My book addiction strikes again!
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?
