Think not of the books you’ve bought as a “to be read” pile. Instead, think of your bookcases as a wine cellar. You collect books to be read at the right time, the right place, the right mood.
Luc van Donkersgoed
My Book Cases
Earlier this year, my friend Kathie sent me this quote. I love it, as she knew I would. A cellar of books. Perfect. Books on racks, aging for just the right moment. Do you need a reason for all those books sitting on your shelves waiting to be read and you still keep buying more? Here it is. Instead of collecting wine, you collect books. Maybe you collect wine and books. Even better.
It actually is a valid reason. Your feeling about a certain book often depends on your state of mind. I have re-read a book and felt completely different about it than when I first read it. Sometimes, when I look at my bookshelves for something to read I see a title that has been sitting there for a while. I’m suddenly interested in reading it. The time wasn’t right before. Often our reaction to what we read depends on our mood.
Some books are classics. Like fine wine, they remain for years and only get better with age. Books by Jane Austin, Colette, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Antoine De Saint-Exupery, Virginia Woolf, to name a few. Like selections from certain vintners, I have a complete collection of books from some authors, such as Louise Penny. I know there will be a time when I start at the beginning and re-read ever book in the series.
It doesn’t matter which books you collect or why. When others look at your library, they see it through their eyes, not yours. I once had a guest say he had not heard of many of the books on my shelves. I have never been sure if that was a comment on his lack of discernment or mine. It doesn’t make a difference. It’s what speaks to you.
Aging with Grace 
5 responses to “A Book Cellar”
“I once had a guest say he had not heard of many of the books on my shelves.” Ha, ha, when I read that the wise guy in me, responded for you, “you’re loss, not mine.” Love your post. You are so right, books show up miraculously when we need them the most. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good come back! I wish I was better at the quick response. After the fact, I think of many things I wish I had said. As writers, I believe we all share a love affair with books. Happy Easter to you and your family.
LikeLike
Ahhhh…..I needed to read this today. I’ve been thinking of packing most of my books in a storage container to lessen the fullness of the shelves, but my shelves are minimal compared to your exquisite shelving, plus I will only read it if it’s visible. You are spot on about re-reading a book and it has different meaning. The book didn’t change, but we did and how we absorb what is written.
I think men and women may have different tastes in books? I’ve met men who read male authors, or a lot of World History and they’ve never heard of Julia Cameron, or Jane Austin. Needless to say, they weren’t my soulmate. Thank you for the permission slip to love our books and to let them continue speaking to us. 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
The important thing, I think, is to not apologize for what is important to us, in books and in other subjects. Our soulmate will get that. I hope you will keep you books were you can enjoy them. With love always. 🤍
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree! I’m sure I gave them a quizzical look, but my darling I don’t apologize for who I am anymore. Thanks to you…the books will remain in plain sight, on the shelves. Much love to you, my friend. 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person