Comments on: Covers and Controversies

By: TiffinaC

TiffinaC — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 06:37:00 +0000

cringing right along with you, Maggie. Dang, I couldn’t do it to what I deem as real books. I’ve had to throw out some destroyed books, thanks to my kids. But when I throw those books out, the kids get a firm lecture on how not to treat books. And how does mommy keep her books, they are nicely looked after on my bookshelves, you really must try to do the same.

Books I don’t want I give away.

By: Maggie Robinson

Maggie Robinson — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 12:36:00 +0000

Irish, I was pretty horrified when I first got this job. The thought of just chucking them was upsetting, but the head librarian doesn’t want to mess around trying to place the wounded orphans anywhere. I have overcome my reluctance to such a degree that this year I’ve actually pulled books from H-N myself. She has the final say, but I was pretty ruthless clearing the shelves. In my heart, I just knew our kids would never ever read most of the books.

Anon, I have 4 kids, but I know none of them will want stuff that even I don’t want anymore! Time for a yard sale.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:44:00 +0000

Unless it’s a real wallbanger, I hold on to books. They reside neatly in bookcases all over the house and are not allowed to sprawl slovenly. Unfortunately, my daughter doesn’t share my passion, however neatly contained. She has told me I must eventually do something with the books before I die, because, “Mom, you just can’t leave me with all this!” *g*

By: irisheyes

irisheyes — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:38:00 +0000

This is very interesting Maggie. I’ve never really thought about it before, but I don’t think I could bring myself to actually throw a book out. Just imagining myself doing it gives me the shudders. I’m sure it has something to do with my upbringing (most of my idiosyncrasies do!). We never threw anything out when I was growing up. If we weren’t going to use it anymore (even if it was broken) we gave it away/donated it.

I would either send it off to the library or bring it to the UBS for credit. If either of them felt the need to throw it out then let them make that decision. I’ve gotten healthy enough to throw ripped/torn clothes and broken games in the garbage, but the book thing would be a tough one.

By: Maggie Robinson

Maggie Robinson — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 23:54:00 +0000

Hi, Chris! I like that cover too. Heathcliff looks super Heathcliffy.

Janga, last winter I scored some great historical references from the discard pile…or they would be, if I read them.:) This year I went for some classical fiction, but truly most everything was too far gone to read.

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 17:16:00 +0000

I have that copy of WH. I love the cover. I couldn’t part with it.

And to answer your question: if I don’t keep a book, I take it to the used book store for store credit or give it to the library.

By: Janga

Janga — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:21:00 +0000

Maggie, I have a Cyclopedia of Literary Characters and a Cambridge History of American Literature on my reference shelf right now that were library discards. They were outdated, but in the case of literature, that just means they didn’t include more recent authors. The character definitions and literary history they do include are still accurate. I count myself lucky to have books worth hefty sums that cost me nothing.

And the only books I throw away are those that are falling to pieces. Everything else I discard goes on a keeper shelf, to a family member, to my UBS, or to the Friends of the Library or my church youth group for yard sales. I do reread frequently, so my keepers are used. I cull from time to time, but, for the most part, they will stay in place until I am too blind, too demented, or too lifeless to read them any longer.

By: Maggie Robinson

Maggie Robinson — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:48:00 +0000

Terrio, being the super-efficient woman I am, I’ve mailed your prize off. Ely gets first dibs, but if she doesn’t want it, or reads it and sends it to you, it’s yours. I didn’t drool on it either when I read it. *g*

By: terrio

terrio — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:29:00 +0000

*jumping up and down*

Hey, you can throw that copy of Untouched in with my prize. *g* I really want that one. I’ll even send it back!

By: Maggie Robinson

Maggie Robinson — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 13:43:00 +0000

I usually give mine away. My UBS is far too chi-chi to take them (I live in a college town, although maybe I should ask...it's just that I never see any there). I don't even know why I keep my "keepers." It's unlikely I'll read them again. But I do save my favorite authors.

Hellion, we have a two-page list of criteria to figure out what to toss.

Ely, I used to throw books away too, particularly when moving. Now I give them to a sub at school...or you! Just finished Untouched. Want it?

Terrio, my old library would take my romances, but the new one wants me to bring in "only a few at a time." They don't know who they're dealing with.

Santa, I've always loved a good bargain! Old books actually make me a little itchy, though. I should get a new job!