Scruffy books!

Argh - it's Tuesday! I almost forgot which day it was. Just in the nick of time - here's my thoughts for the week.

I was going to call this post 'dirty books' but that might have given the wrong impression...

I am a book batterer - that sounds just awful, but what I mean is, I love my books to look like they belong to me - or someone. I love them to look loved and worn and beat up. When I buy a new book, I try to be vigilant and use a pretty bookmark, but within the first sitting, it gets lost and I fold down a corner. I even write or draw on books sometimes.

Does that make you cringe? Do you like your books to be pristine?

I had a good think about where this comes from - I have friends who treat books as if they are sacred and to be kept in perfect condition. I don't borrow books from these people, you'll be glad to know! Then, I remembered at Sunday school when I was small, the teacher had a battered old bible with every margin and tiny space crammed in her handwriting. It was thick with her own thoughts, ideas and inspirations that she'd felt when reading the text. I remember running my fingers over the bumpy pen marks and feeling exhilarated that she'd owned this book so well.

I loved her bible.

And I love my books. Just because they are scruffy - they are definitely NOT neglected. They are much loved.

Believe it or not, I still read ebooks on my computer, I don't own an e-reader yet - maybe when they have a 'fold down corner' option and the casing takes biro!

I find it fascinating - how do you treat yours?

See you next week - if I don't get lost in time and space again...

T x x x