I am a great fan of do it yourself books, how to books, craft books, fiction, non fiction. I own a whole lot of them. My husband learned right away, when we first met, that anything we might want to do "I have a book about that!!"w00t. For instance, when my kids wanted different animals other than our cats, I bought the books. I did not always get the pet, but we did get the books.lol If there are projects around here, I promptly say "I have a book about that." and of course, hubby rounded me out, with his collections of books about cars and trucks.. Do you collect books and are they "how to" books? Do you have a book about that?
[question posted by GardenGerty]
responses and comments:
I am also a collector of books, all kind of books but more towards cookery books. When I travel abroad, the first thing I look for is the bookstore. I always have to pay excess for my luggage. There are also books on car repairs and landscaping. I do still keep my old novels by Barbara Cartland and Denniel Steel and some less known authors. They are my treasured collection and some of them are no longer in print. [zandi458]
Good fiend=good friend.blush [GardenGerty]
I love to read but strictly for pleasure. I am a person that can't read directions & learn to do anything, i have to be shown & believe me I AM NOT HANDY AT ALL. Wish i was. I don't keep books i have quite a few friens that like to read so we swap out all the time. I never reread a book. [ANTIQUELADY]
alot cheaper than having to buy them to. books like everything else are way out of sight. use to i "never" went anywhere that sold books that i didn't buy one.I very seldom ever buy one now. I HATE THAT TO. [ANTIQUELADY]
I don't collect books at all. Only books I actually own are how-to books about basic repairs around the house/yard. I'm a very active member of the library, though, so I guess you could say I 'own' a whole library of books? confusedwhistle [blackbriar]
Using the library is an excellent way to expand your knowledge and save dollars as well. [GardenGerty]
I used to have a lot of books but I've moved three times in the past three years because of my divorce and even though I'm all settled down now, I shed the books along the way. I don't think I'll collect any more, either, I feel really good not having a lot of possessions. Your little library certainly comes in handy! [dragon54u]
I think I could thin some out, and I actually have given some away. I love how to books and nature books published by Rodale Press and by Reader's Digest. [GardenGerty]
Hi Gerty, I love to read and have a great collection of my favourite books but sorry to say there is not a single 'how to' book amongst them. The only thing that would fall into that category would possibly be the cookery book collection. If I need to do something which I don't know how to do, which is anything technical at all, I prefer to get a man in as they tend to understand that kind of stuff, I have absolutely no wish to learn and men can do all th [thea09]
Have you read the book entitled "The Dark Between the Stars" by Jane Blackmore? [gsgonzalez2007]
We move so much that we spend more time at the library checking out books instead of buying them. If we do gather up too many from buying them they get sent to family or we donate them to the library. I like your idea about getting a book about a certain dog instead of getting a dog. [gitfiddleplayer]
Yeah, that usually satisfied the kids. I did have goldfish for awhile, and swords and platys. I would babysit the school hamsters and guinea pigs. [GardenGerty]
Hello, GG. I had an enormous collection of non fiction books, but when we sold our large house to buy a smaller apartment in Spain, I had to get rid of a lot of them, as I just don't have the space. However, I did keep all my Shakespeare books, which include texts of the plays and monographs by Shakespeare experts, as well as biographies and study guides. I could never part with them, and would find room even in the smallest house. [Sandra1952]
Certain books mean just that much to our well being. I understand that. [GardenGerty]
Yes, I collect books of different types. I find it quite entertaining to read them at times when I am bored or have nothing to do. I also own some of the "how to" books which are useful around the house if I need to learn how to something. [virusxtreme24]
If you have access to books you never have to be bored. [GardenGerty]
I feel like the book is a good thing,my favorite book is the computer and shopping area,I also like to watch news of the book. [apzheng123]
I used to collect Books but only by my favorite Author and they where all fiction lol But now I pass them on to a Friend once I have rad them [gabs8513]
My sister and I used to share books. [GardenGerty]
I LOVE books. I have so many of them. Unfortunately in the last 2 years I've moved twice, so each time I had to get rid of some of my books. So my collection isn't quit as big now. But I'm still buying them! [Jennlk84]
When you are able to settle down I am sure your collection will bloom again. [GardenGerty]
I don't really have any how to books to help me with stuff. But when I really need some helpful books, I will go to the library to get some to help me. I have some books at home but they are just fictional books. [nijolechu]
The library is an excellent resource. [GardenGerty]
LOL yep, me too GG. I often think that I should have a whole room just for my books hehe Things are even worse because everyone in our house - even the kids - loves to read and had their own collection. My tastes are wide and not confined to just some subjects. I guess it's because I am a curious person. I love how to books as well, and have many, although sometimes after I buy them, they don't seem to tell me anything new. But I certainly should have a book about that if you give me some time to check LOL [arkaf61]
