I
had some time between when the movie started (more on that later)
and when I got off work, so I did what any sane person would do.
I went to the bookstore. As I was browsing the offerings it
suddenly dawned on me. My purpose in life was clear. I knew
what I had to do from that day hence.
I’m a book collector.
Sure, I have a bunch of books (about 350 at last count, which isn’t
that many really), but I never had a purpose for having them, other
than enjoyment. That’s not to say that enjoyment isn’t a valid
reason to have books, in fact it is the only reason that I am now going
to be collecting books. I suppose the added ingredient that I
discovered last night wasn’t the passion for books, but rather a focus
for my collection.
What is my focus? Well, firstly I want to collect first
editions of authors that I enjoy, that’s a given. The secondary
purpose is to collect first editions of all Hugo award nominated
novels, and that is what I am most excited about. I think that
the winners will, of course, cost the most to collect but the other
nominees (i.e. the losers) shouldn’t be too pricey.
I started my collection last night by purchasing Iron Council (which I thought I had, but I didn’t) and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (which I have read but I didn’t own). I also started my ‘authors collection’ cycle by purchasing Mary Doria Russell’s A Thread of Grace.
Now, if you haven’t read The Sparrow you need to stop whatever it is
you’re doing and go read it. NOW. Trust me, it is one of
the best written science fiction books I have ever read, in fact even
if you don’t like SciFi you’ll like this book. Though it does
contain a dash of alien sodomy, but really what good book doesn’t?
I can’t imagine the Google searchs that are going to find this post now.
There are some ground rules for my new hobby:
- I want first editions
- I only care about US editions
- I don’t have lots of money
I think I can build a very respectable collection in short order,
though. If anyone has some favorite book dealers in Philly let me
know and I’ll look them up. If I am going to be a collector I
would rather deal with independent bookstores, and sellers, than the
big companies because after awhile they will get to know my interests
and they can help to shape me into a better collector.
3 responses to “Book related decision”
Have you read Children of God, the sequel to The Sparrow? If not, I’d urge you to read that as strongly as you’re recommending The Sparrow…equally as good, and does an incredible job of making you re-think a lot of your assumptions from reading the first.
Two used bookstores I like a lot (though I haven’t looked for sci-fi in either place): Hibberd’s Books on Walnut/13th and Bookhaven, across from the prison in Fairmount.
I imagine that if they don’t have what you’re looking for, they can give you suggestions of stores that specialize in sci-fi.
Post a list of what you have and what you need, so we know what to get you for your birthday.
Also post the date of your birthday (was it Feb 14th?).