborhood……..I just kept repeating so myself *You dont have to go fast, Dana. Just keep moving. * (For a picture see my blogger entry 3/31/06)
Blessings fm rainy GA,Dana
Homeschooling continues to be my rationalization for book purchases. My youngest is only EIGHT; I have years of book discussions and inspiration needed to complete the education of my five children (yada yada yada yada.)But, it is rationalization…I know that. We could never buy another book and all five of them would get a fine education. I think I am just making up for some many years of my life spent watching Gilligan Island re-runs (-:~Diane~who is indeed a book-a-holic and received FOUR boxes from Amazon.com just today. FOUR in one day. Rationalization is alive and well at the house on the hill (-:
Diiiii-annnnnne!! FOUR boxes!! Oh my goodness, gracious!! You have just become my best friend. I will use you in such a constructive way: “But hon, Diane bought four boxes worth in one day!” heh heh…. my competitive juices are flowing… could I purchase four boxes, do ya suppose? <grin>Seriously, I have always maintained that with the use of our limited public library alone (SOLA LIBRARY) I could give my children a good education. My one bragging point is that I taught my youngest to read without spending a penny. I asked our library to purchase “Teach Your Child to Read in 50 Easy Lessons” (my kids charmed them and I tried to be as pleasant as possible; they have been incredibly gracious in their purchases) and borrowed it, renewed it, took it back for a week, borrowed it again…. FOUR BOXES!! Oh that is stunning. Okay people – has anyone else out there EVER gotten FOUR BOXES from Amazon in one day? Oh, Diane, my friend, you will never live this one down!