The first thing that popped into my head when I started poking around the LibraryThing website was a scene from Seinfeld. George had recently broken up with a woman and had left some books at her apartment. He attempts to enlist Jerry's help in retrieving the books, and Jerry just can't understand why George would want to retain books that he had already read. Jerry equates such an activity with snobbishness: "What is this obsession people have with books? They put them in their houses like they're trophies. What do you need it for after you read it?"
On a certain level, I completely disagree with Mr. Seinfeld. I keep old books for sentimental reasons. I've kept my copy of My Side of the Mountain because simply looking at the cover can transport me to my childhood home at twelve years old, when I would read the book underneath my backyard deck, pretending that I was running away to the Catskills. I've kept other books that have helped me through difficult personal times, and others because I find myself re-reading them time and again.
And yet, I find myself agreeing with Jerry, at the same time. I know people who have literally hundreds of books lining their apartments, most of them clearly reading requirements for college courses, works so dense that I would find it hard to believe that they'd be re-read for pleasure. Why keep them around? Why not share them? Hell, why not sell them?!
To a certain degree, I can see LibraryThing functioning as some type of digital intellectual trophy room. "Look at all of the books I've read." I felt a bit intellectually inferior as I glanced over some collections and read user reviews of books. I also found the "tagging" process to be a bit overwhelming...this is something I definitely need practice with.
At the same time, however, I can see the usefulness of such a resource, especially the "Local" tab that allows you to find local book events. I also like the fact that I can keep my collection private, while still being able to browse through the collection's of users with similar libraries. I guess it's all just how you decide to use it. I think it's going to take me quite some time to come around on this one.
Well anyways, against my better judgment, here is a link to my catalog: http://www.librarything.com/catalog.php?view=TJEngel&shelf=list
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I have books EVERYWHERE. When I finally sat down to figure out where my money goes, Barnes & Noble was at the top. I'm a hardcover book buyer who can read the same book again and again. In an attempt to curb my spending, I've turned to the library, but it really makes me sad to have to give the book back. (Even if I didn't like it)
ReplyDeleteI keep books for sentimental reasons too! They usually end up in random piles around my house so I can grab one and read it when I have a few minutes to spare!
ReplyDeleteI can definitely understand your point about it being a "digital intellectual trophy room". I like to reread books that I enjoyed reading. You always see things differently a second time around.
ReplyDeleteI like your comment about the "digital intellectual trophy room". After looking at some people's collections, it definitely seems they are using it that way. I agree it's nice you can make it private while still being able to look at other people's catalogs, I'm excited to use it as a way to find new books to read though.
ReplyDeleteTommy, thanks so much for sharing so much of yourself here on your blog. Why did you put against your better judgment you are sharing your LibraryThing list?
ReplyDeleteLibraryThing is ever-evolving and changing and growing - some of the features it now has (liek LOCAL) weren't there when it started. Tim of Library Thing (LibraryThingTim on Twitter) is a very interesting guy and an Open Source guy.