Tsundoku: Japanese word that refers to the practice of buying more books than you will ever be able to read. I see it as the practice of keeping independent book stores alive.
Oh wow! What a great word, Tsundoku. I will remember that. I guess I do excuse myself in that manner too - independent bookstores and the authors themselves. But I feel it veered into addiction. It certainly felt compulsive. We will see if I can curb it. xoxo Thanks for commenting Deborah.
This book tour is exactly what I’d been hoping for each time you recorded in front of your beautiful bookcase. I have so many questions. What decisions did you have to make about the book shelf heights? They seem adjustable but I always miscalculate and end up constantly redoing them. What are you doing with your old books? And re your plaques, it is sobering when we get unexpected results. I’ve had a few surprises in 2023 too but thankfully found them early and took care of them. As a retired nurse I’ve always wondered if stoicism such as Michael has is taught or intuitive. Essential skill for nurses.
So glad to know I’m not the only one who buys more books than I can ever read! Mine aren’t nearly as organized, though, with some in shelves and others stacked up in front of my reading chair, chastising me for not reading them. I even wrote a poem, “Ballad of the Book Hoarder,” about it. There oughta be a support group! Maybe there is…One thing’s for sure: You’re a well-read woman.
HAHA, I like the name of your poem! I can relate, obviously. I am trying hard to be intentional about the books I'm reading. I have so many 1/4 read books! I hate that I always had a pile by my book reading chair, I'm trying TRYING! to limit it. But it is hard.
this was a fun & fascinating book tour, thank you! i love your built-in bookshelves & how you've organized everything... perfect setting for "calm & focus".
i'm about one chapter into each of a few million books, all of which are excellent & all of which i need to finish. when i can finally belatedly retire i aspire to organize & read them all.
my husband uses the library; my kids read on kindle. somehow i can't lose my real book habit. have you ever tried kindle? it would be a huge space saver!
I do have a Kindle, and I use it only when travelling. I don't like to read from it. I can't make hand written notes in it, and it doesn't seem to sink in my brain as deeply as I wish, or as deeply as it does with an actual physical book. So, I don't like them. But I have disciplined myself to travel with a Kindle so I don't have heavy luggage. I am excited for you to retire to your reading. I have that fantasy too. I'm part way there!
I loved every moment of your book tour. Thank you. Seeing your place gives me hope that there is a way for me to reproduce my huge basement library in the new (very small) home we purchased in Huntington Beach. Keep up the great Saturday posts, Julia. I enjoy them so much and I consider them an escape from my work. I need the joy!
Margaret! you can do it! I have certainly put books into the pile-to-be-gotten-rid-of that I will regret. But I think I had to accept that would be the case, I was going to get rid of things, and certainly there would be mistakes in it, but it was worth it for the overall reduction in STUFF. I love that you watch Margaret! xoxo Julia
I so appreciate your authenticity, and your generosity in letting us into your living book room! And, I celebrate your process of being honest with yourself, and honoring your need to get your books organized. That was a lot to do this week!
I love books too! Although, the ones I own are usually the ones that I can't get at the library. It seems like you're honing down to books with deeper wisdom to impart, and of course, amazing writers!
Your videos have inspired me to do my own style of video blogging. Thank you!
Vive Memor Lethi - Live in Memory of Death. This motto came to my family a very long time ago, in England, and was accompanied by the image of a swan, to become a family crest. It is very alive in me, especially as I have been fortunate to experience almost seven decades, so far.d.
Your book tour is inspiring and spectacular, and bravo to that huge pile of books that will be going elsewhere. Happy 2024!!
Julia, I am a fellow book-lover. But the reason I found you on Substack is to tell you how much I enjoyed your show at Spokane's Fox Theater. My husband and I listened to it while driving to IKEA in Burbank to buy more bookshelves 😁.
Anyway, you're a hilarious and intelligent delight. Thank you for the great stories and laughs.
You came to my book launch with Moon Z, back in 2019. I was so gobsmacked to talk to you, I blathered nonsense. You were so sweet.
I hope the best for you.
Michele
P.S. I love stories about your daughter. She sounds like a character.
P. P. S. You're right. Everyone is annoying. I need to share this with my daughter who dumps guys due to being annoying.
Photo below: Half of my library. The entire room is lined with books.
"Like buying all the food," oh yeah. My appetite for books is endless. But I did manage, a few years ago, to gather all the books I owned but hadn't read yet into a single pile, and to get real about giving away the ones I would never read (their moment had passed), and to actually read the others! I got it down to about 4 books left before recently buying a bunch of new ones.
I've read almost everything in your Plath section, except Three-Martini Afternoons at the Ritz, which I instantly looked up and have now added to my List of Books I Plan to Read Once I Get Through the Ones at Hand.
Also I shouldn't recommend a book to you, given the ones you already have on deck, but I'm going to because I think you would really love it AND it is quite short. Actually, maybe you have read it already because it is popular with book-lovers: EX Libris, by Anne Fadiman. Funny and thoughtful and, of course, bookish!
