The real life of books
September 18th, 2006
I’m fascinated by what happens to books after they’re bought. Are they put on shelves, never even cracked open? Or are dog-earned, coffee-stained and highlighted until the cover falls off? Do they live on as doorstops or part of a makeshift shelf, or lie on the floor collecting dust.
I used to think books should be treated with care and kept in perfect condition, but as I’ve gotten older I find more appeal in signs of use. Nothing honors a thing more than using it well and it should show (Roughly the Japanese idea of wabi-sabi).
Over the last year a few folks have sent me photos of what they’ve really done with the artofpm book. Some are funny, some are sad, but it’s all honest and I love it.
Here are some, but I’d love to see yours: where is the book now? what funny things have you done with it? Post a photo or comment.
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I wish I had pictures, but I don’t because I keep loaning it out. If I ever get it back for more than a week, I’ll see about snapping a shot. :)
Hey - I can’t complain about that - I can only hope the low responses is due to other folks with similiar answers :)