There I said it. I admit it. I have a problem. An addiction I choose to feed. A hunger. A desire for more. It strikes me often. I resist as long as I can. I fight off the “need.” I attempt to avoid the temptation. But “the want” always comes back. It is there even now bubbling just under the surface.
Yes, it’s true. I am addicted to hardcover books. I collect them. I want them. I "need" them all around me. I yearn for them. Today, I found several at Barnes & Noble in the bargain section and skipped with glee to the counter, bearing my priceless treasures before a chap named Gary. Perhaps, he missed the twinkle in my eye or the bounce in my step as I went through the checkout process, but I could hardly contain myself. I love bargains on hardcover books — what could be better?
Not 3 hours after my aforementioned fix, I chose to proceed to an area Books-A-Million for more enticements, where I discovered 3 carts full of $1 hardcover books. (BIG SIGH!) It was a stunning sight. Suddenly the sun was shining, birds were singing, and I was ready to twirl and burst into song. Life was good! Afterwards, I resisted further iniquity by not driving to Half Price Books after my spending spree of $6 at B-A-M, but there is always tomorrow.
I feel drawn to those alluring aisles of hardcover materials. I love the feel of a book in my hands — the smooth paper cover, the smell of the ink inside, the varied fonts sprawled across the off-white page. It’s delightful. It's warmth to my very soul. And while it's true that some of today's selections will turn out not to be worthy of their bound backing, I can't wait to find out. What will these crisp pages say to me? What magic or revelation will I discover within?
Over the years, my library has grown and grown. I have many books on my shelves that I have yet to read, but they are there, waiting for me — my own private collection of other people’s thoughts. It’s an eccentric mix, but most were hand-picked by yours truly, and I dote on them. I dust their spines, I take them out for play and relive my favorite scenes, I curl up on the couch and spend quality time with them. Yes, I consider us friends. After all, the relationship between a girl and her hardcover books is a beautiful thing.
OK, I'm off to my next therapy session now... Hee hee!
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