When I go into someone's house I always look to see if they have a bookcase or at least some books lying around. I am finding that this is a rarer sight these days. 52' plasma screens, racks of DVDs, but few books. Of course they may have them hidden where I don't see them. But I wonder. Do you have books in your house. Do you read?
[question posted by p1kef1sh]
responses and comments:
I know exactly what you mean, when i was little it seemed like every house i was in had books but now its the exception. I love reading, but i think tv has pretty much taken over at this point for most people [tmariew]
I'm not anti-TV or DVDs, but I find nothing pleasanter than curling up with a good book. I remember when I was small that everyone had books too. I grew up in a house full of books and live in one now. [p1kef1sh]
I always read as a matter of fact I still have those big bookcase in our house with all the bokks i read since I was in gradeschool. I always loved books and kept it until now. I agree that mostly now, if you try to visit houses you can usually see plasma tv's and dvds. It's just so sad that books can be totally wiped out in our houses and can just be seen in libraries in the future. [joyce423]
I love to have books even though they are taking the house over slowly! LOL> [p1kef1sh]
HIya Pikey I used to read a lot when I was younger, before the internet! I loved Stephen King master of horror and thoroughly enjoyed the 'Flowers in the attic' series. I have, as you say...racks of dvd's but no books. Tell a lie.. I have one book, given to me for my 50th birthday - 'Too soon for a midlife crisis' I haven't read it yet, but I should, I expect there are a few laughs in it. Alice happy [Aliceinwebland]
ok just had a quick glance... quote: You know you've reached middle age when your weightlifting consists merely of standing up. by Bob HopeI don't even like Bob Hope lol, no more reading for me. [Aliceinwebland]
One of the first things I do if left alone while my host goes to make tea or coffee is to browse the bookcase. It can tell you quite a lot about the person! Once when I was just a lad, I dated a girl and took her home afterwards (as any polite young man should). She invited me in for coffee (as any nice girl would) and I was so appalled that her living room had NO books whatsoever (certainly no bookshelf) that I made my excuses and left as soon as possible. Having been brought up in a house full of books with a bookshelf in every room (except the bathroom), I found it very unsettling - almost alien - that anyone could live without having books about. She was a very nice girl otherwise and I quite fancied her but no books? NO! [owlwings]
I remember the puffin club from school too Pikey. Owlwings - I think it's unfair to judge people purely because they don't share the same interests, she might have been someone you'd fallen in love with if given the chance! [Aliceinwebland]
I have books all over the place, on shelves, piled up on the floor, in boxes, under the bed cozying up with the dust bunnies, I also have DVD's CD,s mostly piled up on the floor or on tables - it's all very untidy. happy [jwfarrimond]
The trouble is, things get lost. I've been looking for a particualar book for weeks. It's in there somewhere! [jwfarrimond]
I've found that many houses don't have any books at all. I have done cleaning for people in the past, and have been amazed at how many homes have no books. Our house has books everywhere, and I get several books from the library every week as well, so do a lot of reading. When I go into someone's home and see no books, I know instantly that it is unlikely we are going to have anything in common. [katsalot1]
I can understand that people don't always want to read. But to have no books at all strikes me as sad. There's someone there needing to be woken up to the magic that books can bring to our lives. [p1kef1sh]
I read like its a bad habit I can't shake. I have two bookcases but desperately need a third. In all of my apartments I have had at least one bookcase people could see (and I tend to put my more intellectual books there--you know classics, leather bounds and things like that) and I tend to put my "junk" books when my secret won't get out. lol. I read a lot of the vampire/supernatural genre. I find its hard to find someone who reads and its nice every once in a while to find someone who reads the same things you do so you can discuss this or that book. But I agree TV has seemed to take over and I watch plenty of that as well, but I did go 5 years without cable and without really watching TV. Got a lot of reading in then. [Aurone]
Just keep that "bad habit" going! It's a great way to be I think. [p1kef1sh]
Oh yes I do I love reading I always have I read at Night in bed as it relaxes me and I loose myself in my Books it takes me to a totally different World xxx [gabs8513]
Lol no I always switch the Lights of [gabs8513]
hi P1ke I am sure you would like to see that giant bookshelf here, which is packed full of books now even in two rows on some shelves, lol. I am not sure whether you would like the topics and contents of the books (I have lots of especially Christian stuff there, both Evangelical and also a growing stack of especially Catholic contents and teaching). [book1962]
I don't know if we have a good Catholic magazine here. There are a couple of newspapers. I'd send you one if you were to tell me where to post it to. [p1kef1sh]
Hi p1kef1sh, I am a big reader, I'II read anything, my sister and I are always swopping our latest reads. I've always encouraged my children to read I think it's a brillant way to get their imaginations going, a book to me takes me visual into a world, time place I get completely taken away with a good book and always found my love of books helped to take me away from the stresses of bringing up three kids, I could cut off and happily I've passed it on to my two youngest children they are regulars at the library mainly for the computer access they now offer but always come back with some book. I also agree with you, with the advances of technology it does seem people now look it up on the net but even if i do, I print it off, drives me mad reading off a screen. Happy Easter to you and your family, have a lovely holiday weekend. [scorpio19]
Thank you and Happy Easter to you and the family too Scorpio. I think that reading should be regarded as an essential in life - like breathing or sleeping. A new book (I received three yesterday) is just such an exciting prospect. [p1kef1sh]
Bwahahahaaaa! Does a bear mess in the woods? (He'd better not mess in my bookcases!) My son actually made me a new bookcase for Christmas, as I had books three-deep which kept toppling on to the floor in the middle of the night and waking us up! You're right, though - I always notice the lack of books in houses I visit, so maybe people ARE hiding them away or putting them under lock and key in case visitors are tempted to pocket them. As well as the books in the bookcases, I have a pile on my bedside table (buying them is my biggest vice) and a stash of them in my office along the windowsill. We also have piles of children's books which I can't bear to get rid of - some of them are from my own childhood. Life without books would be deeply rubbish. I couldn't do the ebook thing - there's something about holding a book, sniffing a book, curling up in bed with a book that beats ANYTHING. Yes, even THAT. For the most part, anyway ... [guybrush]
Fantastic! What's it called, and what's it about? Tell all! [guybrush]
I definately agree with you here. In my house we have 3 books shelves full of books and still need more shelves. I have books from my childhood, like Enid Blyton books and Alapaca Rabbit (which took me years to find) right through to todays books. We have a very different collection from fantasy to biography to crime and real life stories. My husband is very big on David Gemmell so he has loads of his books. Unfortunately my living room is very small so I have had to put my bookshelves in the bedrooms. My friend always makes comments that I have too many and says I should throw them away or sell online. I am horrified at this as my books are cherished to me and like my babies. I love to read, it lets me escape my real life and be part of somebody elses. [emmaoxley]
The ONLY time that I have ever got rid of a book was on the very rare occasion that I have discovered that I have purchased a duplicate having forgotten that I have a copy already. Then I give it away. Otherwise books are in here for the duration. [p1kef1sh]
Hi p1, In my Parents house I have plenty of books but when I got married, I don't buy books anymore, I just love to borrow from the library,,, To answer your question, I have less than 10 books in our house now! LOL! [checapricorn]
Less than 10 books in the whole house! I have more than that on my bedside table! LOL. [p1kef1sh]
thats because you have never come to my house!!i love reading but i donot collect books.inadvertently,the books do get collected ,as some of my friends gift me books asthey know of my love affair and some,i donot have the heart to return back to the library(ofcourse,i have to pay the penalty) [riyasam]
(dissapointed)whatever will i tell my friends???(just wondering) [riyasam]
When you enter my house, you could also see the HDTV, racks of dvds, a coffee table book and lots of pictures in frames. But I do have a bookshelf at home. Except that you won't see it unless you go upstairs to my home office room. I have my books neatly organized there. [bubbletush]
That's very good to hear. I can't imagine a home without books. [p1kef1sh]
I love to read, I had a pile of books and I took them to the bookstore and sold them, there was no more room to put them. I am sure others will find them now and enjoy them. I find that if you go to the thrift stores they have piles of books that are really cheap to buy.I liek authors like Woods, Grishm, Patterson. Yes I see it too, that people are into the big screens and hardly do you see a book laying around when you go to a person's home. I have a grand daughter who will turn 17 in June you never see her without her book. [bdugas]
Good for you grand daughter. My own daughter (20) is an avid reader and is doing English as her Major at university. I buy quite a lot of books at charity shops etc. I have found some amazing bargains there. [p1kef1sh]
I've noticed that, too. I have books in just about every room of the house and magazines in the living room. I read the paper every day at breakfast. I have a bookcase in the dining room, books in my night stand drawers, books in my computer room and a couple in the basement to read in case of tornadoes. I love books! The computer has filled a lot of entertainment needs but all it would take is one EMP bomb and they'd all be gone. Books can survive nearly anything but fire. [dragon54u]
