“Hello, My Friends”
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Yes, that is actually what I said as I opened each box and greeted my beloved books.
I had such an enjoyable day, yesterday, rediscovering lost loves and favourite tomes. Placing them on one shelf and then deciding to move them over to the next one. Even in the moment, I realized how much I have always enjoyed the misunderstood act of book-shelving.
And then, as I lovingly placed well-used copies of the Talmud, Moreh N’vukhim, Itturei Torah, etc. onto the shelves, I was overcome with sadness.
“I won’t be spending very much time with you now, my loves. You’ve been replaced…”
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Oh, my goodness! That room looks so lovely! We just got married and in the process of combining homes, we combined books… and we are overflowing. They are shoved onto shelves so that the boxes could go away, but I cannot wait until we have the space to fill a room with bookcases and organize them. Happy unpacking…
I totally get what you mean about the art of book-shelving. I’m in the midst of reorganizing my shelves now, and I need to decide whether Shmoneh P’rakim is best-placed with its cousins, Chovot Halevavot and Mesilat Yesharim, or on the Rambam shelf. The decision could well have consequences in terms of how I choose to teach this or that, well down the road!
I hope your loves don’t become complete strangers, Rivster. I’m sure I’m not the only one hoping there’s some blog-worthy living at the nexus of “keeping house” and being a Jewish scholar.
Be well…
Oh…one of my favorite, most soothing, yet stimulating, activities. I love how organizing my books is up to me, and me alone. I can place them in any order and on any shelf I wish. The issue, of course–and always–is too few shelves for my treasured friends!
I totally know the feeling of arranging, rearranging…and finding just the right spot for treasured books….And I could never get it from a Kindle or Nook…..
Well, I talk to the trees and books are made from trees, so why not talk to my books? Enjoy!
I have 28 boxes of books that are breaking my heart. They aren’t meant to be caged.
Replaced, perhaps, but never forgotten and always available. I can certainly understand the sadness. However, whether it be through submitted papers, lectures, or teaching friends (hint), I think you may get to spend more time with your loves than you think. It may be late at night, after everyone’s gone to sleep and it’s quiet but isn’t that the best time, anyway?
AWESOME room, BTW!!! And your description of shelving your loves makes me want to run out and buy the addition two bookcases I need so I can finish unpacking the 6 or 7 boxes of books that currently reside in the garage!!! Great, great, post!
I’m sure that you’ll find time to spend with all your books in your new home and in your new life. Good luck!
How I understand your feelings about being “reunited” with your books!