I subscribed to The Washington Post just to read Michael Dirda. There’s far more to The Post than its interesting book section, but I’m a Dirda fan, and he lured me into the fold. It was a delight to see his essay on booking, shopping at used-book stores.
I love to browse. I always come out of a good bookstore with spirits elevated, reaffirmed in the belief that the world is endlessly fascinating and that I have much to learn. It helps me shake off the blues or the blahs and get on with the business of learning.
If I’m stuck on a piece of writing, it’s the best way I know to get unstuck.
One curious thing about Dirda’s essay: He didn’t mention having a list. He likes to go and explore, to find out what he next wants to read. I’m sympathetic, but I also like to have a few things I’m specifically looking for.
In my notebook, I have a standing page with the heading “Books I’d like to read.” I list titles as I come across interesting things in my reading. When the page has 10 items, it’s time to go.
• Source: Michael Dirda, “How to shop in used-book stores: 14 tips from a bibliophile”; The Washington Post, April 5, 2024.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/2024/04/05/used-bookstores-guide/
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