Books have a tactile quality that electronic hardware just doesn't; and I speak as someone who bought his computer partly because it looks fantastic! There is something gloriously self indulgent about curling up with a book that just can't be compared with anything else. [p1kef1sh]
I grew up in a house with a built in magazine rack beside the toilet. Does that count? We don't have a book case per se right now. And the only books read in our home are children's learning books. I am not an avid reader. Novels to me are used for going to sleep by. They are BORING to me in ways I cannpt describe. Even in recent years, the only novel I have successfully read was a Star Trek novel. Why? Because I knew how the voices sounded to add something imaginative to the books. I remember never being able to make it past chapter two in the Diarrhea of Ann Frank. It was soooooooooooooo boring that after days of trying to get though chapter two remembering the characters in chapter one, that I waltzed up to the teacher's desk, slammed the book down and exclaimed loudly in front of the entire class, "ZERO! I cannot read this book!" Then I turned and and reseated myself. Despite my teacher's best attempts, I would not pick the book up again. I have never even watched the movie. I have enjoyed other books in school. And I very much enjoyed books by Farley Mowat who was always able to immeadiately capture my imagination. And that is the key for my being able to enjopy any book. If my imagination is not spurred in the very first chapter, unless it is very short and imagination is peaked right away in two, then the book is laid down and becomes a dust collector or a coaster for hot coffee cups. VERY VERY few authors can do that for me. I feel a rant coming on so I'll quit now...rasp [BCMike]
Books are boring as watching paint dry. I only read because I HAVE to. I get absolutely zero enjoyment from a novel. If there isn't some bit of technical stuff that is VITAL to what I "NEED", I don't even crack the cover. Tom Clancey is a famous novelist. I think I recall reading the outside back cover of one his booksw a couple years ago... [BCMike]
Yes I do and they are in full view in my living room. [whiteheather39]
That's great Whiteheather. [p1kef1sh]
I know that more people are getting attracted to television and other entertaining things such as the computer. I try to read more then anything though as it's good practice for when my fiance and I get married and move out, I'll be reading more then anything just to save money wherever possible. I can't say I love reading but I do enjoy it. [SomeCowgirl]
Reading opens up so many possibilities I think. You are only limited by your imagination. [p1kef1sh]
I usually read two or three books per week. But if you come to our home, you won't see much for bookcases or books either. When I moved from Massachusetts to Oklahoma I had 24 boxes of books to give away...there just isn't the storage here, as most homes don't have cellars/basements like they do up north. For my current reading, I get all of my books from the library. We have an excellent library system here. If our library doesn't have a particular book, then it's brought in from elsewhere. The search for books begins with surrounding communities, then statewide, and finally national. I've been reading several series written by foreign authors, and not published in this country. Many of the books have been brought in from neighboring states. With the cost of paperbacks being in the $8-$10 range, without the library system I probably wouldn't be able to afford to read like I do. [catdla1]
Another good site for locating hard-to-find books online is abebooks.com I've found a few things there thay I haven't found anywhere else. [catdla1]
No need to search for my bookcases, there's one in all rooms except the bathroom and toilet. I read every day and I still use books for information rather than the internet.I love books. I have even offered to volunteer a nursery to help the chidren learn to enjoy books. It seems very sad to me that so many people miss out on so much just because they haven't learned to enjoy books. [nannacroc]
Middle grandson pikey. They have all had stories read to them from an early age and the youngest is already recognising lots of words and enjoys acting out stories. [nannacroc]
I've got a bookcase, it's in my living room! There's lots of different types of books on it, but mostly historical novels and Medical textbooks! Gosh, that makes me sound boring!!! xvx [Munchkin547]
Nowt wrong with either of those genres. One for pleasure and one for work - I presume! LOL. Nice to see you hear again by the way. I have been missing my little Munchibibliophile. [p1kef1sh]
There are many books in my house. More books than we can adequately accommodate some times with more and more coming all the time. The sight of books greet you as you upon entrance and can be found in every room as well as in a trunk. One of my sisters who is pretty creative actually made some pretty interesting bookcases out of cardboard boxes so that we could accommodate the books we had some more. Books date back to primary school. I guess thats what happens when you have five kids who will all pass through the various stages of the education system and who have developed that sort of love for books. Well there is one son/grandson/nephew at home now and he has already outgrown the book space that was created for him. He's just seven so there's a whole lot more to come. happy We've been talking about building a room which would become our home library. Its really needed.happy [tjades]
They most certainly are. They can be pretty addictive too. [tjades]
If you came to my house, you would see dvds downstairs but you might not see any books. Not because I do not have any but simply because my bookshelf is upstairs on the first floor landing! My books are safe out of the kids ways up there! [gemini_rose]
That's good, but why not get them their own books to read Gemini? Get em young and they'll be hooked for life. [p1kef1sh]
For the last two years I have been forcing myself to walk past bookshops. It's nearly two years since I put my house on the market and had to prepare it for viewings. Along with 'clear the clutter', most of my mates said, 'get rid of all those books'. I used to have 2 large bookcases in my lounge/diner, 3 other shelves for books downstairs and places for books upstairs a well. Now I have only one bookcase downstairs, with the other shelves still full. I have the other bookcase in my office upstairs, full of files, but with one shelf still for books. I also usually have some books in my bedroom, and there are several piles of them in the spare room and two large packing boxes full of them. I suppose I'm a hopeless book addict. Mind you, one of the piles is full of books for sale at Green Metropolitan. Every so often I have to pack one up and send it off to a new home. As I say goodbye, I console myself by remembering that it is going where it is really wanted. [jakill]
I cannot get rid of a book - even one that I bought secondhand. Fortunately we are both like that here. Except I am probably worse. My bedside table is an accident waiting to happen! [p1kef1sh]
I always had books and bookcases everywhere in my house. They start out in the office and just multiply and spill over into every available space. When we moved here though, the hubs made me give away hundreds of my books and now my house seems soul-less. But I still have a bookcase in my living room and two big ones in my office and piled all over the place and in baskets everywhere else. But you know, during our house viewings this past week, not ONE house had books in it. Not one. And we looked at many many homes. Everyone had a tv of varying sizes and everyone had at least one computer and lots of gaming equipment, but no bookcases. Sad huh? [sparkofinsanity]
I have a bookcase and books galore but that is in my bedroom, thing is I have only read a few of them, all the way through..am not an avid reader really..hugs littleowl [littleowl]
Hi p1ke, it's not that I get bored with reading the books it's because I don't find enough time to finish reading them...yet if I was to go to bed a bit more earlier than staying up mylotting then I might get to read the books to the end! hugs LoLo xx [littleowl]
i love to read. my "guest" room is pretty much just storage for the boxes of books that i might read again someday! but you're right, not many people are interested in reading anymore and very few try to get their kids interested in it. [cannette1]
I am sure that somewhere there are people reading - but they seem to be getting fewer and fewer. [p1kef1sh]
sadly, most of my books are packed up, of course, most of those are READ books, but my bookcases are full of craft stuff lol but the roomie has some books out - I need to go thru my space and pack more stuff - again! [ElicBxn]
I'm pretty good about not wanting what I can't get to. [ElicBxn]
I never pay much attention. I usually just walk in and if they tell me to have a seat I do. I usually look for trophys to see if they excelled in any sports. [muscles4me]
Do they commonly have those trophies? [p1kef1sh]
I have books in my house, I put most of my books onto my bookshelves in one of rooms in my house. I have two large bookshelves and two smaller bookshelves, and I still have many book scattering in this room. [HelloMickey]
That sounds great Mickey. Thank you. [p1kef1sh]
I love to read and though I do a lot of it in the internet, I don't do much with books anymore or at least like I use to. I use to have tons of books around the house and I would always bring home lots of library books. Now I read them in the stores (at those that have the reading lounges) or online. I have probably not read a novel in years but when I was younger I would devour at least 2 to 3 a week. I don't see people with looks like I use to although there are still some who read them on the bus (if they are not texting). [lumenmom]
That's probably why I have gotten away from reading novels. I tend to real more articles than anything else. [lumenmom]
Well, I did have books in my house up until recently. I had my own library of sorts. I have ten bookcases. But today they are all empty. I am packing and preparing to move. I can not take my books with me. I have donated all of my books to friends, family and the local ministry resale shop. The ministry will share my books with many other people around the world. When I get resettled, I will probably acquire more books. I enjoy reading and so do my children. [royal52gens]
I couldn't do that. They'd have to come with me. But I guess that it depends on space. I hope that your move goes well. [p1kef1sh]
