Who can believe that it has been SIX weeks since I bought a book for myself? When you start doing this, it is hard, but it gets easier, particularly once you have got out of the habit of looking for 1p copies of books on Amazon, and once you try to avoid the charity shops (I did make the mistake of going into Oxfam books this week and found it very hard to leave the lovely green Virago modern classics copies of four of Rosamund Lehmann's novels behind).
On the plus side, I have made good inroads into my TBR bookcase, which now stands at 48 books, plus 25 Virago modern classics. Despite continuing to get library books at a rate of knots, I hope to get that down to 40+20 before I go on my holidays (and packing holiday reading should deplete it a little futher); the only thing that stops me from reading more things from it is that there are books on it which I will eventually want to read but now is not quite the right time. Frustrating for someone who likes to keep things tidy!
I am hoping that there will be a new Susan Scarlett title from Greyladies for Christmas; if so, this will be the book that breaks the book-ban. But back to the ban in 2010 I think, certainly for Lent if not before.
Non essential spending has gone less well this week as I succombed to some Nativity shaped cookie cutters so that I can make a nativity out of shortbread. Watch this space...
A Pre-Election Reading Update
18 hours ago
You're doing great, Verity! I do like the idea of a lenten book buying ban. Can't wait to see the shortbread nativity.
ReplyDeleteYou're definitely doing great! And yes, it does get easier with time. When I started my ban, I decided to allow myself one new book for every 20 I read. I was eagerly counting how many books I had left the first two times, but the other day I realized that yet another 20 books mark has been passed and I didn't even remember! I know I'll never stop loving buying books, but it's also so nice to discover the neglected gems I have right here in my tbr pile.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys!
ReplyDeleteJoAnn - I'm dithering between shortbread and gingerbread Nativity at the moment...
Nymeth - thanks! That sounds like a good method of proceeding. Do you allow yourself library books? I would make much better progress with my TBR if it weren't for the library...
Hahahaha I do love our updates and the fact you havent bought books but some lovely pastry cutters made me smile lots. How much longer are you planning on going?
ReplyDeleteHi Simon - I'm buying myself a book for Christmas, but then trying to go up until Easter? You?
ReplyDeletePS: The cutters were an essential for bake of the week...
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you mentioned which book would have you ending your ban! I was wondering.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the results of your baking.
That's pretty impressive.
ReplyDeleteNativity out of shortbread does sound good...
Darlene - yes, it has to be a good book! I can't wait to get my cutters and start baking!
ReplyDeleteAnother cookie - I agree and can't wait to get my cutters
Ach, the perils of reading posts backwards! I hope you enjoy the Susan Scarlett book when you get it!
ReplyDeleteNativity cookie cutters sound wonderful! Although you're then faced with biting into wise men and others!
Hehe - the Susan Scarlett will be on its way in time for Christmas :)
ReplyDelete