Or do you get rid of them instead? I have never understood why people buy new books and only read them once, and then give them away. I buy mostly used books and keep most of them. I only get rid of a book if I didn't like it. Do you keep your books, or get rid of them?
[question posted by Bd200789]
responses and comments:
I haven't bought any books in a very long time. All the books I have bought, I have kept and are all placed neatly in a book shelf in my house. I now have the luxury of going over to my mother-in-laws and borrowing the books in which she buys. She has a very extensive library in her home. [Chey1970]
You're lucky to be able to read her books. I keep most of mine, but I have to buy them used. [Bd200789]
It really depends on whether or not I enjoyed reading the book, and if I think I may pick it up again someday and reread it. I only have a few thus far, but that's only because I just recently rediscovered my love of reading for pleasure, instead of for class. [lwelizabeth]
Of course I keep the books after I read them. Books are treasure for me. Besides, I can read them later or leave them for my son. Reading is a good habit and I want to develop my son to have this habit, too. [youless]
Depends, some I keep some I pass on. If I finish a book on a train or bus I always leave it there. It puts a smile on someones face if they get on a train for a long journey and find something good to read.. [Pinkon4u]
I have always kept my books which I have readed. I think these books could let me remeber the joyes that they brought to me. At the same time, I also have the chance to give these books to someone who really need them. In my thought, this is a good habbit. [lovablebee]
Unless I absolutely hate them, I always hang onto them. I have far too many books really as I've run out of space to put them, but I can't resist buying them any more than I can resist hanging onto them. I'm always picking up used books that look interesting and I've got more books than I'll get time to read. When I've read one I like to keep it because I just feel that there's such a richness in owning books. They're such wonderful things. I love to be able to recommend and lend out books to friends and family too. [Phaedra_Scythe]
Just my opinion, and as we know, opinions are like armpits-we all have a couple! I don't routinely buy books. First, I don't have storage space to keep them and secondly, I feel that it is more environmentally sound to borrow them from a library or a book exchange or whatever. Should I really LOVE a particular book and feel the need to own a copy, then I get a copy! However, I do know that some people's hobby is collecting books or re-reading them. If that is their pleasure then I say 'go for it!' I do have some of my grown children's favorite children's books that I kept. They can have them when they have a family or I can use them for grandchildren one day! I also have a few classics that I kept around for all the children to use during their school years and such. [crazynurse]
Well I used to keep all my school text books and reading books (hardback and paperback). However, after many bookshelves filled with books I just didn't have anymore room for them. I had a garage sale when I moved out of state and I had so many books that instead of selling them ... not enough time ... I just gave them all away! Some books were brand new and still in their plastic wrapping. There were a few that I kept to read over. I kept my Collectibles such as my Marilyn Monroe books. I tended to keep my biography books because of the photos. I used to donate a lot of my books to the library. Now I am overrun with books again. We have seven bookcases stuffed with books. My husband is a chef so we have tons of cookbooks. I have sold some books on half.com ... Happy Reading! happy [marilynut]
The books I bought are mostly Sidney Sheldon's collections.. I started buying his masterpieces when I was in College. I bought back then paperbacks/used books since the new ones were very expensive for my budget as a student. I kept all of them because they're part of my treasures in life. Since I arrived here in Denmark, I bought two books already and I intend to keep them and add them to my collections. [jhoannejoj]
Yes..I am the same way. I only keep the books that I like and give away the ones that I don't. I have so many books. Bookcases and bookcases full. We have not moved in over 17 years but have been talking about it and the first thing that went through my mind was moving all of my books. Argh..lol I rarely read them over again as I like a fresh story, but hate to give away a great book because there are a few that I have reread a few times. [saigonwarrior]
