In the process of pulling down, and knowing that eventually I will have to put back, all the books in my house, I was thinking that I have several things in my piles that I should unload, and make available for another person or family to enjoy.
My dilemma with this, is it OK to send books with any sort of written inscription--even maybe ones 15 or more years old--that meant a great deal at the time, but since the person who gifted me the book is now no longer a part of my life--is it kosher to unload those books somewhere? Do you know what I mean?
I have kept these things all these year because I was guilty for the lack of return, or even lasting attachment that the sentiment once truly expressed. Now, I almost avoid the books because of these inscriptions, yet, I can't seem to pitch the books.
Any thoughts, you friends with minds immeasurably wiser than mine?
I'd like to keep the shelf space for books I really truly love and can't live without. So I find the real estate in the shelves is quite valuable. But is there some unwritten rule on this?
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3 comments:
I give you permission to unload those books!
You can tear out the inscription or marker over it. Then send them to the D.I.
I don't mind getting books with the inscription on them. But then, I always trade books at Doc's - our local trade-em place. His book trade shop is in a very old house with attic, bedrooms, dormer windows. I could absolutely live there and read my life away. I just love books, period. When I'm through reading the books, I just trade them back for more credit. Maybe that's tacky...but I love it.
Chuck them. Having them around you just keeps the guilt thing going. Have a little memorial for them and then send them off to DI. You'll feel the load lifting off you as soon as they're gone and you're putting truly loved books in their place. Let some one else love these outgrown books.
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