So how is my book buying ban going?

February 10, 2016Thomas

One of my New Year’s resolutions was to only buy books published in 2015 or 2016. I bought so many books last year–most of them used and decades old–that I felt the need to slow the heck down. But I didn’t want to miss out on anything new that might strike my fancy. Well, it was a resolution I knew full well I would break. Just didn’t realize it would be so soon.

This weekend I was at the farmer’s market outside our neighborhood library when I decided to pop inside to see what the Friends of the Library book sale room had on offer. I thought maybe I would find one or two things that would be special enough to buy. This is the same FOL after all, to which I donated about 10 shopping bags of books on one occasion–I didn’t want to be buying back all my own books.

I didn’t do so well. Or rather, I did too well. Surely buying 13 books doesn’t break my resolution?

They had a darn good selection of fiction including a lot of beloved titles that I already own. I wanted to start a shelf with all my personal picks on it, but I am not sure the volunteer would have appreciated those efforts.

There is no way anyone could consider this 13-book purchase breaking my resolution.

kaggsysbookishramblings February 10, 2016 / 10:38 am

I can’t say I blame you – nice finds! :)

LikeLike

Reply
Nadia February 10, 2016 / 10:56 am

You found some great books, so I understand. Of course, I’ve been breaking my resolution to only read my own damn books instead of buying new ones, so I’m in the same boat :)

LikeLike

Reply
leonie February 10, 2016 / 11:22 am

Hi think it’s great , I keep looking scouring the internet for bargains so many wonderful older titles to buy. Yet I also am reminded by a nagging sense of doom that we are selling our house so it’s stupid for me but not for you Thomas .
Enjoy

LikeLike

Reply
MarinaSofia February 10, 2016 / 11:38 am

I also keep on failing at such resolutions relating to books, but I live in hope…

LikeLike

Reply
Geoff W February 10, 2016 / 1:48 pm

FOL always get me! I’m trying to stay away from the library this weekend as I know there is one, but we all know I’m going to be there at some point.

LikeLike

Reply
Susan in TX February 10, 2016 / 6:54 pm

I won’t count them against you. I made it all the way to today without buying any books, and actually I’m not counting what I bought, either. Amazon had all 7 Harry Potter books in one download for $14.99. I couldn’t pass that up. I’m not counting them because I’ve already read them, and since they were downloads, they aren’t taking up real estate on the shelves. I don’t do a lot of e-reading, but having that app on my phone means that I will never get stuck in a waiting room without something to read.

LikeLike

Reply
nerdybookgirl February 11, 2016 / 11:49 am

I broke my book buying ban yesterday, but it is because there was a poetry reading and signing in the library. Surely that doesn’t count!

LikeLike

Reply
Nicola February 11, 2016 / 7:27 pm

Only 13? Nah, doesn’t count as breaking your resolution. 13 is nothing!

LikeLike

Reply
Sarah Faragher February 13, 2016 / 12:11 pm

I’ve visited three bookstores so far this year, and bought a book in each. For myself, that is – I did buy others as gifts. But I really want to read what I have on hand and not spend much on books, new or used, in the year ahead. (Wish me luck with that. Track record = not good.)

LikeLike

Reply
Chris Wolak February 13, 2016 / 12:47 pm

You can carry them all in one arm…I see no problem here.

LikeLike

Reply
Simon T February 14, 2016 / 9:58 am

Nope, I don’t think this breaks the resolution at all. You’re pretty convincing.
Black Dogs is far and away my favourite McEwan (and I go from love to dislike across the ones I’ve read). And Ambler reminds me that I’m hoping to persuade you to join in the 1938 Club with one of the two Ambler books from that year…. or a re-read of Rebecca ;)

LikeLike

Reply