THE TROUBLES OF A BOOKAHOLIC

                                              Eileen Cichello

I tell myself I shouldn't go, all the while knowing I will be there.  I walk in with good intentions to the library book sale.  I will buy only the books that I have already read and enjoyed and would like to have in my own collection.  This is what my sister does and she has acquired a  collection of wonderful books. 

It just doesn't seem to work that way for me.  Within minutes, I have several bags of so-so books, anything that looks like it just might possibly be interesting.  There are several problems with this. 

I have no space for any more books.  The many bookshelves in our house are loaded, double stacked, for I also hate to part with books.  I shouldn't be reading as much as I'm going to, with all these luscious items lying there in bags awaiting my attention.  I should be reading the books that sounded intriguing in reviews, that sounded like books I ought to read, that I bought for that reason and that I plain don't like or just can't get into.   There's just the slightest possibility here that I'm lazy and don't want to do the mental work required by a more sophisticated book. 

My son John has never quite forgiven me for not reading a book that he claims is one of the best he ever read, RAIN OF GOLD by Victor Villasenor.  He gave me his copy of it.  It sits on my reading table.  Periodically John will ask me if I had read it yet and I have to confess I haven't.  Then I will pick it up, start it, set it aside for the latest Grisham or similar type book.  I'm embarrassed writing this.  I may just go read the damn thing. Truth is, when I finally break down and read the book in question in this type of situation, I find it powerful and well worth my time.  Maybe I'm not looking for meaning but for escape.

Self help books…I have a whole bookcase of them, convinced as I am that information is the answer to most problems.  It certainly helps but I have never been able to find the magic bullet, the book with THE answer.  On second thought, I've probably read several books with the answers needed for peace and happiness.  I just haven't gotten around to using the information.

I've recently acquired a new skill.  I've learned how to order books on line. Did you know that all you have to do to get a book is click one spot and the book is on its way?  At half- price, no less.  Did you know that they put titles of more books of the type you're interested in right up there on the screen to tempt you?  They even provide you with reviews of any book you are interested in.  There is no waiting on the library reserve list, no taking the time to go to the store.

 This is a dangerous situation, one that may put my budget, not to mention my marriage, in jeopardy.  I may have to forget I know this information! Or have my husband delete it from my computer. I wonder if you can do that.  It worked for solitaire.