Why We Buy More Books Than We Read
Amy Murray
Lately, I’ve found social media to be having a field day with the phrase: “Buying books and reading books are two different hobbies.”
Frankly, it irks me. Why else buy books if not to read them?
I came across the Japanese word Tsundoku. It defines the common practice of acquiring stacks of books, knowing that most of them will go unread. The phrase is meant to express sentimentality rather than induce guilt. Whilst the idea of books waiting patiently on our shelves to be read can feel exciting and euphoric, it masks something far less charming: our habit of buying and spending for the sake of it.
I’ve seen others online refer to their vast collections of books as wine cellars. The idea that, just like bottles of wine, you should acquire many books knowing that one day, when the right moment comes, they will be ready to crack open and enjoy. I am fond of this analogy, and of course, my TBRs (to-be-read) allow for such eager anticipation! These are stories waiting to be heard, journeys waiting to commence and lessons waiting to be learned.
But here lies my issue: these books aren’t going to disappear off the shelves of bookstores before our immediate grasp. I anticipatethe week I finally set aside to read Jane Eyre. But, come on, the book has been around since 1847. I am fairly certain it will wait for me. To put it simply, you don’t have to buy every single book that excites you in the moment. Doing so presents a very real risk of overconsuming (and overspending) only for these great works to gather dust on your shelves as you sit and wait for the ‘right’ time to indulge.
How far do these towering, impressive shelves of books bought but never read – verge on something phony, something performative?
I am reminded of The Great Gatsby, where each precious book is revealed to be “uncut.” Sure, the shelves are admirable in appearance, but their value clearly diminishes the fact that they aren’t actually fulfilling their very purpose: to be read.
Harlan Ellison said “Who wants a library full of books you've already read?”
The funny thing is, I do! That is exactly what my bookcase is for. A shelf of finished books, to me, is a record of a life lived. Each one represents a journey I’ve been on that is solely mine. It is whole, and every book within is just a little piece of me. They form something of a quiet record of who I have been; something I wish to pass on to those who come after me, for them to know me too.
It is, of course, not about being perfect. Rather, being mindful. Here is what I am currently doing to reduce my own overconsumption of books that I unfortunately, alongside my English degree, do not currently have the time to read:
I use a digital TBR: Goodreads and my personal favourite, Storygraph. When you come across an exciting cover whilst browsing the bookstore or receive a glowing recommendation from a friend or blog, log it! Then when life affords you the perfect moment to indulge, head to Toppings! Buy your copy, and tuck-in.
Support your local libraries! Libraries are sacred spaces, and they’re our spaces. They sincerely thrive on the use of me and you. Borrow copies of the books which excite you.
Books are special. We owe them far more than the becoming of commodities of intellect or social trend. They deserve our time, attention and our appreciation through the quiet intimacy of simply being read.
I urge you all: Read more and consume less.
