Book Hoarding

I often save books I know will be fantastic (e.g., the latest Anthony Horowitz book) for either a rainy day or when the next book in the series comes out. I race out to buy it, but only to put it on the shelf and read the last book in the series that I’ve been holding onto in case I needed the perfect book.

The ChickieNob has pointed out that it means that I never get to the stuff I’m really excited about, holding onto it and reading stuff I’m happy-enough to read instead. Touché.

About once a year, we go on a big book-buying trip. This year, I have 19 books on the shortlist. I will not buy all 19, but I will sample the books and choose the ones I absolutely need to own. The question will be whether I can break myself of this terrible habit and read them first. To not hold onto anything that looks good and instead consume it immediately. It goes against every fiber of my being, but I also know that I feel happy when I get to the really good stuff.