Someone posted a video on social media that I’ve not been able to re-locate. A young man made an amusing video of the responses he typically gets in reaction to the large wall of books in his room. Why do you have so many books? Haven’t you heard of a library? Have you actually read all these books? Why do you have 2 sets of that book series? How much money have you spent on these books? Etc.
I got to thinking…why is it that only books typically get this response? At least, I have not usually noticed this type of reaction to other types of collections – such as knick-knacks, tea cups, dolls, antique radios, Star Wars stuff, trains, etc. I know people who have some rather interesting collections! One person has a living room full of dolls. I’ve not noticed people come in and say: Why do you have so many dolls? Haven’t you heard of a museum? Do you actually play with these dolls? How much money have you spent on them? Etc.
It seems a little rude to say such things about someone’s doll (or other type) collection. So why is basic courtesy or politeness lost when it comes to books? People may ask some questions of interest about a collection, but not typically the questions of shock or almost disdain as with books.
Unlike some types of collections that are strictly for display, books can be useful. They can be used for reference, re-read, lent out, etc. A number of my books get heavy use, and I do selectively lend out books. (Of course, books can be for display only too.) Anyway…these are just my rambling book thoughts for Thursday!
I have a large collection of books and am often asked these types of questions. I’ve never thought about how people aren’t asked about other kinds of collections – good point!
One guess as to why this is: People feel a bit intimidated and uncomfortable, especially if they are the ‘rarely read’ type. Their self esteem can take a big hit when they realize how little they really do read and so ask their questions as a form of self-defense.
Thanks for stopping by my blog Rhonda. And yes, your guess sounds a good one.
I confess to wondering why some people have so many TVs in their house. Then again we have a couple, which some people might think is two more than we need.
This I relate too Tim! Yes, why do some people have so many TVs? : ) We actually don’t even have one traditional TV. We stream any content we watch on a large desktop computer screen.
We don’t have a television, either! My husband and I got rid of ours after we’d been married for a year, and I’ve never regretted it. Much better for our family and our marriage.
This reminded me of a time in college when a guy friend and his parents were at my parents house for Thanksgiving. The guy walked into my room, looked at my two tall bookcases crammed with books, and asked, “Wow, you’ve collected a lot of books.” He didn’t enjoy reading, and couldn’t fathom why I did, nor that I didn’t “collect” them but read them and considered some to be “friends.” (Yes, that’s weird. But is it any weirder than the Facebook use of “friend” as a verb? And don’t get me started on “unfriend” . . .!)
I love my books. They are additional pictures on a wall full of knowledge, is the way I see it.
I like to think of books as photographs of ideas. Many of us have photo albums or thousands of images stored on our phones or computers. No one asks why we have so many. They all reflect memories of good times, places, and friends. So do my books. They just take up more space!
Love all these thoughts of books being like friends, good memories, reflective of things learned…etc! Thanks for the comments.
I found it! The video I reference in the post showed up in my social media feed again. While the young man is a different type of reader than me, I enjoyed his rant! : ) Enjoy for anyone interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3J7II1bN1w