Monday, August 29, 2022
Photo: File
About 2.2 million books are published each year. We have a modest share of them in our home. Or at least we had our share. Downsizing unfortunately requires throwing away the books.
It wasn’t easy. Like many of you, I fell in love with books. I used to frequent my beloved neighborhood library. My first love was a Story Hour librarian who got me on the road. Over the years I have collected a lot.
Diane and I thought we were ahead of our game, having given away quite a few books a few years ago. it’s not. Empty bookshelves create space for more books. So our shelves, bookshelves, nightstands and briefcases were reloaded. What do we do now that space is limited?
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The first pass was to provide them to our children and grandchildren. Not only did they say “no” to books, they said “no” to everything else. “We have enough of what we have. Thank you anyway.” Different generations have different tastes.
The local library graciously accepted the book, as if it knew it was in need of salvation. Especially after our 4th trip. “Downsizing, right?” I was happy to see our books on the free shelf. I laughed as I turned and almost ran to walk to the door.
Local charities will take some if they feel like it. Some are set in free book boxes, but I know the tendency to “leave the book and take it with you.” No one wanted the paperbacks, so sadly, we put them in the trash, stared at them, slowly closed the lid, and almost heard crying.
Why is it so painful to throw away books? Because the book becomes part of you. The story becomes you. They light up your imagination. They introduce you to the world and give you perspective of your place in it. They are enthusiastic teachers. They give me confidence in my writing. “At least you can try to write it that way.” In certain situations, books can be your therapist.
The transition to e-books will take some time. I love having books. I like the musty smell of old books. I use the blank space from my old paperback to jot down writing ideas.
You become a book because books broaden your horizons. Books are infinite, so make your life infinite. You attach your memories to the book. Where did you read it, when did you read it, and why did you read it? By Airplane. on the beach. at a cafe. in your room. at the library.
Read to remember. We read to forget. Read on to update. we read to ourselves. we read to each other. We read for salvation. Mary Oliver wrote, “I read how a man could swim to save his life.”
That is why it is so difficult to throw away books. they are our saviors.
Dr. Ed Iannuccilli is the author of three popular memoirs. Grandfather’s Fig Tree and Other Stories”, “What Happened at Sunday Dinner”, and “My Story Continues: Neighborhood to Middle School”. Currently, he is writing his fourth book, A Whole Bunch of 500 Word Stories.
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