My book addiction strikes again!

Oct 05 2007

I really should stay away from bookstores. If you’re a regular reader of this blog, I’m sure you’re the same way. Every time I venture into a bookstore I tell myself "I’m only going to browse. I won’t buy anything." Yet, it’s almost predictable that when I walk out the doors I will have a bag in hand from my most recent purchase.

Today was no different. I walked into a Waldenbooks with the intention of just "browsing." Twenty minutes later I was standing at the cash register buying The Best American Short Stories 2007, edited by Stephen King. I didn’t buy that particular book because I’m a huge fan of King, although I’ve enjoyed a few of his books, rather I was more curious as to the type’s of stories he chose for this year’s annual collection. Also, as I have mentioned in an earlier post (Can Stephen King save the short story) I started reading these The Best American Books as a college freshman and have been hooked ever since.

I almost bought another book instead – Exit Ghost by Philip Roth. It looked very intriguing and I’ve read some good things about Roth. It was a tough decision, to say the least, but those are the risks one carries when playing the literature game.

Anyway, I’m going to have to avoid bookstores for a while now because I have quite a hefty pile of books I need to read before I can buy anymore. That pile of books is comforting to me. There’s no worse feeling (in my humble opinion) than nearing the end of a book and realizing you have nothing to read afterwards. A feeling of panic washes over me, and I’ve made many hasty book-buying decisions under the spell of that panic.

If you’re a book addict like me, try to pace yourself and remember that there’s other things you need to spend money on (food, clothing, shelter). Do you buy too many books?

One Response

Normally books are the most enjoyable stuff. You never how the time has passed. This will also give huge information, which make us to stand out of the crowd. The knowledge gained by the books will be helpful in some or the other way in our daily life. I agree the addiction of books, since i am one among the freaks.

Shrikanth 10/30/2008 9:34 am