That is how my house is, full of books. [GardenGerty]
I think the only how to books in my collection are cookbooks and herbals. Well I have a beautiful book on gardening that I got from Reader's Digest a few months ago. Other than those I have 4 full bookshelves throughout my house and various piles that I really need to get on a shelf. Most of them are various authors that I collect (there's alot of them). The one's that aren't officially part of a collection will eventually be passed on. [imsilver]
Love those Reader's Digest Books. [GardenGerty]
nope, most of mine are science fiction with a lot of mystery and horse books [ElicBxn]
doh I think I've mentioned it - a FEW times....lol [ElicBxn]
I really don't collect how to books. They just don't interest me and I have the internet so I find out through the net any more. I do collect fiction, science fiction, and some others like that. Those I can't get enough of and would carry them with me every where if I could. [k1tten]
I am old and began collecting my books before there was an internet. I agree that it is wonderful to be able to go online and learn what you need to. I feel that way about cookbooks, I would rather look up recipes online. [GardenGerty]
I think it is a good hobby to read the books:) And I am impressed that you have so many DIY books. I have a few books about how to make the necklace and so on. It is for my mom as she likes it. I bought the books because I like to read them. I have many cooking books. Cooking can be a kind of DIY subject. So if you like it, I would like to share some E-books about cooking with you:) I love China [youless]
Cookbooks are indeed do it yourself books. [GardenGerty]
I have lots of craft books like macrame, decoupage, weaving, etc, edible wild food books, Medicinal plants and weeds, and my husband has woodworking, tools, tin craft, and gun smithing. Man, it is too bad we live so far apart. We could go to each others' houses and read! Craft, and could our husbands become friends. [writersedge]
It is too bad, it would be a lot of fun to get together. I think our hubbies would enjoy it as well. It would be fun to do crafts together. [GardenGerty]
I think it is a good hobby to read the books:) And I am impressed that you have so many DIY books. I have a few books about how to make the necklace and so on. It is for my mom as she likes it. I bought the books because I like to read them. I have many cooking books. Cooking can be a kind of DIY subject. So if you like it, I would like to share some E-books about cooking with you:) I love China [youless]
iam also great fan of collecting books .my first i started reading was you can win at was presented to me by my best friend for that i got lot of intreset to raed books mostly i read techno books [mothevasureddy]
It is great to have a subject that you enjoy reading about. [GardenGerty]
When hubby and I were young and poor we spent more money than we could afford to on books, so we have quite a collection but one thing is sure, we can travel but we cannot take all of those with us. So they gather dust. We like all kinds of books, but mostly art books. [drannhh]
Having books is like having friends. When my first hubby and I married we collected children's books, long before we had children. Our children also love books, I wonder why? Art books are lovely and open up the world for us. [GardenGerty]
I have a library full of books in my den. Actually. it's just bookshelves full of books. I have a few how to books but not very many. I also have a lot of self help books. There are a lot of horse books, of course. I also have some medical books. There are two sets of encyclopedias in the den and there are a lot of Reader's Digest Books in there. My parents ordered those from the Reader's Digest Club years ago. I can't tell you what all kind of books I have but there are a lot of them. When I had my bookstore years ago, I found out that I liked to read more than I thought I did. Kathy. [cyrus123]
A bookstore would be a fun business. [GardenGerty]
Me too! I have more books here at home than I have space for. Most of them are non-fiction and many of them are for DIY around the home and for the car. I was raised to be a DIYer and my Dad used to say that if I wasn't sure how to do something, go find a book on the subject. And this is what I have done all my life. A few years ago I had a big clear out of my books selling them on Amazon and Ebay, but gradually I have bought more and they are piling up again. I love my books though and I am thinking about fitting some more shelves! happy - Derek [derek_a]
My son gets in trouble with his wife for his book shelves. [GardenGerty]
I like "how to" books and if there is something that I want to know how to do, I will pick up a book on the subject and learn what I can that way. Oh that and looking it up on the internet. I love books and have a hard time saying no to buying them especially when I see them for sale at thrift stores for less than a dollar! But mostly I like to read mysteries, romantic suspense, some sci fi and I love horses so I do buy as many horse books as I can find. [horsesrule]
I love thrift shops and book sales. We have a big one in town every year during one of our local festivals. [GardenGerty]
