Read, Read, and Read Some More

In one of my school books, Steal Like An Artist, the author suggests that you should always be reading. I couldn't agree more! I am one of those people that just devour books! I love so many different kinds of books, that I'm always looking for my next great read. I thought that I would share a brief glimpse into my library (sorry for slightly blurry pictures, I had a puppy trying to help me take them).

These pictures are of just one of my bookcases, please note that it is around 7 feet tall and about 3 feet wide, and that on most shelves, the books are 2 deep. Also, I tend to collect books by authors that I love.

Before you ask, I do read my books more than one time. I'll pick up on some little detail the second, or even third time, that I didn't when reading it originally. Also, I do have my favorites.

I also usually buy in hardback - I prefer the feel of them as opposed to softcover. I do read some on my iPad, but it's usually something that I can't seem to find in print yet, or if it is an up-and-coming new author that only uses e-books.

Believe it or not, I also have multiple boxes of books that I simply don't have room to put on shelves. I go through them all about once a year and try to rotate some of the boxed ones out and put others away. It's like seeing an old friend again.

Even though most of my books are fiction, I can use them for inspiration. I love to imagine that I'm in these wondrous places and can envision my surroundings as though I'm there. Imagination is an important part of creativity and I believe that if you can spark your imagination through reading some of that creativity is bound to come through. 

In the last picture, at right, are some antique books that I have stored in a closet - I won't ever get rid of these, but I also won't handle them very much because they are getting a bit brittle. Some are from the early 1900's.

I've also been thinking about books that I would like to read and thought I would share them with you. Pictured at left, are the cover images of 10 of the books that I want to read in the next few months. Three of these I've already purchased and am just waiting on them to arrive.

So, if you take anything away from reading my blog this week, let it be this, "There's no such thing as reading too much!" I truly believe this and will continue to read as long as I'm able. Now, go read a book!