I have one main bookcase in my apartment. (And of course, plans for many more) As I was looking at it the other day, I wondered how much of its contents I’d read. There are widely varying beliefs held about the right way to curate a library, from the ubiquitous articles on which books you HAVE to read, to the answer which Anatole France gave to a philistine who admired his library and asked a standard question:
“And you have read all these books, Monsieur France?”
“Not one-tenth of them. I don’t suppose you use your Sevres china every day?”
I’ve only read a couple books on books, but I do find it fascinating.
My own main bookcase shows me at about a 40/60 split: I’ve read about 40% of the books, 60% stand ready for the call to battle.
Well, bibliophiles, where do you stand? What do you think is the ideal split?
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Hmmm Margaret, that is a good question. I will have to say I have a 60/40 split the other way. Most of the books I keep I’ve read, but there are a variety waiting for me to read. Then again, I have another category, those half-read and waiting for me to come back for the rest!
How fun- good to know! And of course, this doesn’t take into account all the ebooks waiting, lurking on devices-ha! It’s a very limited list for me, but I bet you’ve got a list… and as for the half-read ones, they stay in stacks by the bed, so are limited to how many won’t topple over. Easy!
I tend to not buy books until I’ve read them and decide that I would want to read them again. Keeps the clutter down, and saves me from buying things that I’ll regret later!
So my percentage approaches 100% read.
Wow- a very cautious approach, which probably helps, come moving time! Thanks for contributing 🙂