"Of the making of Books, there is no end ..." (Ecclesiastes 12:12) and it goes on to say that 'much learning is a weariness to the flesh' The first bit is undoubtedly true. Where would I, an erstwhile second-hand bookseller, be without them? These days there are e-books and you can get or read many old classics online and for free (well, nearly so, if you discount the cost of the PC, the electricity, the Internet connection and the ink and paper if you want to print them out!) but this does not stop people buying real hold-it-in-your-hand, take-it-home-and-put-it-on-the-shelf books and nor does it seem to stop people producing new books. There is something satisfying and authoritative about a book (per se) which you can pull off the shelf and hold in your hand. Less convincing is the information you get from some website, even though it may be as good. I suppose that the fact that somebody felt it worthwhile to invest money in producing, printing and binding something lends more credence to it. Nearly every room in my house has books in it. The only reason that there are none in the bathroom is that steam and books do not go well together: there is, in fact, a bookshelf right outside the bathroom so that one may take something for edification during longer stays. In the past, I have been known to read a whole issue of the Reader's Digest before someone came knocking on the door asking what I was doing in there! These days I am trying to reduce the trail of books which I bought long ago to fulfil a forgotten whim but the result is that the gaps in the shelves cry out to be filled and I end up bringing home more books from my weekly morning in the shop! [owlwings]
You certainly are right. I have not seen any lack of new books around. I do not think I would enjoy reading online. It just does not seem as cozy and relaxing to me as having a book and hiding someplace and reading. [GardenGerty]
I used to have quite a collection of books. Lots of diet and health and herbal types. Mostly what I have now days is Gardening and the herbals. I usually look up anything I need online anymore. And I keep the crime, romance and horror that I like but not much. My daughter has alot of beading and craft books. She is the crafty one in the family. [celticeagle]
I wish I had the room. [celticeagle]
i love books!books is my bestfriend i always keeps in my side when im not busy i read some of them i always like to read is the work of ed lapiz the author of the books i have learn a lot by just reading [warren06]
My kids always have to have a book with them and they are adults now. It keeps boredom away. [GardenGerty]
I collect books but all are novels. I love reading novels written by paulo coelho, julia quinn, and sophie kinsella and a whole lot more. [0811mg]
The majority of my books these days are how to or information on a subject I am learning how to or additional techniques, etc. At one time I was into business books but those become obsolete so quickly it is better to look for info online. I have a lot of books about art and crafting. [Canellita]
Arts and craft books are really beautiful and it is inspiring just to read them. [GardenGerty]
I have a huge library, but not so much do it yourself books. Mine are mostly fiction and almost half are science fiction or fantasy. I have a lot of nature books, biographies, German language books, literature, really old books, etc. [dawnald]
I sounds like to me you are a independent woman. There is nothing wrong by knowing what and how to do anything. In todays economy we have to do things ourselves to save money and time. I bet that is what attracted your husband to you in the first place. I mostly read romance or true story books. I usually send them on to other readers or keep. If you want to make money you could start you a advice website with all your books and knowledge. [hagirl]
I am sorry about your lost of your first, but it sounds like you have bounced back and have found love again. Good for you. You are right you need to make a self-help blog out there for all the women that do need and want to fix things theirselves such as a homemaker. The internet is the way to go these days. Use your knowledge for the good of you and maybe your husband will not get so distracted with all the books. Advantage that is the key [hagirl]
Ah yes, I'm a 'book-a-holic' too lol. I have 4 huge bookcases just crammed full of books, plus I have a few large boxes with some of the more seldom used ones. Most of them are instructional books, or how-to's. Very few are novels, but the novels I do have are mostly the classics and older volumes. You wanna fix what? Yep, I probably have a book on it. I have a lot of medical books from back when I was an active nurse. I actually still use those as reference when somebody asks for info on something. Then I have my literary books, like Shrunk, and Rules of English usage. I even still have all my books from when I used to be a volunteer tutor at the GED center, and for kids over the summer. I very rarely get fiction books for my collection, only if it's a fave and I plan on reading it again and again over the years. Like you, I just love my books!! [JoyfulOne]
Dictionaries are very valuable reference tools, and recycling is a good thing to do with the books you do not use. [GardenGerty]
Hello GardenGerty, your husband sounds like a wonderful man, just like mine. I own whole bookcases of books, I feel bad about all of the trees, but if you do not read how on earth can you gain information. Most of my books are non-fiction, as in cookery books, self help and meditation books, gardening, do it yourself and help yourself herbal and medicinal books. One question, do you remember the first book you read of choice? Mine was Lorna Doone, thirty seven years ago, bought for me as a christmas present from my mum. My husband is the same, he reads mainly fiction and science books. We enjoy nothing better than putting our son to bed, he is 11 yrs old and then we can open a bottle or wine, put the lamps on, get our current books out, switch the telly off, breathe a sigh of relief and relax into our books. [moondance61]
