Thanks to all who left such kind comments on my last post. We definitely feel lucky to have found a house that has what we dreamed of at a price we could afford. We are both in our 40s, are first time homebuyers, and have been looking (in some despair) off and on for the past six years. So we definitely feel like our time has come.
As we did our home inspection today, I couldn’t help but notice that the seller has pretty good taste in books, and while, not seemingly a bookaholic, has more volumes than your average American home. The owner definitely dabbles in the classics, (Shakespeare, Dickens, Wharton, Cather), but also seems to listen to Oprah and the bestseller lists. But nothing looked too frivilous. Two copies of Wolf Hall and one of my favorites The Inn at Lake Devine by Elinor Lipman.
hogglestock 
Great shelves. If you can find it–I think it was in the New Yorker–there was an article written about Roger Ebert. Among the photos was one of his office, complete with floor to ceiling shelves of books, books, books.
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I love looking at what's on other reader's shelves. Tells you a little about that person, in a way.
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please please please post MANY pictures of your library — with detailed shelf pictures — when you get moved in! I'm so excited for the both of you!
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but what i want to know is if you felt the urge to rearrange the books. ;)
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Hmmm…so many good titles, with so much space in between. Almost looks like the realtor had them empty them some for “staging” purposes. If so, that would make me wonder what they packed up. :) It's so fun looking at other people's bookshelves.
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looks like a terrific place. congrats!
they probably have lots more stashed away somewhere. one of the things you are supposed to do when selling a house is declutter and thin out bookshelves to make the house more appealing.
Cindy
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I think the presence of good reading is a sign. The house has a good, bookish vibe. Soon those shelves will house your own books.
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Congratulations on finding what looks like a beautiful house. The library must have swayed you. One tip – you might want to build stronger shelves. Books are heavy, (as I'm sure you know), and these look as though they might sag. This might not bother you as much as it bothers me. Hope all goes through successfully.
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Wonderful shelves… mind you didnt they mind you taking lots of pictures of their bookish habits hahaha?
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I spied a copy of Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford, that would be a 'good karma' sign for me. Congratulations to you both on your new home!
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How exciting to be able to look at shelves and think that you'll be able to put your books there. Can't wait to see the pictures when that happens!
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Harry: I can't wait to be surrounded by books, books, books.
Jeane: Me too. Bookshelves used to be a dating litmus test for me. Few passed that test.
Amanda: I will definitely do so. The evolution of a library.
Deniz: Of course I wanted to. But I refrained. Didn't want to queer the deal.
Susan: You know, besides Wolf Hall there were three or four titles that had duplicates. I think it may have been staged by adding books, not taking away.
Lgh: Thanks for commenting. At the inspection there was definitely more clutter than when we were first looking at it. Clothes mysteriously returning to closests etc.
Ti: I can't wait to get into that room with all my books and contemplate how to arrange them.
Columnist: I hate saggy shelves, and I agree these look like they might be the sagging kind. New bookshelves will be one of the first “elective” projects we embark upon. Boring things like new electrical panel, water heater, chimney repointing, etc. will come first.
Simon S: I didn't want to invade their privacy about their bookish bits, but it would be a total needle in a haystack if they ever came across my blog.
Darlene: I own Love in a Cold Climate but haven't read it yet. That along with other titles I like really made me think it would be fun to chat with the seller, but we haven't met. Interestingly enough, our realtor also had good books on his shelves at home. Margaret Atwood, Carol Shields…
Verity: I worry I won't get any reading done because I will be too busy arranging and rearranging my shelves.
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Wow! I've been looking round student houses at the moment, and have been shocked by how few of them have any books at all, or more than a handful. These are Oxford students, for goodness' sake!
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I feel like such a voyeur, looking at a strangers shelves.
I agree that a real estate agent may have asked them to put some away, so as to not overwhelm a prospective buyer. I know our shelves would scare the heck out of anyone who came in. Just don't stand next to them during an earthquake.
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Loved peeking! Can't wait to see your own books on there!
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Oh lovely! All those shelves, just waiting to be filled!
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A copy of the Poisonwood Bible! Excellent taste!
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Simon T: Shall we just assume the Oxford students are using the libraries heavily and don't purchase…?
Lorin: I just hope before we leave our current place that the landlords (who are trying to sell the unit) don't want us to edit my stacks of books into storage.
Claire: It was pretty hard walking through the house without thinking about blogging about the books.
Olduvaireads: I know I am going to spend hours in there just contemplating how to organize things.
Vintage Reader: I haven't read that one. But you would have liked the Cather and the Wharton…
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