Christopher Paolini
I have never read of M. Paolini's books but at least I know he is a rather famous author of fantasy!
That said I do think I agree with his suggestion here.
Books play so many roles in our lives. For me some of them have been constant companions since I was a child - they sit upon my bookshelf and haven't been read in a while; but they are treasured and every time my eye runs over them I am reminded of childhood reading time and the joys of discovery.
On the other hand I am truly quite ruthless about moving books along when we have finished with them. I do really agree that books should be shared, that they should be where they are most appreciated and not neglected or forgotten. After I read something, then Barry reads it, then maybe we send it to my Dad to read, it heads off out into the wider world for enjoyment by somebody else.
We do keep a few special ones - some of the ones I have given away or loaned and not had returned that I scour secondhand book shops for to get my own copy again. Some that really really moved me and some that I know I will be re-read.
Art and craft books are the hardest to toss! I just never know when I might want to dip back in or get inspired by something that didn't have meaning for me earlier. It's tough, but necessary at times to move them along and honestly, they are some of the most joyfully received of passed on books when they land in the right place.
I think his use of the word appreciated is important - some of my books are sitting there, perhaps suspended in time, unread for a while, but they are truly truly appreciated for the role they have played; or the role they may yet play...
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