That is a wonderful evening. I remember a book about King Arthur that is no longer in print, and I have not seen it for over thirty five years, that may have been the first book I read of choice. I do not remember a time when I was not reading. [GardenGerty]
I learned the love of books and reading from my mom. my mom has tons of books and I do too. To me a book is not trash so I can't never throw them out. I was always big about going to the library and getting how to books, if I wanted to do someting and didn't know how to do it. I just knew there was a book about it. I remember as a kid my sis and I would get anatomy books from the library, my mom recently told me that we used to giggle about the "naked" pictures. I have been a reader all my life. Now since I have a computer I don't read books as much, but I am still always reading online. Happy reading. [Polly1]
Reading and writing go hand in hand. You have a wealth of things that you can talk about or write about because you read. [GardenGerty]
I used to collect books. I was at one time an avid reader. Then came the DVD.That spoils all the fun of reading as you tend to watch DVD movies in your spare time, breaking only for meals, watching the news, going to church and going to sleep.Soon, we only want to see film version of books;be it Harry Potter or Lord of the Ring. I used to have all sorts of books in days of yore. Now, that I am married and have kids,the children' s books have invaded my book-case. My books have now been boxed and stored away. My wife does a spring-cleaning every so often and so my stock of books started dwindling as she gave them, little by little to charity. Today, I hardly have any great books to be proud of in my collection! [jonjee0203]
I used to buy children's books long before I had children. It was something I loved doing. I have all kinds of books and am a grandma now. [GardenGerty]
I dont have alot of how to books - i tend to collect books about things - pets, horses, places, computers. I love craft books and d&d books and fiction. I have a few hundred books that i keep...and regularly add to my collection. I find it hard to give up books except for ones like harlequin romances. I regularly say "i've read something about that it was...." I was checking my stats with the library. Since the the local library went online/to the pc about 15 years ago i have borrowed 2467 books. I moved away for 3 years and didnt borrow books here. So in 12 years thats a heck of alot of books. There are very few i dont read before i return them. In 2006 they also started counting RSS books - ones we order from out of region and since october of 2006 i've ordered read and returned 137 books from out of our library region. I ordered them from out of region before but im not sure what the count on that would be. I READ alot! I'd be broke if i bought everything i read! [saundyl]
Yeah, I would be broke as well. I am glad we have a really nice library. I think it is neat that you can check your stats. I wonder if we could. [GardenGerty]
I am not a big fan of do it yourself books. I don't learn well from reading books, but by getting or seeing an instruction and going for it. That is probably why. I LOVE fiction and have hundreds of books I have collected over the years. I also read library books too (great way to see if you like the author and type of book without buying it first). [quinnkl]
Right, libraries are an awesome resource for people to try and explore dozens of things and authors. [GardenGerty]
I love books, but due to space limitations in our home, we don't collect very many. Instead we make good use of our public library system. We're fortunate in that we live in a very large county with lots of libraries. So, if the library nearest me doesn't have the book I want, I can have it brought over from any other county library. It's great and saves money on buying books too! (and movies) [renitaperrone]
Thumbs up to you. I have tended to buy fewer books and check more books out as I have gotten older and our local library has expanded. [GardenGerty]
i'd love to be in your library. [versio9]
Well considering I run a home run used book business, I have a lot of books, about 14,000 give or take. I don't consider those books mine though, I consider them inventory and rarely touch them, but if I need a sourse I can certainly find one. Usually after I am done reading a book, I add it to my inventory so I don't collect a lot of books for myself personally. With the exception of cook books. I love cookbooks and I have many of them, I usually don't sell them I keep them. I hope to write a cookbook myself some day, so the more I learn from these cookbooks the better my cookbook will be. [ladym33]
Cookbooks are the ultimate do it yourself book. They are arts, crafts and science all rolled up in one. Keep the dream of your own cookbook. [GardenGerty]
hi gardengerty!^^ wow. that's pretty amazing. i have never thought of buying a "how to" book because i usually rely on the internet for directions on how to do something.^^;; but i do collect books, usually novels. i have mystery novels, suspense and thriller of various authors. but i like the authors Dan Brown, John Grisham, Anne Rice. i also got a set of books of Lucy Maud Montgomery, i think it belongs to the literary category. it's the Anne Shirley series. it's almost like the Little Women, Heidi, etc. ^^ [secretbear]
wow. i wish i have all the books of Anne of Green Gables too. it's hard to find them here. [secretbear]