In a digital age, there’s a timeless allure to the physical book—a tangible embodiment of knowledge, imagination, and adventure. Books are more than just reading material; they’re portals to distant realms, windows into the human psyche, sanctuaries of solitude, and works of art. They are reminders of, and connections to our past and to our loved ones. They are reflections of ourselves, who are are and who we want to be.
Books hold an undeniable fascination as they transport us to worlds we’ve never seen and allow us to connect deeply with authors’ thoughts and emotions. They offer a respite from life’s chaos and provide solace in quiet moments. They allow us to imagine a different or better life, or a better version of ourselves. They can help connect us to our past and our loved ones. The tactile experience of holding a well-crafted book, with its pages, ink, scents and artwork, is a sensory delight to many.
Our affection for books is profound and enduring, but how do we navigate the fine line between cherishing them and accumulating an overwhelming collection?
To curate a meaningful collection without ending up with more than we can effectively manage or cope with, consider these reflections: prioritise value over volume; embrace e-readers and libraries for less permanent reads; share your cherished books with loved ones; periodically assess and declutter your collection; and set boundaries to stay focused on the books that truly matter.
Value over Volume
Instead of striving to amass an impressive number of books, focus on the quality and significance of each addition to your collection. Choose books that resonate deeply with you, ones that you’ll definitely revisit and treasure.
Digitising
I don’t want to try to convince people to ditch all their books in favour of e-readers or audio books, it’s unnecessary and I certainly couldn’t do it myself. However, there could be some books that you could read or listen to electronically first, and then perhaps buy if they resonate enough with you and meet the criteria above. The quick mass-media-BookTok-summer read, the one for book club that you’re not overly excited about, the one that someone told you about that you aren’t sure is your style but you want to give it a shot because they said you would like it. Those kinds of books can often be borrowed from the library or bought digitally.
Gifting
Sharing your beloved books with friends and family can be so rewarding. Gifting books you’ve enjoyed (or even ones you didn’t haha) not only spreads the joy of reading but also creates opportunities for meaningful discussions. I received a copy of my grandmother’s “Anne’s House of Dreams” that was gifted to her by her sister (whom I also adored) around the time my father was born. I am so grateful for that gift.
Curating consistently
Regularly assessing your book collection and asking yourself which books continue to enrich your life and which might find a new home with someone else who can appreciate them is a worthwhile activity to make time to do. We tend to have more rituals triggers around accumulating books and tend to leave the curating as a “one day” activity. We need to balance that out a little.
Boundaries
Setting boundaries is also worthwhile. While collecting an entire bookcase of “to read” seems exciting, it can also be an overwhelming burden on you. Unread books should be coming in at a rate that is less to or equal to those that are being read. And then, unless you have space to fill, they should be leaving at a similar rate also. Having a bookcase or stacks of obligations staring at you can kind of sour the romance of books a fair bit! Don’t just bring home every book that crosses your path. Bring home books that you know you will read (and soon). Be intentional.
Caring for them
Speaking of stacks, how are you storing your books? Are they accessible? Are they being looked after? Are they safe from moisture and pests? Are they languishing in a box somewhere? Or are they getting tripped over in the hallway on the floor? And is that what you really want for them?
Our enduring love affair with books is a testament to the power of storytelling and the written word. By embracing a mindful approach to our collections, we can continue to nurture our passion for reading while ensuring that each book we own holds a special place in our hearts, avoiding the trap of accumulating more than we can cherish.
So, which book will you dive into next, and which one will you pass along to kindred spirits on their literary journey?