Once I've read a book it sort of becomes mine and I have a very difficult time ever parting with it even though I don't often re-read books. I sell books for a living but that's different. As long as I don't read a particular copy, I don't think of it as mine and I can sell it easily. I recently donated about 50 books to a thrift shop. They were old reading copies that I'd finished long ago and had no space for and didn't especially like all that much. Still, the fact that they were mine and I'd read them, made it really hard for me to part with them. [irisheyes]
The only books i got rid of were some i did not like in the first place...i just sold htem to second hand places when i needed money, tho i did not make really a lot out of htem...but still it helped...other books i used to keep them...tho now that i kind of ran away from my parents's house i miss my books too:( they are there and i have no way to access them*sighs* [JoMarch]
As a bookworm and trained librarian I have always been hesitant about lending books to someone or giving them away. But its a matter of space in an apartment. When I have read a book I determine whether it will be likely I read it again. When I can honestly say no I re sell the book or give it to someone who wants it. I buy my books used quite often, too as they are cheaper this way. [book1962]
I keep my books after I've read them. Even if I don't happen to read them again...someone else can always borrow them from me. [seiko25]
My sister in law got me turned on to a site called Book Mooch. It is terrific.I love books. Even ones that I love I will trde here looking for another. All we pay is shipping. It is a get way to inspire reading. Just got the Emerald City of OZ for my daughter. BookMooch anyone? [ersmommy1]
Not only do I keep them I go back and read them again when I don't have a new one to read. One of my son's ask me why and I told him it was the same reason he keeps movies he has already seen...so we can enjoy them over and over. Have a Happy reading day Kowgirl [Kowgirl]
Nope, I dont keep them. I belong to a swapping website where I get the books, read em, relist em, mail them out when someone wants them.. and in return I order whatever books I want to read. I only pay postage to mail mine, and when I request a book from another member, I dont have to pay postage. Works well for me! Once I mail my book and they receive it, I get a credit for another book. [enchantedleppard]
I like keeping the books I have bought. I have read and reread them several times. I too only give books away if I don't like them. [k1tten]
I usually do that but if I reread them then I realize I forgot some important details. I also reread them to get what I missed. [k1tten]
I always keep my books carefully in a bookshelf.But many of my good friends borrow them,forget to return them and never allow me to keep them there carefully. [balasri]
Ohhh I am an awful book fiend!!! I have WAYYYY too many books. My local library does book sales every 6 months or so and the last day they have a "$2 bag sale"... basically for $2 a bag, you can fit as many books as possible into a paper bag, and yep- only $2 for the whole bag!!! I go absolutely crazy!! lol.. So, in answer- yes, I keep my books! [histechnoangel]
I love wub reading books any kind really I can read about 3 a day or sometimesw more. I don't really buy my books unless at like a yard sale or goodwill where they are under a dollar a piece. I do go to the library alot and get atleast 30 at a time of romance and other type of books. I will admit I do get rid of them after reading the books I get it is usually jus to trade or pass them on to others in my family who read. My husband hates when I am readingrasp because he says I get more irritable when someone bugs me when reading them anything else. Which is true. I hate being interrupted several times in a few minutes. I usually have to read where he isn't..lol [mtdewgurl74]
My husband and I both tend to accumulate and collect books. I can read them and re-read them again the next year. Some I've had forever. When I'm looking for something to read, I'll get them out again. [estherlou]
I keep some and I give others away, just depends, some books are worth keeping others I find are not. [winterose]
I have hundreds, and possibly more than a thousand books. Some I have read, and others sit on an ever growing pile of books to be read when I get the chance. I buy both new and used books, depending on whether I'm willing to wait for a used copy, or if I desperately want the book as soon as it is published. Many of the books I keep. The ones I don't, I give away through bookcrossing, so I know that they are going to another home where they will be appreciated. [kriszelunka]
I haven't bought new books for myself in years... I'm too busy re-reading the ones I bought 10-20 years ago. I usually read then store them an go back several years down the track. My favourite genre is science fantasy. You know, J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings (sword and sorcery stuff). My favourity authors are David Eddings (the Belgariad), Raymond Feist (the riftwar saga), Stephen Donaldsen (Chronicles of Thomas Covenant). Terry Brooks (The Shannara series), J.R.R. Tolkien. I particularly like series of books rather than just individual books. [jewelenterprises]
