I Am So In Love With Books

Ahhh, books! How much do I love thee?

More than I realized, apparently.

While I was on my little hiatus from the reading and internet world last week, I went out into the real world and did something I hadn't done in years. I visited a brick and mortar independent bookstore and spent hours browsing. I looked at every used title and realized I owned many of them (oops) and then I went over to the new section and tried to touch them all.

It was heavenly.

You all need to do it at least once a week if you don't already, even if you don't buy anything (I didn't, I really wish I had but tbr guilt stayed my hand). Go, look, touch, smell (well, maybe don't smell if they look anything like this!) and savor the bliss that washes over your soul. There is nothing quite like it. I used to do this when I was young and free and had all the time in the world. I worked next door to a used bookstore and the employees all knew me by name and usually had a stack waiting just for me. I hadn't realized how much enjoyment and peace those weekly (sometimes daily) trips brought into my life.


It's only been a week and I am dying to go back to relive that feeling and buy some books I do not need but must have. How ever did I let this kind of joy leave my life?! Wait, I know. Non-reading visitors to my home began to comment on the number of books I had lying about and I began to feel indulgent, wasteful, greedy. I started hiding my books from sight and from the unwanted comments that would wound them. Don't let it happen to you. I don't care if you own all the books in the world on your e-reader or in your home, do yourself a favor and visit a real bookstore if you're lucky enough to have a good one nearby.

If you're road-tripping it to the northeast of the US may I recommend the lovely independent  The Toadstool Bookstore? They have three locations and two have cafes. I don't know about third third as I haven't made it there yet. The Peterborough location has an enormous selection of used and new books that you can lose yourself in for a day or two and, best of all, no one bugged me the entire time I was there!



Do you have a favorite spot to buy "real" books? Do you ever browse a physical bookstore without a list in hand? And, because I'm super nosy, do outsiders give your love of books the side-eye too?

Comments

  1. Sadly there are only two bookshops within about 6 miles of my house-a small Waterstones and a second hand bookstore but neither sell Indie books or my favourite zombie and apocalypse books. Waterstones is obsessed with YA and sci-fi only. I have to get all my books from online places like Amazon. My dad loves books too so he understands. I don't have any friends to look down on my book habits thankfully!

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    1. That stinks, Chuckles. There's nothing like browsing in a real bookstore and finding a gem. My local B&N is not good. It caters to what is popular and YA. The horror section is non-existent.

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  2. We have a used bookstore in town but sadly, the other, which was my favorite and housed in an old historical library, shut down several years ago. They even had cats that lived there. It was amazing. The one we have now is nice, but I think their used books are rather expensive so I don't visit often. Like you though, there is no feeling like browsing for hours. However, next time, I suggest you buy something because I would. Be damned what people think!

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    1. That is so sad but I can understand why/how they had to close down. I really don't know how bookstores manage to stay afloat unless they sell other merchandise because there are few people I know in real life who are ravenous readers and most who are do all of their buying online. Next time I am definitely buying up a few things!! I'd hate to see them close up shop.

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  3. Yep. I have two thrift stores and a used book store that I frequent often. Going to them tomorrow. No list comes with me. Just a couple of big tote bags. LOL

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    1. Now that's how you spend a Saturday! I may do the same :)

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  4. LOL. I browse B&N and indie book stories. I always look for small bookshops when traveling. These days I only by hardcover books or eBooks as both are easier on the eyes.

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    1. I have noticed the font on my paperbacks seems to be getting smaller and smaller each year that goes by! I think I need to invest in a Kindle. My Ipad is really rough on my eyes too.

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  5. I love going to bookstores. I don't let myself do it often because I totally lack willpower. If it is a small bookstore then I always feel like I should buy something. But I love it.

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    1. I'm the same way. I always feel a little guilty leaving with nothing. My husband bought a book otherwise I definitely would have left with a few somethings for myself!

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  6. There aren't as many good bookstores by me as I would like. Years ago I had six or seven really good bookstores that I could go and browse in. But now, there's a sad Barnes & Noble and two small used bookstores. It makes me miss the olden days. :)

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  7. I live in the North East but apparently not north enough! :) I had to take a three month break from blogging and reading last year so I think I know how you feel. when I started again I couldn't get enough of books! I LOVE THEM! I visit Barnes & Nobles and a book store I have across the street from my office often :)

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    1. If ever you take a road trip to NH be sure and visit one of their 3 stores!

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