I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves.
Anna Quindlen, "Enough Bookshelves," New York Times, 7 August 1991
I think this is great fun and it reminds me of how much I enjoy sticky-beaking at other people's bookshelves when I visit (apologies to all friends visited, but I am sure you understand).
I remember as a poor Uni student living in a rented flat with few comforts around me, that I was thrilled, besotted and overcome when a friend who lived at home invited us all over to cook a Chinese banquet and when we arrived I realised her family's house was FULL of books. It reminded me how much I missed having 'books on tap' and I just wandered around and soaked it all up.
Whenever I went home for Uni holidays I raided mum and dad's bookshelves and devoured as many books as I could whilst I was there.
My fairly basic and bare room did have plenty of books but they were mostly expensive text books that didn't leave much left over for pleasure books. My treat to myself after long hours of studying was to sit up even later and just read a book (not a text book). It felt so indulgent and decadent and I still feel that way when I stop in amongst the madness to just sit in a corner and read for pleasure. Delicious!
Books do make great furnishings and here are a couple we have added to our bookshelves of late. One from Annie Kerr at Inkhaven; and one from Gabriella Mirollo at Two Tigers. Both are beautiful and worthy of both dipping into; and steady reading and re-reading.
Anna Quindlen, "Enough Bookshelves," New York Times, 7 August 1991
I think this is great fun and it reminds me of how much I enjoy sticky-beaking at other people's bookshelves when I visit (apologies to all friends visited, but I am sure you understand).
I remember as a poor Uni student living in a rented flat with few comforts around me, that I was thrilled, besotted and overcome when a friend who lived at home invited us all over to cook a Chinese banquet and when we arrived I realised her family's house was FULL of books. It reminded me how much I missed having 'books on tap' and I just wandered around and soaked it all up.
Whenever I went home for Uni holidays I raided mum and dad's bookshelves and devoured as many books as I could whilst I was there.
My fairly basic and bare room did have plenty of books but they were mostly expensive text books that didn't leave much left over for pleasure books. My treat to myself after long hours of studying was to sit up even later and just read a book (not a text book). It felt so indulgent and decadent and I still feel that way when I stop in amongst the madness to just sit in a corner and read for pleasure. Delicious!
Books do make great furnishings and here are a couple we have added to our bookshelves of late. One from Annie Kerr at Inkhaven; and one from Gabriella Mirollo at Two Tigers. Both are beautiful and worthy of both dipping into; and steady reading and re-reading.
I didn't grow up with mountains of books in the home... and I didn't see a real library until I went to high school (and I must admit I then spent waaaaaay too many hours sitting inside the high school library, plotting how to liberate the books...)
ReplyDeletehmmmm NOW look at me - virtually buried under tonnes of tomes!
I love your opening quote! I'm just looking at the bookshelves across the room from me, and despite having had a massive clear out and book giveaway before I came to live here, I seem to be running out of shelf space already! I'd never thought about it before, but they are a great way to decorate a room!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the link. Ax
You are on my wavelength Fiona. I am a book junkie and have been all my life. It used to be mostly novels but, since taking up art, I have art books EVERYWHERE. It is such a joy to be able to pick up a book in any room, at any time.
ReplyDeleteFiona,
ReplyDeleteThanks for introducing me to the phrase 'sticky-beaking'! Is that an Australian speciality? Never heard it before but will add it to my vocabulary with immediate effect. I agree with all your comments. You can NEVER have enough books. Lesley
sticky-beaking is an odd term for something perfectly natural. if people don't want you to look at their books, wouldn't they hide them behind curtains?!!!
ReplyDeleteRonnie - making up for lost time then hey!?!?
ReplyDeleteAnnie - yes in their muddled happy way books are great decorator items!
Jo - There's book shelves then there's coffee tables right? I love a good stack of coffee table books too!
Leslye - I didn't realise this was part of the Australian vernacular...but its very apt! Gotta love a lotta books.
Velma - Quite true I guess!
Fiona thanks so much for the mention of my little book! I'm ashamed I've fallen so far behind in my bloggy visits I totally missed this! Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteI love the feeling of knowing I have a good book waiting for me on my nightstand! Not sure if you've seen these clever bookcases before:
ReplyDeletehttp://stephenslighthouse.com/2011/04/23/insanely-creative-bookshelves/
TT/G - it's a pleasure to show your work and I have really enjoyed dipping in and out...
ReplyDeleteJane - yes it's a fab feeling to know you have book waiting... Am about to suds out those shelves