If I buy books, they're from a very specific genre. I collect local interest books from the area I live in,I have a few favorite authors whose books I'll often buy as well as cookbooks from certain regions but except for the local interest, I'll shop garage sales or flea markets and second hand shops before I'll go to the big chain stores unless i'm looking for a specific book that I cannot absolutely find anywhere else. Other than that I use my local library for most of my book needs..it's just too expensive to buy every book you want..at least it would be for me...I'd have to be a millionaire to do that, especially with the voracious appetite I have for books. [funygirl38]
I usually read books borrowed from the liberary. So I seldom have books by meself. If I really buy books for myself, they must be the very important books for me, and I surely will keep them with me for a long time. And as i have a habit that liking to read a book for several times to get the main spirit of the books, so I will keep the books after I read them. [nini168]
I absolutely love keeping my books. I am just addicted to books and hate lending them out, although I love it when my friends read it. Keeping my books in a nice bookshelf feels like I am storing my gained knowledge somewhere for referral. hehe [Tchantal01]
Most of my collection of books have come from thrift stores or when the Library sells books, my husband and I very rarely buy new anymore. We tend to re-read a lot so we keep our books, which can be a pain when we've moved, but it's worth it! If we get duplicates or don't like it, we pass it on to my mom or my sisters or my dad. Recycling is your friend! [secondalto]
Books also need a home. If I buy a book, I tend to keep it after I have read it, even if I read it only once. As such, I don't buy books if I can. [whyaskq]
It really depends on the book. If it's a Bible or bible-based study guide, then Yes I do keep them. If it's a book for entertainment-reading, I will keep it long enough for anyone else in the house to read. Eventually I sell it on Ebay or I give it away on Freecycle. [primalmom]
I really keep my books after I read them. The only books I dont keep are the ones that are academic and can be used by some other person. I give them to an organization in my University so that other students can use them too. [kwaxinator]
no i have nt done so but it is always good to do it because arranginh thingsa al;ways keep us bright and brisk [harrish]
I dont keep books after i have read them.I just trow them away. [sahyd2don]
definitely,I will keep my books. When I was a student, I liked to go to the bookshop and buy some favorite books. But after paying for those books, I had no time to read them,indeed, and layd them aside. The references books I bought when I was a high student are still lying under my bed. I just wonder maybe they will be kept until my son will read them. At present, I seldom buy books, and mostly,I surf the internet to look for what I really want to know. In other words, I will not get rid of my books whatever I read them or not. I prefer to deliver them to next generation. [candyandhoney]
I keep my books ... all of them, even the duplicates. I love to escape into a good read when life gets a little stressful. There is nothing quite like the pick-me-up of a good book. And when a story is especially good, I can escape into it again and again, as often as I want (or at least until the book falls apart). [Winter08]
If I enjoyed the book, I usually keep it. If I don't want it anymore I put it on a book swapping site like BookMooch. [Coolsister]
I keep the ones that I buy, but like you, I usually buy used ones. I am a book snob, though...I only buy hardbacks. I find books on eBay, Alibris and AbeBooks. I collect old children's books. I have a nice collection of classics, too. My books are treasures to me. If I just want to read something, though, I usually go to the library. If it ends up being something I want to keep, then I buy it. lol I've been collecting books a long time, and believe me, you can read it more than once. Things I read when I was in my teens are a lot different when read at 53! lol I do have a cleaning now and then. I usually take those that I've decided to get rid of to the library. They have a sale every year of donated books in order to make improvements to the library and to buy new books. [CherylsPearls]
I buy a lot of books, Bd, in fact, far too many, and I only get rid of them when they have taken over most of the space in my apartment.lol I will then go throught them and select the ones I can't bear to part with to keep. [worldwise1]
I have always loved my books; new or used and have kept as many of them as I can for years. When I have a bookcase then it's great, but right now I have no place to even put a bookcase in our new home so I've had to get rid of a lot of them. Makes my heart sick... [cjsmom]