It's also my experience.I don't find any book or very few books in someone's house.I doubt once there will be no book.Every thing will be found in the net. I have lots of books in my shelf.Whenever i get chance I buy book.But so far I have read some books.I don't know whether I will be able to read all the books of my stocks. [bhanusb]
I hope that you do manage to read them all Bhanusb. I bet that there are some gems there. [p1kef1sh]
Hi p1key, I am surounded by books everywhere in my hose, there are three book shelves in the spare room and one in the conservatory one in the living room and some on the table by my side and some on the table where I work on with my pc.I have read most of these book as I used to buy books every week, since I've on the computer I haven't bought many books. I love books and used to just read and read. Hugs. Tamara xxxxx [tamarafireheart]
I use my earnings from here to buy books Tamara. A couple most months. [p1kef1sh]
i agree with you. i am a veracious reader and visit the library about every other week. i dont buy new books (too expensive) however, i do collect old books and Bibles and have a large collection of them. [cher913]
In the city where I live there are several very good antique book shops. Some old bibles cost a small fortune! Especially family bibles where you can trace a family back over two or three hundred years. [p1kef1sh]
Hey p1key! You know that's funny that you mentioned that! I have bookcases, but they no longer have books! It's not my idea! My bf decided that he didn't like the bookcases filled with books! So he made me put them away in a cabinet! Ok now! So, yes I have books and do read, but you won't find them without snooping! You will find the CD's, at least some of them! Those are ok to "show", just not books! What can I say! He's alot younger than me and from a different culture! [Opal26]
My mouth hangs open in astonishment Opal! LOL. [p1kef1sh]
I always wanted one of those rooms in my house with a biiiiiig bookcase with books you can reach with ladders and so on...but obviously, since I don't live in a big house, I don't have that :) I have devoted a part of my house to books though and you made me think that I have to clean it up because I end up putting books in no relevant order. I also find it very important to pass on the good habit to my son. So we do flip through a book together and I make sure he sees me often with a book - although now my new hobby is audiobooks :) [cbhomework]
Oh yes you are soooo right!! I forgot to write down about some large window seat with nice and comfortable cushions, maybe overlooking a garden :) :) haha!! dreams since I cannot do that since I live in an apartment. Regards audio books, I am starting to become addicted to them. Like you say, i listen to them mostly in the car and it made me realise how much time I spend driving around!! At work, we have also started sharing audio books, which is very good i think :) [cbhomework]
LOL--you would have a field day if you came to my apartment. You ask do I have a bookcase? I have a regular library going on here in my place...In the hallway leading to the bathroom I have floor to ceiling bookcases crammed full of books, mainly my science, history type books. I have books crammed in my linen closet....then in the entrance hallway I have a built into the wall type bookcase and that's where I store all my books on Native American culture....in my bedroom I also have a bookcase and even have a bookcase headboard....all in all I have over several thousand books...do I read? Nahw00twhistlerolleyes [pyewacket]
How wonderful. We aren't quite like that but we do have some parts of the house that are book zones. Shame you don't read though Pye. Never mind, maybe one day! LOL. [p1kef1sh]
I have some books in my house but I do not own a book case. I do not read that much to want to own one. O.o [scarrg]
But of course darlin! ;) And I'v tons in storage awaiting my future lil library that's my "someday dream". LOL! [Irishfrndly65]
Someday that dream will become a reality I am sure Dahr'lin Sis. [p1kef1sh]
I actually love to read. Never been one much for Video Games or even watching a lot of TV. I do have a bookcase and would love to someday have a library/study room with so many books. [kcareconnections]
Wouldn't that be just so wonderful. I'd love a room like that too. In fact I have the room, it just needs converting. [p1kef1sh]
It is simply amazing when I think about the number of people I know that actually do not own any books. Myself, I am an avid reader; you will seldom find me without a book, either actually reading or within arms reach, with the current page carefully marked. I had someone last summer than gave me about 4 dozen volumes of Reader's Digest Condensed Books (just add water for the full story).lol It was one of the best days of the entire year to me.happy I think it is fairly easy to tell the people that read from the people that don't when you look at the way they respond to discussions here. It appears to me that those that read are more careful about spelling and use of grammar, and usually seem to go into more detail in their responses. They are also much more likely to be able to engage in imaginative responses. Reading is a cornerstone of my life. My thanks to Mrs Salisbury, my first grade teacher, for teaching me to read. [MYKLJ999_VERSION_2]
I am amazed how few people find anything stimulating in books Myklj. Our teachers really do have an important part to play as do our families. I think that you are correct about the quality of replies from people that read compared to those that may not. The ones that I struggle with are those from people that tell me that they are writers and text speak their response! Maybe I'm just old fashioned. LOL. [p1kef1sh]
I had to count and it seems that I have a book case or magazine rack in every room in my home. Lots of the material belongs to other members of the family as well. I guess we are a house of readers. We don't have huge tv's but we watch plenty. Everyone reads at least 20 minutes a day, usually it is much more than that. [Trensue]
That's very impressive. I bet that the national average is a lot less than that. [p1kef1sh]
P1ke- I agree, reading seems a lost Art and books are loosing out to the influx of books online. It's really a shame because there really is something to sitting down somewhere with a good book in hand. We have one full book shelf of our personal favorites, language books, old books passed down from long gone family members-some that date back to the early 1800's. It also contains an original set of Charles Dickin's writings. We have one book shelf for our religious texts, occult books, etc. We've them separated by beliefs such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Paganism, etc. However, we have so many that we've got things stacked lol. I have one just for my teaching text books, and our college text books. It's pretty well stacked as well. Our children have their own bookshelves stuffed to the gill with books, because I give books as gifts, and I can't pass up good deals on books. We then have books on our shrine, next to our bed, on our dresser and well in other precarious places. We read quite a bit and generally are reading several books at one time. We read to our children daily as we believe very much in fostering a love of reading in children, and we enjoy our time with them. Namaste-Anora [Anora_Eldorath]
That's exactly how it should be Anora. At least that's how I wish that it were. TV etc has it's place - otherwise we wouldn't be having this communication - but you can't snuggle down with a screen the same way that you can with a book. A first edition of Dickens?! Look after that. [p1kef1sh]
I have so many books that my friends come here to borrow books. I love to read and always have a book with me. I have four kids and have encouraged them to read as well. They play video games but my oldest two (14 and 17 years old) are happy to put away the games after half an hour and read. Unfortually we are moving soon and the new house just doesn't have the space for all my books so some will go into storage and I will have to just change them over. [dreamjapan]
I hope that you can get the books in somehow. I know the problem with space. It's great that your children are reading. [p1kef1sh]
The amount of people reading these days are really decreasing. When I go to the library, people are on the computer most of the time and I rarely see people actually reading books. But as for me, I read every day. It's not in view when people come over, but it's still there. [goldencici97]
Where I live there is a very good library and lots of people do use it for books. But we need to encourage our children to keep reading. [p1kef1sh]
I wouldn't be able to survive without some books in my home. I love to read and so does my husband. We even reread out favorite books. I find that I prefer the company of other readers. They seem to have more thought provoking things to say. [LuvBr0wn13s]
I can only agree with you. I love to re-read my books. I nearly always find something that I've forgotten. [p1kef1sh]
We do have lots of books (I don't have the place to keep most of them and need to get another book case). And my books were on display in the living room....but most of my friends who dropped in would borrow a book and never return it. And when my little one started walking, he would pull out all the books from the lower shelves and scatter them around (luckily he didn't tear any of them). So, I moved the bookshelf to my older one's room. I have a few books in the entertainment unit in the living room....but almost all the other books (including encyclopedias - we have 2-3 sets) are in my older son's room. [SViswan]
lol...my problem's the opposite. He's reading ALL the time...when he's eating, when he's in the car...and books are strewn all over the house....not just his room! And I'm tired of picking up the books.....tried to get him to do it..didn't work! But my mom says that's how I was as a child. Now I know how she felt! [SViswan]
Hell yeah I have books. I have about 70 or so movies. But over 200 books. Right now I dont have any bookcases, which sucks. Cant afford to buy one or two or three lol. So they are mostly in boxes still. [darkjedi]
I guess that the main thing is that they get read Jed. I couldn't bear to have books that never saw the light of day. Sid's idea is novel. The crates here are all plastic and might make a very bright bookcase. [p1kef1sh]
We've at least five bookcases in this house. One in the living room next to the tv, two in the dining room, two in my room. In the dining room they're obvious, the main one in my room is right inside the door. The other one's behind my dresser. Mostly books on all of them. Some papers, some books we wrote. I read alot. [xParanoiax]
