I’ve never been much of a book hoarder. I like recipe books but I don’t care if food gets on the pages… Not so much a kindle. But that’s also why I don’t have a kindle nor do I want one. I like the ladder shelf but I would want something different then books on my shelves. Like DIY cool projects!! I’ve been really good about getting rid of my books. The only books I will be collecting our children’s books for my classroom and the only reason is it has been proven thT having children hold books and actually turn the pages helps build their reading and phonetics! So unless your age 5-10, it’s time to rid your books! )

Well…yes and no. My books are on display (in a private room) because I love to see them myself. They are not for others to peruse or admire or finger through at all and they are always bought for a very specific reason.

Mine is a very selfish, particular collection. It was not curated to be shared. And to be honest I could care less whether somebody else was enchanted by them as I am or not.

So whilst it is not the case with me perhaps you are right in some cases and I understand your rather interesting take on books as a trophy. I can believe that books are indeed often ordered to look impressive for others.

I used to enjoy keeping books as trophies. The problem I ran into was that I’d buy a book I intended to read but wouldn’t get to it right away. My trophies would then be muddled with little demons I’d intend to read.

I love all the sensory joys you get with reading actual books. You can still have that without storing all of them. Using Amazon.com’s trade-in program, or http://www.paperbackswap.com you can keep getting books without letting them linger.

Now the only trophy I need is a well worn library card.

I’ve been guilty of collecting books for the sake of having them but not sure they were my trophies.
But since having the kindle I have read more classic novels than I ever did before.
I do admit to showing off my books these days but that’s more because I now have the room to do so.

I do have a shelf of books for my kids to choose from upstairs near their bedroom. I think that is different than what you are describing and serves a different purpose.

Most of my books over the past 5 years have been audio or now on my iPhone. The ones that I have held onto have been the ones that are most inspiring to me and I would likely go back to for re-reading or reference. But I do not have them out in broad view. I never really gave it much thought but I do see your point about how some would display these as trophies of intellect.

And now that I think of trophies, I think my poor mother is still storing my soccer and sailing trophies in the loft above her garage…

Hey David,

This was a funny article, as I was reading I was immediately reminded of the “displaying of knowledge” that goes on here at work. I am and work with telecom engineers and I think that 90% of the books my colleagues display in their cubicles have never been read. LOL

Books are the reason I don’t call myself a minimalist anymore. I have a Kindle, but there are some books I just want to touch.

I do love to display my books, but I view it as a public service to potential friends. My girlfriend’s collection of astrology books lets people know it will be awkward if they diss astrology. Likewise with Harry Potter, social justice, nature, etc. I don’t see it as bragging about what I know, but advertising what I’m interested in. When someone make a faux paux in my house that creates an awkward moment, I can mutter indignantly that they didn’t pay any attention to my bookshelves.

My colleague speaks in hushed tones about the magic of having the author with you, in person. There are striking similarities to this and anything we begin to cherish. The books I’ve annotated go to students who’ve improved the most. Decided. I have an unhealthy relationship with the books “I’ve eaten.”

Decided: no books (save the kindle) going home to CA w/me in May.

<3,
M
p.s. let me know something of your almoboho plans. yeah?

I’m guilty of collecting these intellectual trophies.

Since moving to Thailand, where good books, films and music is harder to find, I’ve gone digital. I buy digital music from amazon.com and then download the lossless version in a torrent. Most of my new books (except for photography) are on the kindle.

It’s harder to show-off, but that’s a good thing. It feels lighter, like I’m dragging around less possessions with me through this life. But I still get to enjoy quality books/music/films.

Oh! This was a hard one for me! I’ve previously found my room wearing intellectualism as a prostitute wears sex. Each shelf perfectly organized with the most potent (well known or obscure) philosophical books and mysterious spiritual talismans, with little regard for the amount each item resonated within myself. I often kept my favorite academic articles and tokens of faith tucked away out of fear of judgment. Silly me!

Desiring to break myself of this behavior, I began giving away books in 2009. Here and now I sit, having intently given away all but one of my most favorite books. What’s left: A copy of The Awakening by Kate Chopin I’ve read and written in many times over the past ten years. It brings me so much peace to think of not having to move books to Boston in a few weeks, to remember what it felt like to give away some of my very favorite books and donate the rest…

Now I just have to be wary of becoming too proud of my minimally occupied shelves

The Ego, it never shuts up.