I don't keep them it takes up too much space. I use to sell them online but then it took over my bedroom after a while. [crazed_moma]
I keep most of the books I read unless they are utter crap. With the price of paper nowadays, it would be silly to read a book and give it away. Sooner or later, you are going to want to read it again, and then you will have to buy a book, at a high price even in a second-hand store. The only reason would be besides crappy literature is if the print is too small, so you give it away and then buy the same book when it comes out in a larger print. [suspenseful]
yep,but i often borrrow books from the library and i must return them to the library. all of my text books were all sold and i have none of them.i only keep some dictionary and language papers on my desk. since the Wiki has shown up,i don't need to keep my books although i love the smell of books. [xialinye]
Yes, I definitely keep the books after i read them. [jhoana_joey]
I keep books but depends on what they are. I love FBI books but once I'm done I bring them to a used book store. I do that with all my books except my Dr. Phil books and my Mitch Albom books. Those are keepers and worth reading again and again. I just purchased a nice book shelf for the ones I know I will keep. Novels have to go once I'm done. I loan them out to friends and when I get them back I'm off to the used book store where they buy them back for 20% of the cover price! [pressiet]
I normally get them at the library and read them and then buy a used copy if I like the book. I like knowing that there is a good supply of books that I love for a rainy day. [JourJoyeux]
It would be nice to keep them as a collections. [giePortlandOR_08]
hi Bd200789. I keep my books after reading them or I sell them. I don't buy books. I borrow them from the library or from friends. But sometimes I receive book as a gift. If a person who gave me book is not so close to me, I sell the book. Most of the books I read are the books that I'm sure I won't read them again. So what's the point in gathering them;). I rent a flat so I change flats quite often, so I don't like to keep not useful things, even books. I think when I finally will buy a flat I'll be probably more willing to gather things, books toohappy. Have a nice day, jazgottt. [jazgottt]
Well I do buy new books most of the time as I dont trust used books to have all pages intact. Well and I keep most of the books I buy. Only when I become short of space to store them, I end up throwing or giving away the books which I have not read in many years. But I usually store these books thinking that maybe someday down the line I will feel like reading these books all over again. And then I may not also. I dont know, but I keep those books intact piled up in my cubboard. [anuraa30]
I also buy used books from book sale, but i only buy books that i intend to keep, and the well-kept ones. Since college days i managed to keep a collection of Sidney Sheldon, John Grisham and Danielle Steel, and some other books from other authors. [kescuadro]
I love to trade books. I generally look in yahoo groups or try to google the term. There is one in Puerto Rico: Libros libres (free books). There is a site on the internet and people register the books and then we can trade. [deepti15]
I keep my books especially those that I bought, I treausured them a lot... I sometimes let others borrowed them but I see to it they'll gonna return it... or else.. lol [JAY020582]
I never keep my books unless they are reference books which I have spent a lot of money on for my course and they are important for my job to refer to, but paperbacks and novels I usually read and then I give them to charity shops to make money for charity. I find books take up too much room and I don't have much room in my bedroom. The only novels I keep are all the Harry Potter books which I won't get rid of as I will read them over and over again. I do prefer to get most of my books from the library as I read a lot and it becomes too expensive to keep buying them [wolfie34]
Yes I love to keep a collecton and I usually read a book's review before buying one or get it from the library read it and then buy my own copy and read it again. I just wish I could have a library of it someday. [mansha]
I depends. Some books I keep, and some I don't. I have books that really mean something to me that I have had forever. I also have other books that I read once or twice and pass on. I think that I do pass these on because I believe that a good book needs to get seen and if I have already gotten my piece from it, its my job to let someone else get theirs. :) [luvingmygirls]
For a long time I kept mine and I still have a bunch here but I recently went through and cleaned out a bunch. Ones I won't be re-reading and no one in the house is interested in. No I didn't throw them out though. I put them on freecyle and someone else got them. So they will continue to be read just not by me. I usually bought used books due to the cost but I hadn't really boughten that many in recent years. [emeraldisle]
