Yes, I have a book problem. Actually, I have two problems. It would not be so bad if they were not conflicting with each other like two dogs in a bag trying to escape! People who know me will tell you that I have a slightly quirky approach to books. My biggest concern is probably that I don’t like having books on my shelves that I haven’t read. It does not bother me when it comes to other people’s bookshelves. But it bugs me when I look at my library. A lot. Maybe that’s why I keep my unread book in a separate TBR pile on the floor in my office. I am not referring to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other similar books, nor collectible books or ancient editions. I am referring to the regular fiction and non-fiction books I purchase at the bookstore.
Talking about buying books raises the second issue. I enjoy purchasing books that interest me and that I hope to read soon. That’s fine with me; I’m not going into debt for it. However, this “hobby” has left me with about 192 unread books that are bugging me! I made the list last year and, as I was adding title after title to it, I began to wonder: “How did that happen?”, “How did I fall into such book oblivion?” I am not usually an impulsive buyer, except when it comes to books. So, in 2025, I decided it was time to act on this problem, and I made a few decisions to at least partially resolve the dilemma: First, I reduced the number of trips to the bookstore. I used to go every Friday, before picking up my daughter at the bus, it was a way to unwind and unplug.
Second, I hired a conscience. My daughter has been telling me for a while now that I have too many unread books. She is right. So, every time I go to the bookstore, I task her to remind me of my large TBR piles in my office. Needless to say, she loves doing that and accomplishes her duty diligently!
Third, I set a number. There is no way I will remain without buying books until I have read everything, so I set the number 13 as my limit (because, at the time of this decision, I thought I had 133 books on my TBR. I later found out that the reality was different). I will buy a book every time I read 13 books from my TBR. I also enlisted my daughter to check on it regularly. With over 150 unread books, there’s no way I’ll read them all this year. Let’s face it, honestly. I don’t have the time, nor would I even want to do that. It would completely kill the joy of reading to turn it into a chore and an obligation. No way! Another number is 5. I will try to read five books a month, and possibly a sixth as a reread of a favorite book.
Fourth, I will shop from my TBR pile. Between nature writing, Young Adult, travel writings, history, biographies, letters, detective novels, and historical novels, I have a lot to choose from.
Fifth, should I set a reading calendar? I tried but failed. It changes the nature of reading to make it a task. So, no.
Sixth, I could read by themes: I have many books on Impressionist painting, creativity, and Marie-Antoinette. I could have a few weeks each year when I read everything I own on a particular topic.
And you? Do you have any quirks related to books or reading? How do you resolve them?
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