sigh.

[impulsereader]

I have a lot of books. I am being forced to reduce the number of books I have. I need smaller boxes than I have because most of what I am moving is still (despite the reduction) books.

Books are, apparently, heavy.

The Harry Potter dilemma: I bought 1 & 2 in hardcover based upon the cover art and blurb. As of Book 3 I bought each of them on the release date in hardcover and spent the day reading. I have all 7 books in hardcover plus 1-4 Brit editions in paperback as well as on CD. Beginning with book 5 I started to have qualms. Looking back, I can no longer re-read these books. I still love 1-4, but considering how it all turns out I simply cannot read them with pleasure anymore. What the hell do I do with these books? It's a huge chunk of my life - I mean, I've moved on in that I ignore the huge fandom which still exists, but I spent hours on these books. I loved them, I reread them time after time while I waited to find out what was going to happen next. But I'm probably never, ever going to read these books again. I want to keep them, but the entire point of this move is to simplify my life. If I don't keep these particular volumes I guarantee I will never again read these stories. I'm not sure I'm ready to give in to the fact that this story which was initially so captivating is ruined for me forever.

Good lord, why am I having a crisis over Harry Potter? I want to be much cooler than that and be having a crisis over Tolkien, or Sayers, or Wouk, or Potok, or McCullough, or Wynne Jones, or Laurie R. King, or even Schulz - all of whom are equally represented on my shelves, but have all definitively been boxed up already.

I think I've decided to break down and buy that kindle.

I'm really sorry, I'm packing this weekend, there may be more posts bemoaning the weight of books and my non-savvy approach to moving as I begin to understand how not savvy I am at moving.

Moving is, however, good for the figure. I will be doing a lot of hauling of things down the stairs and to the resale store.

Comments

[djarum99.livejournal.com]

There may be a science to moving, but it's primarily a spiritual experience, especially when it comes to addressing The Books. A friend and I were talking last night, and we both share kizzia's definition of bookshelves - they're memory boxes. Moving means sorting through all those memories at once and feels pretty overwhelming.Not to mention the overload of sorting through everything else we collect - my sympathies.

There is a wonderful web site called Paperbackswap that sort of a virtual bookshelf/store. You post a list of books you want to trade, and when someone orders one you get credit to order a new book yourself. Shipping is free. The books aren't really gone then, you see, just stored in an alternate universe.

Wishing you well ♥

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

You are, as usual, completely correct. I'm not having a lot of fun over here right now. I shall try to channel some of your zen and let my books emanate some happier memories. It helps that I am now in possession of some appropriately-sized boxes. :-)

I also just bought myself a wonderfully Mod reading light and a set of metal tray tables which feature the ugliest pattern in the land. There are deer! :-) The funny thing is that I've been looking for a set online with very little luck. Today I asked about it at the place I bought the lamp, but still no joy. Then on the way home I stopped at the resale store to drop off a bag of clothes - and there was the tray set! Sitting there waiting for me with its original vintage tag still attached. Sometimes the universe gives out presents like that. :-)

That site sounds awesome. I'll definitely have to check it out. Thanks!