Kate’s Comments (group member since Oct 15, 2007)

Kate’s comments from the Book Buying Addicts Anonymous group.

Oh, also, you have a stack of books at home that you have checked out from the library and you keep requesting more.

You know you are a book addict when your husband points out that he can't leave you in a room by yourself for too long or you will be absorbed in a book and will not want to leave to go to dinner, the movies, a friend's, etc.

You know you are a book addict when you look at your bookshelves and see empty spaces for more books - and your husband just sees full bookshelves.

Also, you know you are a book addict when you read a paragraph or two of whatever you are currently reading at stoplights (yes, that's me you are honking at). And when you think you might have a library problem because you request too many books and never worry about finishing them before they are due back.

I am currently reading "The Sister" by Poppy Adams. Once I finish that, I have "Miami" by Joan Didion sitting on my coffee table, waiting to be read. I can only read one book at a time.

I don't really have a system, except to organize the books from larges to smallest in each "compartment" of my bookshelf. I also keep all of my books separate from my fiance's because we read completely different things.

We have a used bookstore in my town, but I don't get there very often. That said, I have found some good things in the thrift stores near where I work. I bought a first-edition hardcover of Tom Wolfe's "I Am Charlotte Simmons" for $2. I thought it was a good find.

I have both, but I prefer hardcovers. My dad instilled that in me. They look so nice on the bookcase. Yes, softcovers are easier to carry, but there is something special and unique about hardcover books - they seem like they will stand the test of time when I look at them on my bookcase.

I was young when I became addicted to reading. My parents started me very early with picture books. For some reason, my sister doesn't share my enthusiasm for reading, but that is another story. I was very bookish as a child. I prefered reading to talking to people on the school bus. And I am so glad that, as I have gotten bigger, the desire to read hasn't gotten smaller.

I always buy more than I intend to as well, but I have developed a system so I don't go too overboard. I pick up the books and then I walk around with them for a while. I look though them again and usually put one ot two back. May sound silly, but it keeps me from going home with 12 books.

Arnold Zeck is featured in the Nero Wolfe novels by Rex Stout.

On to:
Alma Singer

Little Children

I cannot read more than one book at a time. I feel like I confuse things about the books (which sometimes makes me wonder how I got through college). When I read, I like to give whatever I am reading my full attention. Sometimes I envy the people who can read three or four or five books at a time. But, I think if I had a choice, I would still choose to be someone who can only read one book at a time.

I do the dame thing. I have to buy a pristine copy. The first one on the shelf will never do. I think it is strange, but then again, I like my books to look nice.

Two ideal scenarios:

In my big, overstuffed chair, under a blanket with a cup of tea on the coffee table.

On my linai (fancy Florida term for "screened-in porch") on the chaise lounge chairs in the sunshine.

But I will read anytime, anywhere. I read at stoplights (not the ideal situation, but when you have to read, you have to read).

I just bought Richard Russo's "Bridge of Sighs." It is great - I just wish I had more time to devote to it. I also plan on heading to the bookstore this weekend to pick up a few more books to feed my obsession.

The Jane Austin Book Club -- Karen Joy Fowler

I don't have book shelves, so my books are stacked around my house - on tables, flanking my television. I am getting so many, they have started to take over my bedroom floor.

My to-read stack is actually divided into three stacks. It is daunting. And yet, I still love my weekly trips to Barnes and Noble.