In most time,I will keep most of them,because I like the books which I bought very much. [jiangsl]
If I have recently bought a book I have been yearning to get, then of course I will keep. But for textbooks I buy them used then sell them after, if I know they will be useless to me in the future. [mishastar]
I have kept every book that I have ever bought. Of course I let some people borrow them, some of which I haven't got back and probably never will, but other than that I keep them. I enjoy reading some of them over again, and plan to have them for my children when they are ready to read. [Amber4106]
As a book lover, I keep most of them books, even though I rarely re-read them. They were displayed in my living room as they were some of my life's achievement. Well, with the advance of technology, we may read ebooks and have them stored in computers. I don't mind storing mp3 files for songs. Book? I still prefer the old way. [alexwander]
I have so many books, I don't know what to do with them all. I have a bad habit of keeping every good book I have read. Like today I went to barns and noble and got the book "Naked Lunch" by William S. Burroughs. I read it a long time ago and my boyfriend and I were talking about it and I just had to have the book and re-read it. So I bought it, lol. [lisaradgirl]
Of course I keep my books after I read them. I buy books because I want to keep those books, and maybe read them again some day. My books are my treasures in life, right up there with my CDs and my computer. I love my books. [danishcanadian]
Me too. I keep almost all of mine, unless I really didn't like it. [Bd200789]
Yes, I have a lot of good books which I collected because I want my kids to have and read them when they are already on the right age. These books serves as guide in life and its different aspects. I include good books as part of my inheritance to my kids someday. [izathewzia]
That is a good idea. [Bd200789]
I am very selective about the ones I keep. If I am absolutely certain I am not going to be reading/using them again, then I will give them away or sell them. However, if they happen to be favorites, or texts that can be enjoyed again and again (for instance, Tennyson is one of those for me), then I keep them, and will go back through them whenever I am in the mood. If it is a book I only read once and has no personal value to me after that one reading, then I see no point in keeping it as it will probably just take up space, and therefore I'll give it away or sell it on E-Bay or Half.com (if anyone's willing to pay for it, that is) so that I will have room for books that are of value to me. I usually try to find used ones that are in like-new condition, which I can often manage to find on Amazon. It saves you a couple dollars plus you usually can't even tell it's used. [skydancer]
yes. i keep them. of course. since i bought them i just put them all in the shelf, there are cases where i read a book twice.. so keeping them will make it handy for me to re read them. [chiyosan]
I will never get rid of a book that I really liked. I'll be one of those people that has newspaper mazes in her house, only instead of newspapers, Books! Some of the ones I have given away that I still like dont go far, just to my best friends house. So I can still borrow them anytime I want. [Sharky085]
I actually don't buy most of the books so I give them to the owner right after I have read them. :D [shakspeare_01]
I keep them. They're my treasures, my only treasures! buuhuu!! :D Since I've been cutting costs most of my life, most books i bought are the second-handed ones. I think there are only 2 books that I gave away, as a gift! :D [seiyuh]
i do keep my books after reading it. at times i let my friends borrowed it but still i asked it back when their done reading it. i prefer buying new books, though its expensive, i just get lazy reading a old book.(its just my own preference) at times also i exchange books with my friends.. and i do give away my books when a friend of mine asked it... [chechuva]
Yes I keep my books after I read them (unless I have reluctantly loan them to a trustworthy soul). I have lost or had to given away so many books at a young person) traveling a lot as being a memeber of a Army family. I have most of my book in storage now until I move next year. I can hardly wait until I can display my "library"! I know eventually that when my collection get to big I'm going to have to thin things out. I'll make sure that they have a good home. I get rid of books that I don't like too. Especially, if I feel that they're not worthy of my collection. (smile) I buy used books, new ones from my book club, from used stores and thrift shop (talk about bargains!) from garage sales, etc. [ReoTwo]