DALTON
The dreaded time has come at last; it can't be avoided any longer. The shelves are filled with piles spilling over on the floor. The broken spines and tattered dust jackets bespeak a long life, well-lived; but it's time to make way for a new generation. Yes, it's time to empty and clean the bookcases; it's time to cull unwanted items from the collection. Sadly, it's time to part with some well-loved friends.
Friends are what my books truly are to me. They are my truest companions, intimate of my deepest thoughts, fondest hopes, and brightest dreams. We have shared so many wondrous hours in companionable silence. They made me laugh, cry, and often made me see things in a new light. They were my teachers, my role models, and companions on the journey of a life among words. As my circle of friends is shrinking, due to moving south or dying, my book collection needs to shrink a little too. Difficult decisions must be made.
I know libraries are full of books and books can now be read on-line or via Kindle; but there is something special about owning a book. I like knowing it's there on the bedside table for a sleepless night. It's there on the table by the window on a rainy day. Something about possession of the printed and bound words of a favorite author makes me glad, makes me safe.
We all try to hold onto people and things (like our youth) in various ways. One of my ways is by lining up an eclectic
First, there are children's books, which I began collecting before there were children in my life. Remembering the Christmas gift of "Heidi" many years ago, I sought out other titles by Johanna Spyri. Living so close to the Thornton Burgess homestead got me interested in the children's nature books he wrote. I even found a tattered copy of the red-covered "Bedtime Tales" book I read from cover to cover as a child.
Popular fiction fills another huge chunk of my overburdened bookshelves, with mysteries leading all other categories. Archer Mayor, Sue Grafton, and Martha Grimes are a few of my BFFs (best friends forever in case you're not a text-messager). When I want a good scare, I can count on Jeffrey Deaver or Carol O'Connell. Louise Erdrich is a powerful writer, as is long-departed Barbara Pym.
Poetry books are always scuffling on the bookcase under the office window, each trying to shove another aside or onto the floor and into relative obscurity. My favorites poets include: Mary Oliver, Donald Hall, Billy Collins, Ogden Nash, and Nikki Giovanni. Jack Prelutsky writes great humorous poetry which can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. I especially love his scary poems; they are great for reading aloud.
There are a couple of shelves devoted to Berkshire history and photography. Reference books, due to their daunting size and weight, take up a disproportionate amount of space; but can I do without them? Then there are the Irish books, the maps and travel guides, and the picture books. Each book kept for a different reason; each filling a need or want. How to choose which should go? How to live without their comforting presence?
The plain fact is I want more books: new books, bargain books, and books recommended by friends. I can't build an addition on to the house as a designated library, so something has to give; but choosing which books to give away is like deciding which friend is no longer part of your life.
Maybe I should just downsize my wardrobe and build bookshelves in the closets. I think it's past prom season, and I have way too many shoes and sweaters. I don't have to dress up to read, do I?
Anne Horrigan Geary is a regular Eagle contributor.
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