Just got rid of a bunch of books. Why am I mourning the loss?

T

traca

Well-known member
I have been way too enthusiastic collecting books over the past few years. Every time I'd come across a few of them I'd think, "When was the last time I looked at this book?" I'd get really annoyed with myself....knowing I had no intention of cooking from it and still hanging on....

So today I bundled up 4 boxes of books...probably $400 worth (at least) and took them to a reseller. I got a whopping $35 for the whole lot of them. The money part is kind of insulting and the books were not something I wanted to hang on to any longer. I'm glad they're gone, but I'm still kind of feeling the loss. (I'm feeling especially stupid about it after hearing Poppy Toker speak yesterday on the folks from New Orleans trying to get their artisan businesses back on track after the flooding....)

 
I had the same experience about 6 weeks ago. Took about 125 cookbooks

that no longer spoke to me and sold a few of them online but 95% of them went to the used book store where I basically got so little for them it was hardly worth the drive. But I must say....I now have no regrets whatsoever for moving on the books that simply didn't serve me anymore AND my bookshelves look so much better. The way I look at it, it freed up some space for new books to come into my life and now I'm able to pick and choose a little better with an eye to being realistic about whether it's a book I really would use. I'm getting much better at saying NO to myself. ;o)

I hope your regret phase passes quickly.

 
I donate mine to the National Kidney Fund since they are the only charity around

here which has been at all interested in books. Like you said, the offer from used book stores is too insulting. I feel better about the charity possibly making a little money than the paltry sum offered otherwise.

I miss them when they are gone too. I have to do it though. My sister garage sales in a two-college town and sends me grocery sacks full of books every time I see her. They start taking over my small house.

 
Used to get free cookbooks from a friend who worked for a publisher. After reading them, I'd keep a

few for my "archives" then donate the rest to the local public library. Loved the idea of "paying it forward."

If you need the money, you can get a far better return as a tax write-off by donating them.

 
I do one of 3 three things with any books I don't want to keep. First there is a local book swap,

then there is bookmooch and if you don't know it you should google it. It really works and gives a good feeling. Finally there is the local library which is happy to have books. They can always sell them at a library book sale.

And if nobody wants the book - I bookcross it.
Look that one up too.
I should add that I am an avid reader and have
piles all over the place. Every so often, I fix them and reduce some of the books.

 
Traca, I applaud your efforts to move the books on, but next time maybe try a local library..

You won't get $35, but it's very satisfying and they are sooooooooo grateful.

My bookshelves are groaning again and it's time for another purge. I keep most of them, but a lot of books were meant to be read once, then passed on to a new audience. Not that there isn't a lot of sniffling and re-reading involved in the process.

 
Or poke around for places that give books to people who can't afford them. At my partner's

workplace they have an annual "Book AIDS," at which people with HIV/AIDS and probably living on disability get donated books for free. (These are people who sometimes can't even afford a lightbulb, so it kinda breaks your heart.) Donations come from publishers as well as people like me, who somehow end up with more books than we have space/time/patience for.

 
Our library has twice a year booksales and use the donated books for this fundraiser. some great

finds. they also cull some of their books as well for the sale.

 
I have donated books to the Cancer Center and Radiation Center. lots of time for reading there.

 
Since I've had a computer, the only ooks I buy are used one from the library, for

$1 each... I must say, though, they are piling up and I'm not getting anymore unless they are really something special.

 
I give away a ton of books. I needed the cash & instead of selling them on Amazon,

thought I'd go this route. Who knew the cash would be so pitiful? Never again.

 
Ultimately, I think I mourn the books. While I'm ready to shed them, I'm still sentimental.

 
Well said. I know...tax write off would have been better. smileys/smile.gif Next go around.

 
Our library has a book annex where they sell donated books. Danger! Danger!

My shelves are overflowing because of this place. I've gotten a ton of good stuff there...

 
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