Well I barter for a good chunk of the books on my shelves, go to library book sales, stuff like that. (there's alot of barter sites for books nowadays, swaptree.com, paperbackbookswap, etc) so there's alot of options out there for access to books =D I've written several notebooks for my fictional works (most of which have not been put print yet), both my Mom and I have written books of practical information as well. One of mine is home type knowledge...recipes, quotes about life that I like, methods for drying fruit, stuff like that. Another is about more technical knowledge, technology stuff...how to get around proxy blocks, how to block RFID signals, how to tell the weather and find water, stuff like that. And a couple of my books are records and thoughts of experiences and history in my family. ^_^ I think I write almost as much as I read. [xParanoiax]
Hi there Pike, I do have books in my home. In my living room is a small stand that holds the dictionary, bible and some natural healing books. In my room is another small stand with some books that I've collected from friends, 2nd hand shops etc that I want to read.It also has a couple of antique books that I just hold on to. that is it. When I lived with my ex in our big house, I had a room that was chock full of books of all types. I love books and I love to read. When I moved out, I donated my collection to the local salvation army. I didn't have the room in my new place and realized that most of the books on my shelves never get re-read once I've read them. I visit the library frequently and always have a good book going. You will not find a plasma tv in my home. I have a normal old tv that I've had for years...barely watch it. I think I have about 4 DVDs. 2 were gifts and 2 are yoga videos. I do know what you are getting at tho....it does seem that not as many people are into reading as there once was. I have heard rumors of the libraries getting rid of books and that just makes me sad. sad I hope it is just a rumor!happy [sid556]
Libraries over here tend to be good but increasingly they are not just centres for books but other media as well. I often wonder how many DVDs and Computer Games get borrowed compared to books. I couldn't imagine life without reading. We couldn't come and play here for a start! [p1kef1sh]
Hi there Pike. The thing is that many of today "modern" people, prefer not to read, or to read online and that may explain the lack of books in people houses. I for one still have books and still buy them as well (and also read them :D). [elitess]
My question must be "why" do they prefer not to read. Is it because film saves them from having to use their imaginations? [p1kef1sh]
This is one adverse effect of the kind of technology we have right now. A house with a lot of bookcases appeal me more than the ones with all these hi-tech gadgets just lying and scattered on the floor. As a result, kids today has become less productive and skilled because of these portable things, and their eagerness to discover something new or think something out of the box are being bombarded by these video game consoles. I'm also not against it but parents or their guardians should be highly responsible about their kids' exposure to these kind of things. They should know how to control their kids' use of these and be aware of the consequences. [bdayboy09]
Books feed the imagination in a way that film and games do not I think. Also books aren't interactive. Electronics has its place, but a book is a treasure. [p1kef1sh]
I haveTONS of books in my house but unfortunately i don't own a bookcase to store them...lol So you'll probably see lots of books lying around on the dining table, in my bro's room, in the living room and such...Usually they are novels but some of them are knowldge books, or magazines like reader's digest or national geographic.. ^_^ [mira91]
LOL. I need more bookcases. I can imagine the scene. Good isn't it? [p1kef1sh]
I was going to say that that's a bit strange but actually I have noticed the same thing. I don't visit many people's houses anyway but now I think about it, I don't recall seeing bookshelves - or even many books - in some places. That is odd considering that I don't even read but have overflowing bookcases! [pumpkinjam]
Yeah... how did that happen? [pumpkinjam]
ya, now a days most houses dont have any bookcases.even i dont even have a book case in my house. during my studies i had a lot of books, but now i gave those to my juniors who are not able to buy as they are musch poor . i feel like its good to give things that are helpful for others when we really dont need that thing. many may be like mine. thats why no book case in many home. [shooork]
Do you feel that now you have stopped your studies that there is no further need to read a book then? [p1kef1sh]
We have four large bookcases full of books, and at times books have taken over my/our space and have had to be culled. But now, with neither of us working, buying books is a no no, so we're safe from being overwhelmed. Thank the Gods for public libraries; we usually have a dozen books out at any given time, since we both like the same authors on the whole. I read them first, then sharra. I think going blind would be the death of me, if I couldn't read anymore. Lash [grandpa_lash]
We did used to buy books but at the rate that we read them we would be broke. Well I read about half that rate so my pile of books to be read is always twice as big. I gave up reading for years because I did not want to wear glasses but I am so glad that I finally did get them as I have always loved reading. Besides I cannot read my computer screen very well without glasses any more either. That is one part of getting old that really sucks, hmm along with everything else. [sharra1]
So true what you ahve said. You also forgot to mention the XBox, Playstation, Wii or Nintendo DS for the kids. I always look for the books as well and indeed these days if you cna even find a newspapers or magazine you are lucky. Given that so much can be done online, many people are either glued to their computer, their game console or the TV. [gtdonna]
This afternoon I was walking through town and the world seemed just so perfect. Warm but not hot weather, spring flowers, birds singing - all That I needed was a nook and and a book! Heaven. [p1kef1sh]
I have a book case in my house.And shelves too to accommodate the books.If you come to my home you can see the books very neatly stacked and kept dusted clean. So clean as I have not dirtied them recently.Yes friend I feel bad to say that I read less nowadays. [balasri]
I was expecting what was coming next.lol [balasri]
You are so right, rarely a family that encourage their kids to read. Personally, I would say reading has some sort of special and unique atmosphere that other media can't display. You can run your imagination unlimited and very wild, and you won't be disappointed on your own fantasy , unlike when you are upset by the characters in the movie that you considered them to be miscasting. This is for novel or science fiction etc. But for computer books or math books there's no any space for fantasy :-) However, still a must for me to have books on my bookshelf, I have a lot of books in my place, comics, science fiction, Narnia, computer books and a lot more. I love books, that is. [survajar_62]
You sound a real book lover. Thank you. [p1kef1sh]
I would LOVE to have a bookcase! Right now a lot of my books are in boxes because I have no place to put them. My recent books are stacked up under this old table we have. Maybe next week when I have a bit of time I'll try to get it more organized at least. [reinydawn]
I moved into this house over 4 years ago and it's still not organized :) [reinydawn]
I used to have a huge library, but now I have about 10-15 books. I have a Sony E-Book Reader and a Kindle 2. So there is no longer any reason to own books, because I can get the E-book for cheaper or free. [shopgirl]
I'm not one to have a bunch of books and really don't like having them around to clean and then to have to buy bookcases for. I'm perfectly happy with my little screen filled with over 500 books. [shopgirl]
I have two bookcases in the house. I plan to add another one soon since the current one already cram and pack that I have to find another alternative. Keeping books are good. Not just as reading but we may use them when we need to find reference on something. [prinzcy]
I love everything about books. the smell, touch and pure luxury of owning them. I hope that you get that bookcase soon. [p1kef1sh]
If you came into my house you wouldn't be able to miss seeing a bookcase. There is at least one in every room(I can see four from where I'm sitting right now). My son made a comment about this once because in every one of my family's houses the bookcases(and books)are everywhere, but in my husbands family's houses there isn't any. I think it has a lot to do with what you were raised with. In my house growing up we always had bookcases filled to the Rims and piles of them stacked around on tables,etc. When we went to my grandparents house it was the same. My husband, on the other hand, says he has no memory of even having books in his house as a kid. [madasp]
I was raised in a house full of books too. So was The Boss (my wife). So it was inevitable perhaps that our house is also packed with them. [p1kef1sh]
I've books everywhere, some on bookcases but many just in piles or in boxes! I just cant seem to part with them. My adult children are just as bad so there's always something to read. I prefer reading and always have a book by the bed! My sister says it's like being in a library as there are books on virtually any subject you can think of. Guess I'm just 'old-fashioned' but I'd be lost without them! [Annmac]
That's the best sort of "old Fashioned" if you ask me. [p1kef1sh]
Yes we do have a bookcase and we do read the books in the case. I read all the time at work during my lunch hour. We do not have racks of DVDs or a 52" plasma TV, just a normal 27" TV. [sdmoonchild]
That sounds very balanced. [p1kef1sh]
i do have books & a bookcase. reading has always been my favorite past time. i'll have to admit mylotting is cutting into my reading.u also want find a plasma tv or racks od dvd's at my house either. i'm just a plain jane. [ANTIQUELADY]
thanks pike. hope u are having a happy day. [ANTIQUELADY]
My house has 4. One is in each of the secondary rooms & 1 in the dining room. I still need more bookcases for when the spare room gets turned back into a proper library. [uath13]
I want a proper library but I am being so slow with the conversion. Not a big job, the spirit is willing etc - but I just don't get around to doing it. [p1kef1sh]
Good post. This is so true as far as I can see. I have a bookcase and even many more books placed where ever I can put them. I actually stay firm on not riding any books. Only adding is acceptable to me. I usually dont read them again (unless its a kids story) but I have a good selection to give to a friend in need of a read that may fit in intelectual need. Reading is one of my favorite things to do. [ladygator]
