lit

Like Butter

~ garrettpinder ~ 2 Comments

Ever feel like you’ve been spread too thin? Sort of like your mind is involved with so many things, your mind is constantly darting back and forth? That’s me!

I’m in the middle of several books at the moment, including Carrie, three graphic novels, and as of last night, Codename Verity by Elizabeth Wein. (With my impending YA Lit class this fall,and some peer encouragement, I’m getting into the swing of things by joining a YA book club.) 

Have I ever mentioned I have the same problem with video games? I’ve got well over a few dozen games across multiple systems, and my desire to play them is just as strong as wanting to read. I end up bouncing from one to another, and while I’m usually able to keep the stories straight, I feel like I never dedicate the appropriate amount of attention to any of them.

I say “appropriate” rather than “deserved,” because I’ll be damned if books and games start making me feel guilty!

As for unpacking and reformulating my library, there’s no rhyme or reason! They’re all over the place. Once things are in a more organized state, I’ll update with new photos.

The Sickness

~ garrettpinder ~ 2 Comments

BookSick
adjective

1. to be more concerned with collecting and owning books than reading
2. to derive pleasure in the acquisition of books

ex: I just got back from my friend’s apartment, and I’m worried he may be BookSick.

Symptoms:
I love reading, and I never go anywhere without a book. I buy books noticeably faster than I finish reading the ones I already have. I justify buying more books by buying clearance and used titles. I have strong urges to collect all the books written by the same authors. I multiple books at the same time. I spend hours in bookstores. With the exception of one book, I have never read a book more than once.

Treatment:
Now that I own… a lot of books, it’s time to buckle down and read. Part book review part self-therapeutic diary — this blog will help me document my journey as I work through my rather substantial personal library. I will finish the books I start reading. I will read one book at a time.

I cannot begin this process however, without recognizing certain obstacles.

First, I work a full-time job in retail. This means I work at least 40 hours every week. During the upcoming holiday season, those hours will increase. My job does not exactly facilitate reading during downtime, but reading ebooks on my phone is entirely feasible.

Second, I am an active member of a book club that meets once a month. Let’s face it, many of the books chosen will not be coming out of my own library. I will do my best to borrow rather than buy these titles.

Third, and most notably, in the fall of 2011 I will be joining the ranks of students aspiring to graduate with a Master’s Degree in Library Science and Information Studies. This part-time program will most likely consume one of my two days off every week.

Knowing my limitations, I will set a low goal for the time being, and I reserve the right to adjust the goal depending on the circumstances of my three limitations. That being said, I hope to read at least two books every month. One being a book club selection and another from my library.

Wish me luck!

And I’ll do my best not to buy more books.