Book Obsessed Reader Shares Her "Book Shelf Worthy" Theory

Let me say it up front and get the guilt out of the way. I am not a romance novel writer like many of the guest bloggers. Oh, I play around a bit with writing, but I am too book-obsessed to really invest the time needed to write. And did I mention that I am lazy? Writing requires discipline in which I am in short supply. I am so thankful there are writers out there who will get the writing done so I can have a regular fix.

And speaking of bad traits, I have been known to email my favorite writers and tell them to get their butt in gear because their latest book is taking too long. Obviously I have many weak traits – impatience, laziness and obsessiveness. But in my defense, I think it makes me the perfect buyer for the book industry and their authors. So my weak traits are actually great for the book industry and the economy!

I found Romance Junkies during a search for book reviews. I am always trying to find an author I overlooked or a new book that will make my day. Something in me flittered when I saw the post on Romance Junkies looking for guest bloggers. In my day job, I write for a workplace safety blog which is nowhere as interesting as a ROMANCE BOOK SITE for obsessed romance readers like me. Write about a new fall protection harness or about my favorite pastime?! No contest. So, yeah, I begged the powers that be at Romance Junkies to let me write.

 There were so many items on my list that I wanted to share and I quickly slashed my list down to the most important item for me.

Here is the topic: Book Shelf Worthy Books – What Are They & Why Does It Matter?

There is only so much space for books on my Book Shelves. In the past, many books got packed up in boxes, passed to friends or sent to Goodwill. Only the BEST remain on my Book Shelf. This past year I have had to drastically trim down my book budget so I have had to get more fussy about books I buy versus the books I get from the library (or Paper Back Swap). Book Shelf Worthy Books must have the potential to keep me up at night and have a “feel good” factor.

So, obviously, I research more books very well before I buy them. People, online sites, book review sites – I check them all before I spend a penny on a book.

To be honest – I also have a “lack of control” portion on my bookshelf . That’s where I’m at Target late at night and NEED a book right that minute. In fact, I’m in Starbucks at Target right now and I couldn’t resist checking out the books before I sat down to drink my coffee and write in a quiet place.

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts. Keep writing and sharing the good ones with me.

8 Responses to Book Obsessed Reader Shares Her "Book Shelf Worthy" Theory

  1. Taps Ammons

    Susan Boyle is an exceptionally talented lady who’s been subjected to considerable ridicule in the media. IMHO she deserves every bit of success that she is currently enjoying.

  2. MarthaE

    Good comments! I take the approach of buying all the books of authors I truly love. Occasionally I have been disappointed and have had trouble getting through some books — then I don’t read that author for a while. If it happens twice (the next time I read a book by that author) then I usually abandon them as a fav and move on to other favorites. It is definitely hard when there are so many books to choose from! At least my Audible selections are stored by Audible! And now I have a Kindle2 but they only store the Kindle e-books you buy. The rest of my pdfs are stored on my computer! A different book shelf!

  3. Tonya Lampley

    Thanks for sharing this. As a writer, I always appreciate reader perspective. This is a reminder of how important it is for me to write the best story I can (I’ll remind myself of this when I am up at 3 am, staring at the computer, eyes glazed over, rewriting a chapter for the eleventh time!). I want to write a story that someone will keep on their shelf! This was also a reminder for me to try to get reviews from all the great reviewers and review sites out there. They provide such a valuable service to the industry.

    Thanks again!

  4. Heather

    I wish I knew more people who liked the same books I do – although I wonder how many people just don’t admit it!

  5. mammakim

    I trade book with all of my friends so we rotate them then I give them to my mom and she rotates with my aunts. I save my keepers though, there is no way I can give them babies up. I reread some of the series. The only problem is that a lot turn out to be keepers, LOL

  6. B.G.Sanford

    If I may I’d Like to take a moment and suggest that you read my new book, “Beth:Love Along The Way…by B.G.Sanford,” and just released by Eloquent Books. It’s a beautiful romance, however tragic. A love affair of a lifetime presents itself to Beth during some of the darkest times of her life. She struggles with what to do, knowing fully, what would be morally right. Because of the very substance of this book, it can’t be considered “lightweight” by any stretch of the imagination. I do hope you get the opportunity to read it, as it’san entertaining story that you won’t soon forget. Have your book store get it in for you or purchase it on line.
    All my very best to you,
    B.G.Sanford
    https://www.eloquentbooks.com/BethLoveAlongTheWay.html

  7. Heather

    How do you afford to buy that many books!? My neigbor reads like that too but we don’t have similar taste books – too bad.

  8. Keira

    I have three bookshelves, 6 drawers under my bed, and several boxes filled with books. Currently 40 print books are in my TBR pile and a dozen more in ebook format. That’s after I’ve trimmed everything down. Can you imagine? No really I did trim things down because I donated about 350 books this year to my library… (to make room!) 😀

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