I love to read too. I do read many again and again. [p1kef1sh]
Books live in our home, people are secondary, our walls have cases and the floors have stacks every once in a while we have a sale and part with some of our treasures, which just makes room for more. [savypat]
I couldn't part with a book unless it was a more recent duplicate. I just love to see and feel them. [p1kef1sh]
We are avid readers here, but besides a small bookcase my kids share, and a small bookcase in my room that I use for those few books I cannot pass along, we don't keep books. I will get a box of books, swap a few after I've read them, and then give the box away when I'm done. You'll always find books laying around my house tho, both school books and pleasure reading books. We still have the 42" plasma tv, video game systems and several computers, but we all do enjoy reading. [earthsong]
I am not anti electronics - I'm typing this on my computer after all - but I find something much more comforting about books. [p1kef1sh]
In my den I have four bookcases full of books, videos and DVDs. I also have a few storage bins full of books that I have not read yet and more under my bed. LOL [nanajanet]
Yip! Sounds good to me. [p1kef1sh]
It amazes me how many people there are in the world who do not read. It is even more amazing the number of people there are who CAN NOT read. When I was a child I devoured books left and right. I still buy way more books than I could ever hope to read. [Canellita]
It amazes me sometimes when I see children struggling to read at even the earliest level. Many are several grades behind in their skill and it is so unecessary! [Canellita]
My bookcase is in this dresser slash cupboard type thing I have. There's draws on one side of it for clothes and then there's a door that has like four or five shelves on it and that's where I keep all my books. Of course I read because it's a great way to pass time and it definitely makes you smarter. [jambi462]
Reading works on so many levels and is always endlessly fascinating. [p1kef1sh]
This made me chuckle. I remember reading an article online that something like 90% of high school students in the US state that they do not read for pleasure. I laughed at the kids because when asked what they did for pleasure majority of them answered that they surf the web to find out interesting stuff and chat with friends. All I could think was "HELLO! You are reading!!" People always comment on the number of books we have in our house. We have 4 bookshelves that were made by my father-in-law that are 6 shelvers, we have a 2 shelf bookcase that we got from my mother-in-law and 3 white 4 shelvers that are in my son's bedroom. All of them are packed tight with books ranging from my son's first boardbook when he was 2 to 60 year old copies of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. We have hardcover, paperback, trade editions, we have board books and promo copies. There are books everywhere in our house. Stacks of them on Dressers and on our desks. People think we are nuts when we can honestly say that we have read and reread every single book in our house and we are constantly buying more. We LOVE to read. Don't get me wrong. We also love movies and TV too. We have netflix and average about 8 movies a week. We own well over 200 DVDS and about 300 VHS tapes. We have 2 TVs, but we like to read more than anything else. My husband tends to have 3 books going at once and I like to have 3-4 for myself. My son also loves reading and it trying to learn to read better and faster so he can read more about dinosaurs. Reading is awesome. I think if more people would encourage it then more of our young people would read. [vokey9472]
That kind of encompasses my feelings about reading too. Thank you. [p1kef1sh]
Not only do I read, but I sell used books as well, so you will find tons of books at my house, however the book shelves are in the basement so unless you were going down to my basement you would not see the books, other than a what ever book that I am currently reading, which is always in the bathroom. I also have several audio books in my car. [ladym33]
We have a whole town over here that is one giant bookshop. Hay on Wye. It's not a place for a quick visit! LOL. [p1kef1sh]
I have a lot of books in my home. I don't have any bookcases to put them on, at the moment. I do read, it is my favorite pasttime. I have read since i was a child and i love to read. I prefer mysteries, but i will read just about any type of book as long as it is not a romance. I am not into the romance books. I also have my children read. [dmrone]
I am not to keen on romances either. But they need to be there for those people that are. It's just great that you all read. [p1kef1sh]
Thats very true. I love to read in our home you will see 2 book shelves as soon as you walk in and 2 more on the second floor. I think reading is very important in our lives. It's a skill we should never loose or let go of. Happy Easter [emilie2300]
Yes it is sad I have a co worker who can't read and it is sad. Or a lot of people stop reading. I love to read. [emilie2300]
I love to read, and there are a lot of books in my house. We have tall bookcase full of books, and a few boxes and crates full of just books as well. You are right, though. Not many homes have a lot of books anymore. I mostly see movies, dvds, tvs, computers, etc [tiff_tay20]
It's all those electronic things that made me ask this question. I can see by the responses that I have that I needn't worry too much about myLotters! [p1kef1sh]
I have hundreds of books in my house. My family room has a gas fireplace with built-in book shelves on either side. The lower cupboards are filled with games and puzzles, the bookshelves are filled with books. I also have a bookcase in my livingroom, another in the basement where my office is. My sister gave me an old headboard which I have sitting on the floor against the wall next to my bed. It is also filled with books. Do you want to hear about my kids books too? cool The both of shelves of books in their rooms, and there are some in boxes that are left over from a garage sale. [patgalca]
I would have been MOST surprised if you had said that you don't read. LOL. [p1kef1sh]
I agree that less people are reading now that they have Computers and Cell Phones and televisions. I'm sure before all these things came about people were more interested in other things and perhaps one of those was reading. I love to read. I would much rather read a book then sit and watch television or a movie. My husband wants to get a new flat screen tv but until the one we have dies I will not buy another one! When you come into my house you wouldnt see any books. I have one book that I read at a time and that is always downstairs unless I am reading in bed so you might happen to see that book. The rest of the books are on a big bookshelf in the upstairs hallway. My daughter has her own bookshelf next to my two bookshelves. She has a lot of books as well. My daughter is a huge book lover like her mother! When I was her age I had no interest in books though. I didn't enjoy books until I was about 10. [shaggin]
It sounds like you are encouraging a good habit in your daughter. A TV is just a TV. But a book is and adventure! [p1kef1sh]
I enjoy reading, but I dont have a bookcase. Even though I would like one my house just insnt big enough to have a large piece of Furniture like that. So I do keep my books hidden away in a cupboard! :) [Emma30587]
LOL. Better there than nowhere! [p1kef1sh]
That's a really good point! I'm so unimpressed by seeing those huge plasma televisions in people's homes. There's always better ways to spend your money! I do have several DVD sets (I collect seasons of "The Shield" and "The Office") but overall, I don't like spending a lot of money on unimportant stuff. I have a bookcase in my bedroom, but I also have about five or six books sitting on my nightstand. They range from fiction, to health, to sociology to spiritually-based. I also have a large Winnie the Pooh book (yes, guilty, I love Pooh!) and a book about Oprah. I love reading. I love reading paper/hardback books more than eBooks! I do have a couple of eBooks on my computer, but I definitely prefer to hold a book in my hand more than read off the computer monitor. [goodnightmoon]
Really? That's pretty cool! [goodnightmoon]
We have three full bookcases in our house. We love to read! [kellys3ps]
That is great. Happy reading. [p1kef1sh]
I have many books, but you will not see any in the living room. I used to keep a few on the coffee table, but my husband said he was tired of looking at them and moved them to our glassed in back porch, which has become his den. I also have a 5 shelf bookcase in the bedroom. All 5 shelves are crammed full, and I have a few books laying on top of the others. Yes, I read, but you wouldn't know it by looking at the living room. All you would see there besides the usual couch and chairs is the TV and 100+ CDs. [bellis716]
The TV would be rather hard to tidy away, unless one had one of those entertainment centers with the doors on it. [bellis716]
I read a lot, but I don't have many books at home. Most books I take from public library. Many books I buy at local second hand store and after I am done reading, I give it away. I don't read the same book twice, unless is book I love. [polachicago]
I am really pleased to see how many people are using their libraries. [p1kef1sh]
My bedroom is almost completely filled with books - I have stacks of them on nearly every square foot of my floor (of course, this is partly because I delegated all of my stuffed animals to the actual shelf). Nothing will ever replace reading in my life, and when I have children, I hope I instill the same feeling in them. There have been studies indicating that children who grow up in homes with more books end up being more intelligent overall! :D [angelaaa]
I think that if there are books available children will look at them. If they are encouraged and learn to exercise their minds through reading then there is no limit to where they can go. [p1kef1sh]
Yes, my husband and I both read a lot as it is a good way to relax. So much better than watching the television. A good book, some good music playing in the background and a glass of wine. What more would you need. [moondance61]
I'm on my way round. Sounds blissful to me! LOL. [p1kef1sh]
I don't have that many books around the house..but I have over 200 ebooks on my palm. I don't have the space and love the convenience of ebooks so that is the way I go [Debs_place]
I can't get comfy reading off a screen for very long. However, if it works for you then that's a great way to read. [p1kef1sh]