And finally, Middlemarch is one that's already on my aspirational List, but I've hesitated because I know it's long ... do you highly recommend?
Thanks for the tour! Whenever I visit anyone who has bookshelves in plain sight, I *have* to read the spines.
As a fellow book lover, I enjoyed every minute of your library tour. My husband and I have at least as many books (two bedroom apt, 22 bookshelves). We know where to find everything, but our books are not quite so well arranged. As an uncle told me years ago: It’s almost impossible to get rid of books…they grow tendrils…how can you give them up? Kudos for being able to cull as many as you did. Wishing you the best possible outcome for your health issues in the coming year.
Also, how does your atheism, which I share, affect or impact your reaction to unexpected health news? I SWEAR I don’t care about an afterlife, we came from nothing and nothing awaits us, and that’s comforting to me. But I like that seeing a person’s bookshelves gives us a peek at who they are, where they’ve been, and what they care about. Someday my kid will have to deal with all my books, and I know he won’t care about them as I do. Oh, well, another thing to let go of.
I watched it all!! Here are some reactions: I wish I had room for all those bookshelves, and I wish I hadn’t gotten rid of so many books over my adult life. I love the little figurines. Do you have any beloved books from childhood? Have you read the short stories of Lucia Berlin? They are dark and incredible, and some are just one page. I feel like you have endeavored to be your own higher education, and buying books allows you to refer back to periods of intellectual curiosity. You shouldn’t be ashamed of that! But I definitely have some books that I’m embarrassed to have on my shelves. I don’t know why.
Thank you Julia, for sharing your book collection with us. I loved seeing Bill Bryson and Oliver Sacks in your collection. Two of my favorites, too. Those built in shelves are a dream! I have been a “book hoarder” for most of my adult life but over the past couple of years (I’m 64, too) I have started looking at the finite time left and trying to be more intentional about reading and buying books. Thanks, also for turning me on to Tristan and the classics. He is absolutely delightful. I’ve learned a lot and am motivated and curious to do more reading of classics. Wishing you and your family all the best for the New Year.
My way of dealing with my book hoarding was to start a bookstore - EVERYTHING has to be read, and sold ASAP www.utvbks.com we pay and pick up in the LA area and gladly accept donations…
Tsundoku: Japanese word that refers to the practice of buying more books than you will ever be able to read. I see it as the practice of keeping independent book stores alive.
Oh wow! What a great word, Tsundoku. I will remember that. I guess I do excuse myself in that manner too - independent bookstores and the authors themselves. But I feel it veered into addiction. It certainly felt compulsive. We will see if I can curb it. xoxo Thanks for commenting Deborah.
This book tour is exactly what I’d been hoping for each time you recorded in front of your beautiful bookcase. I have so many questions. What decisions did you have to make about the book shelf heights? They seem adjustable but I always miscalculate and end up constantly redoing them. What are you doing with your old books? And re your plaques, it is sobering when we get unexpected results. I’ve had a few surprises in 2023 too but thankfully found them early and took care of them. As a retired nurse I’ve always wondered if stoicism such as Michael has is taught or intuitive. Essential skill for nurses.
So glad to know I’m not the only one who buys more books than I can ever read! Mine aren’t nearly as organized, though, with some in shelves and others stacked up in front of my reading chair, chastising me for not reading them. I even wrote a poem, “Ballad of the Book Hoarder,” about it. There oughta be a support group! Maybe there is…One thing’s for sure: You’re a well-read woman.
HAHA, I like the name of your poem! I can relate, obviously. I am trying hard to be intentional about the books I'm reading. I have so many 1/4 read books! I hate that I always had a pile by my book reading chair, I'm trying TRYING! to limit it. But it is hard.
this was a fun & fascinating book tour, thank you! i love your built-in bookshelves & how you've organized everything... perfect setting for "calm & focus".
i'm about one chapter into each of a few million books, all of which are excellent & all of which i need to finish. when i can finally belatedly retire i aspire to organize & read them all.
my husband uses the library; my kids read on kindle. somehow i can't lose my real book habit. have you ever tried kindle? it would be a huge space saver!
I do have a Kindle, and I use it only when travelling. I don't like to read from it. I can't make hand written notes in it, and it doesn't seem to sink in my brain as deeply as I wish, or as deeply as it does with an actual physical book. So, I don't like them. But I have disciplined myself to travel with a Kindle so I don't have heavy luggage. I am excited for you to retire to your reading. I have that fantasy too. I'm part way there!
I loved every moment of your book tour. Thank you. Seeing your place gives me hope that there is a way for me to reproduce my huge basement library in the new (very small) home we purchased in Huntington Beach. Keep up the great Saturday posts, Julia. I enjoy them so much and I consider them an escape from my work. I need the joy!
