Book Care

Written on February 22, 2007 – 6:42 am

What kind of care do you take of your books? Let’s review, shall we?

  1. Are you careful with the spines? Or do you crack your books open to make them lay flat? Most of the time I pull them open to make them flatter, but I do it with care so that I won’t bust the spine.
  2. Do you use bookmarks? Or do you dog-ear the corners? If you do use bookmarks, do you use those fashionable metal ones? Or paper? I use bookmarks. Only paper ones since they make the book close flush. If I can’t find a bookmark, I will usually grab any old piece of paper I can find until I can replace that with an actual bookmark.
  3. Do you write in your books? Ever? If you do, do you make small marks, or write in as much blank space as you can find? Pen or pencil? Highlighter? Your name on the front page? Occassionally I’ll write in a book and usually only my name or a bookcrossing id #, but that’s about it
  4. Do you toss your books on the floor? Into bookbags? Or do you treat them tenderly, with respect? I toss a book anywhere since my current read usually goes with me everywhere
  5. Do you ever lay your book face-down, to save your place? Yep, I do that when I just need to put it down for a minute but know I’m going to pick it right back up to read
  6. Um—water? Do you bathe with your books? Hold them with wet hands? Read out in the rain? Anything of that sort? Nope, I try to keep my books from getting wet
  7. Are your books lined up on a bookshelf? Or crammed in any which way? Stacked on the floor? Most of the books I have that haven’t been read yet are on a bookshelf. Books that I want to keep that I’ve read are stored in a box in the closet. I have several of those.
  8. Do you make a distinction—as regards book care—between hardcovers and paperbacks? Not really, I pretty much treat all books the same, with the exception of the hardcover jackets. I try to make sure they don’t get torn up.
  9. And, to recap? Naturally, you love all of your books, but how, exactly? Are your books loved in the battered way of a well-loved teddy bear, or like a cherished photo album or item of clothing that’s used, appreciated, but carefully cared for? I think my books are somewhere in between. Depends on how much I liked the book, but the condition isn’t as important to me. I’ve got some books that have been pretty battered, but they are a few of my favorites. Then I’ve also got favorites that look like they’ve never been read.
  10. Any additional comments? I’m a book whore I think. I’ve got books everywhere. I have an addiction…every month I have to buy at least one book. Don’t know what it is, but I have to get my fix.

Share/Save/Bookmark

** Get Paid to Review my Post!!

3 Comments

  • At 2007.02.22 07:41, Glynis said:

    Thanks for the link to BookCrossing…I’m going to look into that!

    • At 2007.02.22 16:24, Lori Noe said:

      I love books too, have tons of them around.

      • At 2007.02.23 04:38, Karen said:

        Wow. A book whore! That’s really telling it like it is Rayne. But after reading your post i think I might be one too.

        (Required)
        (Required, will not be published)

        About the Author

        mamaLove is the personal site of Rayne Bair. Happily married since 2001 and proud mama of one adorable little girl. This site details a journey through motherhood and the discovery that there is life beyond being the mom. learn more ...

        Want to subscribe?

          Keep up with the latest at mamaLove.

          Add to Technorati Favorites

        Search for entries:
        ss_blog_claim=22b43c89f69dc307c11d5358ba0e57cf