I, too am finding that books in the home are extremely rare these days. I see a great deal of 'coffee table' books, picture books and like but no novels. I see more playstations and dvds! It's truly depressing..I read more when I worked in New York City because I took the train to work but now I don't get to read as much as I have a job in jersey. You can't get anywhere without a car here! lol, I do manage to read a book per month and a host of magazine articles. [MsBoomBoom]
We have to fit reading into our lives and I know that it seems harder to do. But it's good that you are still managing to read something. I don't think that it matters what we read, it's that we do read that matters. [p1kef1sh]
You'd probably be disappointed in my home. I have a few books laying around but most of what I read I check out of the library instead of purchasing. I find this to be much more frugal and thus better for me and my family. So, while you wouldn't see bookcases filled with books, there are books in my house :D [wahmbrenda]
Yeah, I don't know why they don't. [wahmbrenda]
Book is not a decoration,just enrich the human mind.I like read book from the library instead of buy many books to fill with bookcase.Not the more book we have,the more learned we become. [aromababy]
I agree. Thank you and welcome to myLot. [p1kef1sh]
I am proud to say that I am one of the few that has a bookshelf in my frontroom. In my frontroom bookshelf there is books that consist in; photography,motherhood,and childrens books. In my bedroom there is a bookshelf that consists in; psychology,anatomy,and script plays such as "A Much Ado About Nothing", "The Crucible", and "Don't Drink the Water". ...and go figure,I dont have a big screen TV... One summer you couldn't turn me away from the book I was reading... [Shauninaninani]
Thank you for the welcome... This summer I hope to be reading college school books... [Shauninaninani]
Yep i do, but sadly my bookcase is hiding in my bedroom. There isnt room for it in my living room, but upon entering my living room you will see books scattered every where. My poor bookcase is over flowing. I have a small tv, a very few dvds...but i do have plenty of books. [pheonixstar1982]
I have three paperbacks waiting to be read, plus several ebooks that have been downloaded to read. I read two to three books a week on average. Its more like an addiction. Drives my best friend crazy that i read so much. [pheonixstar1982]
I enjoy a good book every now and then but I don't have bookcases shelves in my room contain many many computer books and encyclopedias for plants birds and maps. Usually every now and again I'll go to a library to rent a book [Alexflu]
More people should use their local libraries. I'm all for that. [p1kef1sh]
You would find them easily in my house, P1ke. I love books! I love to read, but I also love books like they are beautiful objects. I decorate with books. Stacked under a lamp on the sofa table in my family room you will find five books, each about a location I have traveled. In my living room you will find several old, used and rare books that I think are beautiful, tucked in little table by the reading chair. In my bedroom you will find far too many books precariously stacked on both bedside tables, ready to fall at any moment. blink In my son's room you will find 3 large baskets over flowing with books and probably one or two on the floor, as my son enjoys playing with his books like he does his toys.... I walk in often to find him thumbing through his dinosaur book in awe, or playing teacher pretending to read to his friends. But to get to the real collection, you know, where you will learn about me and my husband by the books we read, you will need to have access to our guest bedroom. That is where we store our collection of books..... two bookshelves filled to the gills inside the closet, and six low standing bookshelves placed around the room. Yes, if a person happens to have a fear of books or feels claustrophobic around a large collection of books, an overnight visit to my house would not be a fun time for them. Not in this house anyway. Our next house will have a study/library. [makingpots]
I know how much you love books Pots. I remember one of our first conversations was about book fairs I think. I'll come and stay. Just throw food into the spare room occasionally please. I'll be out in a year or two! LOL. [p1kef1sh]
Speaking for Myself,MY collection of books are mostly located around the bedroom! I recently went through a housewide declutter,but the book collection has stubbornly stayed put...I need some more bookshelves,as they're mostly now in storage containers awaiting a new home...happy [ShepherdSpy]
I need more bookcases and rooms to put them in too! LOL. [p1kef1sh]
When you walk in my front door and look to the left you will see a very tall book case with books on it. It is rare to see them anymore. but in my house you will see all of my books in the bookshlef. I ahve over 50 books and it is getting larger by the day. [jennifercrowe]
Let it grow. It's one of the things that doesn't need pruning ever! LOL. [p1kef1sh]
Oh you should come to our place we have lots of bookcases. Of course we read a great deal but all the books we read come from the library as we find it way to expensive to buy books these days. What you will not find is a plasma screen as we have no intention of getting one and we only have a few dvd's. The only dvd's we have that get watched regularly are my collection of Inspector Rex dvd's and I only got them this year as presents. For that matter I watch them on my computer as the dvd player my brother bought me a few years ago no longer works. I think it got squashed by the pay tv box we used to have sitting on it. We got rid of pay tv as well as it cost too much for very little to watch. Still now that we are being forced to change tv's as they are shifting everything to digital we will have to buy a new one some time this year and I have to admit that having a nice compact LCD tv will mean that we will be able to lift the damn thing easily and it will not be screen heavy. That is a nice bonus. But then we are weird compared to most people and prefer to be that way.w00traspwub [sharra1]
I will think about it. We were told that an internal dvd is not good as it can overheat but we will shop around first to decide. They will take 3 years to phase out ordinary tv's so no rush except that the digital channels that have started are looking interesting. So it may be worth getting one sooner rather than later but it will not be anything fancy when we do. I like movies but I love books. Nothing beats the imagination that words can trigger and the fantasies that we can weave in our minds. [sharra1]
yes,i have lot's of book and i do read it..but i do not have my own bookcase because there are no place to put it plus it's very expensive to buy one..usually i just recycle using formerly glass case that used to place the plate to place my books..huhu [fasyahime]
That's very sensible. Thank you. [p1kef1sh]
in this high tech age, yes, i still have a lot of books lying around my house and i still buy them books. there is nothing refreshing than having a book in hand. it is more comfortable reading a real book than reading and ebook. you don't get tired or have that feeling of exhaustion. besides, we still get legitimate information from these published books in the real world, i know what they have written is true, unlike in the net everyone can get away with it and say that it's true. [tigerdragon]
I agree with all that you say. Exactly. Thank you. [p1kef1sh]
Ohhh books. I read alot. I have several bookcases - one in the basement. One right by the rarely used entry way. One by the computer with all my tech books in. One at the foot of my bed in my bedroom, one in the Kitchen and a couple in the spare room. Tehres alot of people that dont read or dont keep books in book cases - they keep them in boxes. **shudder** Others are like my grandma they get the books they read them and they pass them on to a friend or a family member. I've gotten countless books from my grandma and passed countless ones on to her. ps my movies take upa single shelf under my tv and then the two 128cd cd cases sitting behind the tv. Theres about 40 movies i got from garage sales, as gifts, and as cheap 1 dollar movies from walmart. [saundyl]
TV and movies for me i turn em on and they tend to be background noise (keeps the house from feeling too lonely and masks the weird outside noises that are there at times) while i read or play computer. I greatly prefer books to tv...i ususally have atleast 15 books out from the library (ususally more) and my holds list is always full. [saundyl]
I do that too and if I see a bookshelf I can't help going over and taking a look at the books! You can tell a lot about a person by the books he or she reads. We have books everywhere in our house because I am an avid reader and so is my daughter. My husband doesn't read which is beyond us; we don't understand how anyone can say the don't like books! I hope reading hasn't lost its place in people's lives; I educated my daughter to love books, she's only seven and so far so good! happy [paula27661]
If we can encourage our children to read then we need not fear too much for the next generation. But I am afraid that many young people don't read at all. [p1kef1sh]
Yes i have plenty of books most of which i have read. They are all kept in a cupboard which is beside my table. there are a few books on my table also. I don`t have any plasma tv, dvd or cd racks. For me books are the ultimate entertainment and source of knowledge but nowadays i am not finding as much time to devote to them as in my pre-computer and pre-tv days.I love reading and for me a book in hand is a joy forever. [veejay19]
That sounds well balanced. Thank you. [p1kef1sh]
I have a lot of books in my house.but most of them are books that i had learned at junior middle school.and a few of them are bought from bookstores,i love them very much.and now i'm in university,and can read online,sometimes i buy few books about my subject.i think the internet change my reading. [gxinhua]
That's my concern. That we will learn off the internet and not bother with the wonderfully tactile experience of paper again. Thank you and good luck with your studies. [p1kef1sh]
Hello P1kef1sh, I have 10 bookcases in my office. I would say I have read about 150 of the 1000 plus books, which I have there. The other books I bought originally through EBay with the intention of selling them. Even if I do not sell them all, they still look pretty impressive and make me feel like I have my own private library, which is nice... Happy Easter. Umart [umart13]
Thank you. Read them first before you sell them! LOL. [p1kef1sh]
