Greetings, friends! I’m siting in my office in a sweatshirt as I write this, drinking a second cup of tea and watching the woodpeckers on the tree outside the window. I’m surrounded by newly organized bookshelves, the breeze is cool, and I feel extraordinarily grateful: for this space, for the turning of the seasons. I’ve finally finished the book cataloging project I’ve been immersed in for the last few weeks, so I have a special newsletter for you today!
ALSO, you know how some people get paid to livestream themselves playing video games and talking smack while other people watch on twitch or whatever? I feel like you should have one of those channels but it’s just you walking around your house talking about books
I think and talk about this a lot with folks. As an avid reader, I think I only have 15-20 books. I'm a heavy library user, and if/when I purchase books, I give them away after. Funny that you mentioned 100 Years - it's one of my Top 5, and I don't even have my copy anymore because it was also a used paperback that broke down after many re-reads. I love talking to readers about their library philosophies.
I love this, Laura — it’s a pleasure reading through your process and thoughts about your library and yourself as a reader. I have no interest in cataloging my own books, but I respect your drive to do so and am selfishly glad you did, so we could all benefit from your reflections.
Loved this whole write-up so so much! I have been thinking a lot about how I want to tackle my own library, and you gave me some excellent ideas! I also love how we evolve as readers and as people and that our personal collections can be living things—knowing that, it helps me be less scared to pass on something I once loved but that no longer holds meaning, knowing if I change in the future, I can go back and find another one.
Laura I love this so much and could relate to every word on, like, a molecular level. Your process of organizing just really speaks to me. Even though Annie and I own only about 100 books total I am constantly staring at them and trying to convince annie to be more intentional about what we keep. Maybe if I do it while she’s away she won’t even notice 😁.
Volume 2, No. 38: The Art of Book Cataloging
ALSO, you know how some people get paid to livestream themselves playing video games and talking smack while other people watch on twitch or whatever? I feel like you should have one of those channels but it’s just you walking around your house talking about books
I think and talk about this a lot with folks. As an avid reader, I think I only have 15-20 books. I'm a heavy library user, and if/when I purchase books, I give them away after. Funny that you mentioned 100 Years - it's one of my Top 5, and I don't even have my copy anymore because it was also a used paperback that broke down after many re-reads. I love talking to readers about their library philosophies.
love the thought of walking through every room and different ensembles of books await ! and rainbow area cement makes me so happy !
I love this, Laura — it’s a pleasure reading through your process and thoughts about your library and yourself as a reader. I have no interest in cataloging my own books, but I respect your drive to do so and am selfishly glad you did, so we could all benefit from your reflections.
This is wonderful Laura! Inspires me to do the same!
I've been reading Stephen Mitchell's translations of Rilke—"Ahead of All Parting," on recommendation of a Rilke scholar friend.
I'll need to check out those editions of Gilgamesh!
Loved this whole write-up so so much! I have been thinking a lot about how I want to tackle my own library, and you gave me some excellent ideas! I also love how we evolve as readers and as people and that our personal collections can be living things—knowing that, it helps me be less scared to pass on something I once loved but that no longer holds meaning, knowing if I change in the future, I can go back and find another one.
Laura I love this so much and could relate to every word on, like, a molecular level. Your process of organizing just really speaks to me. Even though Annie and I own only about 100 books total I am constantly staring at them and trying to convince annie to be more intentional about what we keep. Maybe if I do it while she’s away she won’t even notice 😁.
This was such a pleasure to read. You are an inspiration!!