A Story of Sorts


I thought I would share with you today my collection of stories....or books! I have them sprinkled about my home and they are a major part of my decor.  All of the classics and "old" books are on the first floor.


In the above photo, the three blue books were in my grandfather's collection.  My grandfather and my mother were avid learners and readers.  He would frequently say "if you did not know how to do something, read a book about it step by step". How true!


The local library was my go to place for financial planning, plumbing, gardening, cooking, and leisure reading.  I would sign up my kids for reading summer programs, even before they could read.  I love going to bookstores and just being alone with other people browsing the aisles.


All four of us love to read.  Our tastes are different, but the happiness of starting a book and escaping into a story is the same.  At times I think I should pare down the collection, but it would be for me giving away a part of myself.  I cannot imagine my living space without books surrounding me.

Comments

  1. Only in Louisiana ~ documenting the adventures we call Life!June 14, 2012 at 8:48 AM

    What an awesome collection ~ beautiful decor! I love wellworn books....and you are lucky to have some with such sentimental value. I dread the day that books will be a "thing of the past"!

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  2. UnknownJune 14, 2012 at 8:51 AM

    As a fellow reader and book lover I agree. I am so glad I have three more readers following in my footsteps.

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  3. pinkundineJune 14, 2012 at 9:02 AM

    Gorgeous collection :) I adore books, can't live without them!

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  4. TamiJune 14, 2012 at 9:30 AM

    I love, love, love books too! The electronic age will never replace the feel of a real book in hand. Blessings. Tami

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  5. MelissaJune 14, 2012 at 9:33 AM

    I'm with you. I ADORE books. I don't think a home is a home without them. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to raise avid readers....kind of sad. I'm hoping they will grow into it.

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  6. ShannonJune 14, 2012 at 10:01 AM

    Those are just beautiful! I agree digital won't replace real books. All my friends who have ereaders still buy/borrow the real thing a lot too.

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  7. ~Kelly~June 14, 2012 at 10:11 AM

    I agree completely!! We have books/shelves in every room in our house and I can't imagine them not here. They are part of our home, our life, our history. We all four treasure them to pieces! Love your collection... thanks for sharing. Beautiful!!

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  8. DeborahJune 14, 2012 at 10:42 AM

    What a wonderful collection I just love having books around the place :) thanks for sharing.

    Bee happy x
    Have a delicious day!

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  9. Erin @ Wild WhispersJune 14, 2012 at 10:43 AM

    I am so like you... I love old books, but have no where to display them for the time being. Thank you for sharing your collection with us!

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  10. PaulaJune 14, 2012 at 11:31 AM

    LOVE your grandfather's wise words ~ that is exactly how I learn today! Books first, then the internet. I see a few favorite titles from my youth in your collection. Time reading is never time wasted (the New Englander in me likes that!) Wonderful post!

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  11. stephJune 14, 2012 at 12:13 PM

    I, too, came from a reading tradition---and even after my dad lost his vision, he was still giving me book reviews (I set him up with talking books). I was an only child---and he often said, if you love to read, you will never be alone. How true!!!
    My house is "littered" with books in every room! I love the bibliotech-decor!

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  12. Melanie RouthierJune 14, 2012 at 2:04 PM

    Oh I am so envious of your collection! And if you do decide to pare down your collection please ask your kids (or other family readers) if they would like first dibs. My MIL got rid of a bunch of "old" books that I would have loved to have kept in the family. James and I were heartbroken to have lost such lovely treasures.

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  13. Kim June 14, 2012 at 7:06 PM

    Such a wonderful collection. We are book lovers here too and my favourite way to spend an afternoon is at the bookstore with a tea in hand, wondering and taking it all in.

    We have books everywhere and are in desperate need of a new book shelf :)

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  14. GreerJune 14, 2012 at 9:59 PM

    How beautiful! You're allowed to get rid of/give away trashy paperbacks (if there are any!) but no, you may not pare down that collection of lovelies. I simply won't allow it ;)

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  15. TannaJune 14, 2012 at 10:16 PM

    I really enjoyed this post, Karen. You make me remember why I have loved reading all my life. And, reading remains the easiest way for me to learn anything. I love seeing the books in your living spaces. We are surrounded by them in our home, too (maybe they are taking over in some spots) and I love it. Just need to get my reading mojo back. Think I may spend too much time reading blogs... LOL! blessings ~ t.

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  16. michelle gdJune 15, 2012 at 6:31 AM

    your books are beautiful!!! they're such a comfort, yes? i cannot imagine my home without its books either.

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  17. cpcableJune 15, 2012 at 1:36 PM

    Thank you for sharing your collection, it's wonderful! I'm glad to hear that there are so many book lovers out there. We have to unite so that e-readers don't take over the world. :)

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  18. Lady CordeliaJune 15, 2012 at 4:04 PM

    ohh...I am the daughter of a rare book dealer.
    so...i get it.
    XO
    C

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  19. house full of jaysJune 19, 2012 at 2:13 AM

    I am the same with books. Sadly, hubby is not but he tolerates my ever growing collection.
    I loved the peek at yours.
    xoR

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