I have a small bookcase displaying some of my book in my room under my desk. I take pride in my collection and like to display them, and I have more that cant be in my closet for lack of room. But I think, or at least hope, people are taking bookcases out and putting in tvs and other such entertainment pieces for decorating intentions. A sleek plasma tv looks more appealing in a livingroom for fashion purposes than a bookcase displaying tons of books which can look cluttered. I'm not dumb though, I know people do not care about reading like they do about their newest TV and other electronics. But electronics are being made to look really nice in houses and add to a contemporary look. [csrobins]
I agree...books are all around a better choice for entertainment, worthwhile knowledge, and education. [csrobins]
Oh heck yeah!! Been reading since I was about 5 or so and haven't stopped since. I've got . . . probably close to 400 books between my wife and I of various genres. Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Supernatural, Romance, Mystery, Horror and likely a few more that I haven't remembered. Which isn't to say that we don't have a big TV with a satellite and a DVD player and some video games because we do, we just also happen to read. Plenty of interests to keep one occupied and stimulated (sort of anyway). [jasonlapeer]
That sounds a great cross section of things. Thanks and welcome to myLot. [p1kef1sh]
I read and buy books but they go to the library. I do however have cds but not like to have on shelves, enough for my daughter to watch whenever she wants. [ShellyB]
Sounds good to me. Thank you. [p1kef1sh]
I love bookcases. Ironically none are in my home. I have one builit into my closet which i don't offically count. I look for them at yard sales and thrift shops but never find them. I just don't want to drop some large dough on something I can find cheaper and probably better quality. Oh and I have tons of books sitting in boxes waiting for their spot on a shelf. Sad huh? I think bookcases with books show a sign of intelligent life in a home. [taface412]
I agree with your final sentence. Ironically I have books here! LOL. [p1kef1sh]
I have hundreds of books and don't have enough room to put them - even after I had a good clearout. I also have around 1000 books that I have listed to sell on amazon. Book reading is not dead - just look at how well amazon is doing! [snugasabugxxx]
I agree that book reading is not dead and indeed Amazon is a major player in that. Although I note that it's largest growth is in non book items. I hope that you manage to keep a healthy business selling there. [p1kef1sh]
well to be honest with you now days I too would say the same as what you say. One can hardly see book case in one's house. As for my house I don't have it anymore coz i have a 5 year old kid and he likes to scribble on the books. so therefore I don't display them opened in order to avoid it to happen to some of my prized collections. [schoenmaker143]
I was told to always put anything that matters 6" higher than you think that they can reach! LOL. [p1kef1sh]
I do love to read when I have the time to do it. I don't have a bookcase in my home though. I keep books in my nightstand and also in my closet. I just do not have room for a bookcase in my house. Usually after I read a book I will pass it on so I don't really keep many after reading them. I also try to borrow books from the library as well. [sweetgirl_k1]
The library is a great place to belong to. All those books for free! [p1kef1sh]
Here is a picture of a small part of our bonus room. We had just set up the bookcases but I hadn't unpacked my books yet. I'd say those shelves that you see are no more than 5% of the shelves in that room alone. And they are now almost 100% full. So yep I have books, quite a large library actually. And other than the boxes and boxes of books that I got from my Mom, I have read pretty much all of them. [dawnald]
OK if you promise to pick up your toys when you're done playing with them! [dawnald]
I like reading books, i have a shelf and i put all my books there, you can come to see it in my house!!! [jav_1218]
That sounds just great. Thank you. [p1kef1sh]
I do have a bookshelf in the living room, its got a few books on it, but mostly nicknacks and pictures of family. We have a shelf that is built into the wall in the bedroom and its full of books, they are my mother in laws, and sometimes I go in there and look to see what all is on it, theres some interesting books on there, I also have a shelf in our bedroom that I have books on, my collection is growing. I like to read alot, I'm always out looking for something to read, I think people should read more. [walijo2008]
Reading is something that slowly grows on you until one day you are swamped by books! [p1kef1sh]
I love reading books, although I do not have a book case. Most the time my books end up donated to the library,given away to someone else to enjoy or put in boxes. My husband doesn't feel that the living room is a place for books to be displayed. So to find them you would have to be in my room or computer room where they are most the time. [mtdewgurl74]
We live in a trailer which doesn't have dining room but I wish it did..I guess that would be more room to stash things. Also I guess since some think of romance books as smut and other books as sci fi as weird and Stephen Kings books as off the loop sometimes. His mom didn't know how to read nor his dad really. So books weren't a big part of his growing up except for school books. And he doesn't read books although he knows how to read very well. He just never got into it. My whole family loves reading books and I grew up with everyone reading books so I am a avid reader myself. My brother has a few bookshelves with nothing but his favorites in them. So I guess there is a different maybe in the way a person is raised for them to enjoy books to want to be surrounded by them or maybe not.. [mtdewgurl74]
I have hundreds of books, and most of these are on two floor to ceiling bookcases in the loungeroom. You'll also find books scattered throughout our apartment (on the bench, on the coffee table, on the dining table, in the bedroom), as I tend to leave a trail of books behind me. I love to read, and have a huge variety of different genre's. I'm also a bookcrossing member, so I swap books with other members, and leave others out in the 'wild' in the hopes that some random person may find it and pick it up and take it home. Needless to say, I love to read, and always carry at least one book with me where ever I go. [kriszelunka]
That sounds like heaven to me. I've not come across book swapping before. I don't know whether I could let my books go! [p1kef1sh]
Have over a thousand books! There're not missing here. [galleryofgrace]
Sounds very good. Thank you and welcome to myLot. [p1kef1sh]
Only any book I can get my hand on... I have 2 full walls in my house full of books. :)I can estimate (safely) over 2000 books in my house. I too have noticed the sad lack of books in peoples homes lately. My sister in law never even had paper and pencils in her house. Now as a homeschooling mom of 7 that is just shocking to me. [davismomof16]
I find that shocking too. No paper or pencils. I buy hud=ndreds of pencils every year - but I think that we have a pencil munching fairy here someplace as I can never find one! [p1kef1sh]
yes! the condition you have explained is true. now a days book readers are vanishing in high rate.most of the people rely on other sources. most of them are just avoiding books by not understanding its value. i have read some good books that had given me some knowledge. i was just keeping this habit.. [srmailtosr]
It is easier to watch films perhaps. I don't know. I just prefer books. [p1kef1sh]
well come over honey do i have books in bookcase's in floor on tables book books all over the place [wildcat48]
I tend to read a lot. I like Star trek or Christian romance for enjoyment. I also read Joyce Meyers, Joel Osteen, and Charles Stanley for inspiration. [estherlou]
Are they christian authors? I don't know them at all. [p1kef1sh]
Hi p1kef1sh I have a bookshelf!! It is mainly full of cookery books but I still can't cook!! I have lots of biographies too but have not had much time to read them all! [Humbug25]
Believe ME p1kef1sh I can't cook! [Humbug25]
I am a student so read book is my job.However,i seldom read the book that i bought from bookshop.As the chinese saying:you never read the book unless it is borrowed from other people.you have to give it back in time because the deadline. [savagesjun]
I have to read. I love to read. [p1kef1sh]
yes i have books in my house.a lot of them actually.yes i do read specially romance books.reading is my pastime.. [jhea02]
That's good. Thank you. [p1kef1sh]
I have books...yeah, I have DVDs and videos and CDs but I DO have books. I don't read as much as I want but I do read. There are so many books I want to read and those I want to read again. There are just not enough hours in the day. [MsTickle]
yeah, it doubles as a handy shelf to dump things on and a great place to show off some of my "stuff"...LOL. [MsTickle]
If you come to my house, you won't find a bookcase. However, this doesn't indicate a lack of reading or books in my house, I just don't have a bookcase to put them on lol. I read all types of books. Romance, mystery, self-help, these are my favorites. They stay in a pile next to my bed for easy access. However, this isn't as easy as it should be, as with my kids the pile tends to be knocked over at least once a day *eyeroll* It may be a good investment to get a bookcase after all lol. [drknlvly6781]
LOL. Bless them! I have a pile on my nightstand. One day it will fall and it will be lights out for me permanently! [p1kef1sh]
Come to think about it, I have been in a few homes that don't even have bookcases. Like you said, maybe they have them hidden, but normally books are out for easy access. I grew up with a bookshelf with books on it, I even had one in my bedroom. I have books in my home, I love to read when I can find the time to. I'm a huge Stephen King fan, so most of my books are from him. I have many others, that it's not even funny. My oldest daughter shares a bookshelf with her sister, and honestly I need to get them a bigger one. Their books are over flowing the small one they have. There's not one spot in my home that doesn't contain a book, some are novels and some are what my husband got from going back to college. [chertsy]
Mine are in order, when it comes things like that I have a OCD with it. Everything has to be in it's place at all times. When I'm done with a book, I already know where it goes. I wish my kids had that same idea, because their rooms looks like a tornado flung books everywhere. [chertsy]