Margaret! you can do it! I have certainly put books into the pile-to-be-gotten-rid-of that I will regret. But I think I had to accept that would be the case, I was going to get rid of things, and certainly there would be mistakes in it, but it was worth it for the overall reduction in STUFF. I love that you watch Margaret! xoxo Julia
I so appreciate your authenticity, and your generosity in letting us into your living book room! And, I celebrate your process of being honest with yourself, and honoring your need to get your books organized. That was a lot to do this week!
I love books too! Although, the ones I own are usually the ones that I can't get at the library. It seems like you're honing down to books with deeper wisdom to impart, and of course, amazing writers!
Your videos have inspired me to do my own style of video blogging. Thank you!
Vive Memor Lethi - Live in Memory of Death. This motto came to my family a very long time ago, in England, and was accompanied by the image of a swan, to become a family crest. It is very alive in me, especially as I have been fortunate to experience almost seven decades, so far.d.
Your book tour is inspiring and spectacular, and bravo to that huge pile of books that will be going elsewhere. Happy 2024!!
Julia, I am a fellow book-lover. But the reason I found you on Substack is to tell you how much I enjoyed your show at Spokane's Fox Theater. My husband and I listened to it while driving to IKEA in Burbank to buy more bookshelves 😁.
Anyway, you're a hilarious and intelligent delight. Thank you for the great stories and laughs.
You came to my book launch with Moon Z, back in 2019. I was so gobsmacked to talk to you, I blathered nonsense. You were so sweet.
I hope the best for you.
Michele
P.S. I love stories about your daughter. She sounds like a character.
P. P. S. You're right. Everyone is annoying. I need to share this with my daughter who dumps guys due to being annoying.
Photo below: Half of my library. The entire room is lined with books.
I am late in taking your book tour, which I loved. I admire prolific readers. Hope you are feeling well.
Heaven! I loved seeing all these books! And it was fun seeing which ones we have in common. Thank you!!!
"Like buying all the food," oh yeah. My appetite for books is endless. But I did manage, a few years ago, to gather all the books I owned but hadn't read yet into a single pile, and to get real about giving away the ones I would never read (their moment had passed), and to actually read the others! I got it down to about 4 books left before recently buying a bunch of new ones.
I've read almost everything in your Plath section, except Three-Martini Afternoons at the Ritz, which I instantly looked up and have now added to my List of Books I Plan to Read Once I Get Through the Ones at Hand.
Also I shouldn't recommend a book to you, given the ones you already have on deck, but I'm going to because I think you would really love it AND it is quite short. Actually, maybe you have read it already because it is popular with book-lovers: EX Libris, by Anne Fadiman. Funny and thoughtful and, of course, bookish!
And finally, Middlemarch is one that's already on my aspirational List, but I've hesitated because I know it's long ... do you highly recommend?
Thanks for the tour! Whenever I visit anyone who has bookshelves in plain sight, I *have* to read the spines.
As a fellow book lover, I enjoyed every minute of your library tour. My husband and I have at least as many books (two bedroom apt, 22 bookshelves). We know where to find everything, but our books are not quite so well arranged. As an uncle told me years ago: It’s almost impossible to get rid of books…they grow tendrils…how can you give them up? Kudos for being able to cull as many as you did. Wishing you the best possible outcome for your health issues in the coming year.
Also, how does your atheism, which I share, affect or impact your reaction to unexpected health news? I SWEAR I don’t care about an afterlife, we came from nothing and nothing awaits us, and that’s comforting to me. But I like that seeing a person’s bookshelves gives us a peek at who they are, where they’ve been, and what they care about. Someday my kid will have to deal with all my books, and I know he won’t care about them as I do. Oh, well, another thing to let go of.
I watched it all!! Here are some reactions: I wish I had room for all those bookshelves, and I wish I hadn’t gotten rid of so many books over my adult life. I love the little figurines. Do you have any beloved books from childhood? Have you read the short stories of Lucia Berlin? They are dark and incredible, and some are just one page. I feel like you have endeavored to be your own higher education, and buying books allows you to refer back to periods of intellectual curiosity. You shouldn’t be ashamed of that! But I definitely have some books that I’m embarrassed to have on my shelves. I don’t know why.
Thank you Julia, for sharing your book collection with us. I loved seeing Bill Bryson and Oliver Sacks in your collection. Two of my favorites, too. Those built in shelves are a dream! I have been a “book hoarder” for most of my adult life but over the past couple of years (I’m 64, too) I have started looking at the finite time left and trying to be more intentional about reading and buying books. Thanks, also for turning me on to Tristan and the classics. He is absolutely delightful. I’ve learned a lot and am motivated and curious to do more reading of classics. Wishing you and your family all the best for the New Year.
SHIRLEY HAZZARD honk honk
Can’t wait to discuss Mizz Eliot w you
My way of dealing with my book hoarding was to start a bookstore - EVERYTHING has to be read, and sold ASAP www.utvbks.com we pay and pick up in the LA area and gladly accept donations…