Chapter #36: I'm Going on a Book-Buying Ban
Wallet: 1, Me: 0
Feeling My Shelf is a bi-weekly newsletter about books, life, and well, life with books. Grab your favorite caffeinated beverage and get comfy. First up, some recent reads.
The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest
What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas. Especially when two former high school sweethearts unexpectedly reunite and wake up with rings on their fingers. The rings are fake, but the resurfaced feelings are anything but, which becomes abundantly clear when the exes agree to stay “married” to help both of their careers. It’s a fun, second-chance romance with great banter and supporting characters. (Out on February 27!)
Drop, Cover, and Hold On by Jasmine Guillory
The only thing better than a grumpy-sunshine story, is a grumpy-sunshine story with lots of flaky pastries. When an earthquake traps a woman inside her favorite bakery with the seemingly-grumpy owner, the two finally get to know each other, and sparks fly. It’s a quick read and part of a meet-cute anthology, with each short story revolving around a Valentine's Day theme.
Artifacts of An Ex by Jennifer Chen
After Chloe, an artsy teen, gets dumped via USPS, the last thing she wants to do is hold onto an old box of mementos. But before she chucks it into the garbage, an idea comes to mind: an exhibit featuring the break-up boxes of teens like herself. On opening night of “Heartifacts,” Chloe meets Daniel, who’s always, always (always!) the rebound. And despite their instant connection, he refuses to be one again. It’s a sweet, fluffy (and at times) cheesy YA romance about first loves and heartbreaks set against the backdrop of Los Angeles’ art scene.
The bright covers. The feeling of crisp, textured pages beneath my fingertips. The weirdly intoxicating new book smell. To say that I’m hot for physical books would be an understatement. As I write this newsletter, I look around my apartment at my color-coded shelves packed with paperbacks and hardcovers. While, on one hand, this makes me incredibly happy, it also concerns me.
Because where the hell did all these books come from?
Earlier this month, I found myself on the floor of my living space surrounded by the wooden pieces of yet another Ikea bookshelf. Building it wasn’t hard, but my now thirty-year-old muscles weren’t loving so much physical activity on a Friday night, especially not in service of books. Right around that time a crazy idea popped into my head: What if I didn’t buy any more books for the rest of the year?
A fun experiment or a terrible idea?
Maybe a little of both.
Frankly, I love a good challenge. And having more manageable reading goals this year makes a book-buying ban seem doable. Plus, I've got to get some use out of the Kindle I bought last year.
The benefits
The most obvious benefit to a book-buying ban is money saved. But that’s actually not the biggest benefit for me.
I have poor impulse control.
I don’t wait for sales. If I’m bored on the weekend, I go to the bookstore. Once I’m in the bookstore, I’m not leaving with less than five books. I’ve left out of Target with five books, and I originally went in for toilet paper (meaning I shouldn’t have been anywhere near the books!) If I see everyone talking about a book on TikTok, I’ll place an order online. Immediately. I’m constantly bringing home books that I don’t really want or ever plan on reading. It’s excessive, wasteful, and taking up space.
I can afford the books, but I don’t need them. Does that make sense? Going forward, I only want to own four and five star books. Books that I’ll reread and cherish having on my shelves for years to come.
The rules
No new books for six months: While I love a challenge, I also know my limits. Which is why that thought about not buying books for an entire year quickly came and went. Six months is easier for me to commit to, and in June, I’ll purchase any 4 or 5 star reads that I really loved and would read again!
No “just browsing” bookstore visits: No need to tempt myself. But, if I absolutely must go (because sometimes, I just need to go in!), I’ll support the stores in non-book ways: stickers, merch, and/or magazines!
What I’ll do instead of buying books
Become besties with Libby: I’ve placed holds on so many books, I’m surprised that the app hasn’t crashed. I don’t love that I’ll be waiting on some for literal months—way past their actual pub dates—but patience makes the heart grow fonder or whatever they say.
“Shop” my own shelves: Hey, the books might’ve been there for the last five years, but they’re still new to me.
The exceptions
The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books: This event, which takes place in April, has become one of my favorite book festivals. So, I’m giving myself a weekend pass to purchase two(!) books.
Gift cards: If I happen to receive a gift card to a bookstore from my brother or parents or a friend, just because, what kind of person would I be to not use it immediately?
Nonfiction books: I don’t buy or read a lot of nonfiction, but when I do, I like to annotate and reference what I highlighted again and again, so I will continue purchasing these whenever something good really piques my interest.
Books of friends: If any of my friends/friends of this newsletter happen to be releasing a book within my six-month ban, I reserve the right to purchase it immediately.
Wish me luck, and if you have any tips for staying on track, feel free to send them my way!
Officially diving into my first nonfiction read of the year—1000 Words: A Writer's Guide to Staying Creative, Focused, and Productive All Year Round by Jami Attenberg. It’s a motivational craft book featuring essays from some of my favorite authors including Jasmine Guillory and Roxane Gay.
Why “bookshelf wealth” is 2024’s first major design trend. Why are women reading and listening to porn in public? How to be alone with your thoughts. The Taylor Swift–Argylle conspiracy theory. The best (and worst) times authors put themselves in their stories. Is real person fan fiction legal? The link between creativity and longevity.
Hey thanks for reading (typos, misplaced commas, and all)! If you'd like to (further) support this newsletter, forward this email to a friend who likes books with a recommendation to subscribe!
I don't often buy books, and when I do, I go to one of my local bookstores. I'm lucky so many exist in town. I visit my library weekly, and am grateful for Libby. I also pass along most of the books I read. I read somewhere not to feel guilty about buying a book, because you're paying for a small amount of someone's time that transported you somewhere. And I support experiments like this as one of awareness.
I use the library.