Yes,we have lot off books,a big collection because my husband is very fond of reading.He continue to bye new books wherever he see them.But all are spiritual ones.My all cupboards are full now.Reading us a good habit. [Asavari]
Reading is a very good habit. [p1kef1sh]
Hello p1kef1sh! I have 3 bookshelves in my house. 1.5 shelves is FULL to the seams with books, 1/2 of the shelves is packed with computer things (paper, cd roms, printer, etc) and the other bookshelf is full of DVD's & CD's. I would have a million more books if I could but put myself on a book diet. I can ONLY buy the newest release from my FAVE author when her book comes out. Otherwise I'm NOT allowed to purchase anymore books until I finish reading all that are on my shelf. Its a good thing too because I told hubby that next year's taxes he can buy himself a brand new 47-50" tv so that I can purchase myself 2 more bookshelves. Then I can get more books and be in book HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE me some books!!!!!!!!!!!!! [fran429]
God Bless that tax money! LOL. [p1kef1sh]
When I'm first in someone else's house, I make a beeline for any books they have on display. I just can't help it. You can't walk through my house without tripping over books, so you'd be in seventh heaven if that's your thing. I find it hard to find second hand English language paperbacks around here (my staple diet!) so when I travel back from the UK I tend to do so with boxes full. At the moment I have a system, though I'm sure it won't last. Books I haven't read are in one caravan. Books I have read are in another. Books I'm about to read, have just read or haven't tidied up reside wherever else I've left them. From where I'm sitting in the kitchen now, I can see a Horrid Henry book in the fruit bowl (eldest child), a Dutch nursery rhyme book (youngest's) and a Pub joke book (guest's I've borrowed) by the fridge, a Carl Hiasson which I've just finnished by the door waiting to be tidied, The Poisonwood Bible (have you read it? You ought) sat next to me, plus a stack of books I dug out of storage on various gardening topics and pig care sitting on the side. The few DVDs which we have are all stashed away, and we don't have a telly. [GreenMoo]
As we currently live in a rented house with no bookshelves, the caravans come in very handy! They're also a good place to hide from life. We're building a library into the new house, so my caravans will soon become redundant. [GreenMoo]
You are exactly right. In our house we read though. It is mandatory for all of our children to read at least 30 minutes a day. We go to the library regularly. There is so much more entertainment value in books not to mention the knowledge you gain. Its just that people are lazy. Its so much easier to turn on the tv and just sit there and so many people let the tv babysit their kids. It upsets me. television is not teaching our kids anything. People wonder all the time why my children and my husband and I have such an extensive vocabulary. Duh! Its because we read. [AshleyNicole82]
Exactly. Reading achieves many things. Books aren't just for propping up the wonky piano leg! LOL. [p1kef1sh]
Stacks of responses I see, old bean! I have been doing a spot of DIY recently and could have done with a few helpful hints. Have you any books on shelves? [Scoop_Dogg]
Stacks of books on shelves Old chap. Pop round but I'm afraid that you'll have to DIY! [p1kef1sh]
Hello p1kef1sh, Yes, we do have some books in the house and a bookcase. I have a set of Grolier Encyclopedia, some novels, Childcraft collection and a few Reader Digest. I read them once in a while. Most novels once read were discarded or we sale them. We don't have a large storage and so we discard all unnecessary items. Books are a bit expensive and now you can have them in the internet too as e-book. You can read them on your cellphone as pdf file. So technology is changing how we read books now. Regards. ninjaninjaninja [robert19ph]
Technology is changing how we read Robert. For me though, nothing can beat the feel of the page. [p1kef1sh]
I have books in my house, and a book shelf, but I agree that it is becoming more and more rare in people's homes. It's sad when I am suprised when some one my age can have a conversation about current events or literature. (I'm 27). I guess I grew up reading and take the habit for granted. I know for sure it's a practice I will try to bring my kids up with. [harmonee]
I met a 12 year old yesterday that explained to me the Puritan view on idolatry. Now that's what I call impressive and comes from good teaching and reading. [p1kef1sh]
i have some books when i am a student. And i like reading when i am free. But now, i am working , and have no time to do something what i like. [likehua]
That's sad. Do you live to work rather than work to live? [p1kef1sh]
I know exactly what you mean~! I'm twenty and I don't a single friend that actually enjoys to read! I find it extremely sad. In fact, my best friend who is just a year younger than I despises reading. She told me one day that she hasn't actually read a book since she was in the third grade. I am a HUGE reader myself. I used to get in trouble for reading TOO MUCH! I have about 200 books of my own, unfortunately I don't room for them all so my favorites go on my book shelf and the others are stored safely in my closet (or my floor if I'm in a reading mood!) My mom is quite a reader as well. All of our closets are stuffed full! I was homeschooled gorwing up and every year I had to read about a hundred books, plus the extras that I wanted to read! I don't even have a television in my house. [Miralema]
Maybe one day your friend will come back to reading. Although to have got to 20 and not have read since third grade is appalling. I presume that she isn't in college! If she is, then I despair. Well done you and your mom though for having and enjoying books. That's wonderful. [p1kef1sh]
i do have quite a number of books at home. we have about five bookcases in the study fill to the brim with books. i have a small bookcase in my room for my own books as well. we love reading so we've collected quite a few books over the years. in fact, i go to the library to borrow books too. we realise we cannot afford to buy more books as we have no more space for them. lollol [applefreak]
True bookworms I think! [p1kef1sh]
I am totally with you! It's so sad to go to someone's house and see that all their bookshelves are jammed with DVDs. In the last house I lived, I had floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and they were jammed with books. Whenever someone came over, I'd get a look as if I were from another planet. My kids always proudly told our visitors that I've read every one of the books on the shelves. Then I get this weird look like I'm the one who's nuts. It's really sad. Don't people read any more? [KATRINKA]
I am pleased to say that 141 people others that responded to this discussion do read. But I think that fewer and fewer are - at least seriously. That said, "chick Lit" books are doing well especially. But I think that fewer people are reading at home for pleasure. Many say that they are too busy. Perhaps they are, wonder what they are doing?! LOL. [p1kef1sh]
i have bookcases more than dvds but i never read the books lol. [moonlitmagikchild]
I gues that my question has to be "why not"? [p1kef1sh]
No one who enters my house can miss my bookcases. They own one room. They tend to spill over into the other rooms as well, but I try to keep them corralled in the den. I've read almost all of them, except for the overflow from my daughter's room. I just don't get into romances that much. Sigh. Must be something wrong with me. [snowcat46]
Maybe, but I'd have to give up what little gray matter I still have. Especially since with my writing, as soon as the bodice would be ripped, the "hero" would be sporting a beautiful black eye. Courtesy of my not such a damsel in distress (and definitely not in a dress!). My ladies would rather punch than be rescued. They'd never sell. [snowcat46]
Whenever I'm at someone else's place, I also look around to see if they have books. I get disappointed when I see a single shelf with few books in it. I'm an avid reader and in our house you'd see books EVERYWHERE. My dad even built me a mini-library but it was still not enough to hold all my books. That's probably why I'm not used to seeing a house with very few or no books at all. [caffeinedrunk]
I am always surprised when I see no books at all at someone's house. Our place has them like the measles! LOL. [p1kef1sh]
We have a lot of books in our house and 3 bookcases. We mostly have children's books and the kids read more then we do. [camomom]
I got his links and they are very entertaining to watch. He's a very good story teller and my daughter loves it. [camomom]
OOOH Goody - that means you have to come to my bedroom to find the books p1ke....... I cannot imagine life without books although mine tend to get passed along or given to charity shops - there are only a few books that I keep. I really have to sort through Niamhs books though as her room is going to get decorated and a lot of her old books need passed on to a new home - I wonder if I should advertise them on freecycle? Hugs xxx [mummymo]
LOL That is so true - you have no idea how smothered you would be! Mind you I would have to fight Niamh for you as she would want you to read to her - she has plenty of books for you to read to her - fancy the Narnia series or the Complete Winnie the Pooh collection? xxxx [mummymo]
I have two big shelves on my wall full of books, but I need more room! I need a proper book shelf really, rather than just wall-shelves I read loads, but nowhere near as much as I used to. I think it's because I'm so used to using the internet now that the only time I read is if I'm at home and not at my boyfriend's who has the internet rolleyes I keep every book I read (if it's my own and not borrowed!), so I prefer to buy them rather than going to the library. I hardly ever buy them new, though. It's too expensive. I either buy them on eBay or from charity shops and the such like [LilyLoretta]
I can't get rid of a book unless it's a duplicate. The result is a house made of books!! [p1kef1sh]
You already gave a best response credit, but I still wanted to respond. I was out yesterday after dark and saw a huge overstuffed bookcase in many of the houses that I peeked at. [ladygator]
I think that's good to hear. I am worried that people don't seem to read enough. Maybe I am wrong. [p1kef1sh]
I made a resolution last month to buy a book from my Amazon wishlist every month (regardless of whether I actually buy it from Amazon or not, I keep my wishlist on that site). My husband thought this was a great idea. I like to read at the coffee shop for a few hours a day, and we both like the same kind of books, so when I am done with a book, he reads it. [danishcanadian]