Years ago, when I was first living on my own, after college, in my first solo apartment, I really enjoyed my growing book collection. I was taking a UCLA Extension class on autobiographical writing and getting weekly book recommendations. I devoured titles and proudly shelved them. My gold couch + reading light + telephone + latest novel was my home's "power spot." Keeping track of my expanding library would have given me pleasure back then, as the titles were helping me to solidify my identity.
Over the years, possessing books has become unimportant to me. On the rare times I can't find a copy in the library (I'm always on the "hold" list), and I end up buying a book, I usually give to someone else or the library. My bookshelves are full, and I think all copies of books should be circulating. We should have a giant book pass along around Silverlake. "Everyone keep passing to the house on your right."
All of this is to say that as a teacher, not a librarian, I have no interest in making a list of my past-collected books, cook books, gardening books, my mom's local history books, and daughter's books. I don't get the point of the website LibraryThing.
I liked finding comments on the five books I listed, just like I like to read IMDb comments after I rent a DVD movie, but I don't care which of my books are popular with others.
Maybe I would join an online book group, if I wanted to read the choice.
Maybe I'll get some new insights from the comments for books I teach.
I might use it to find current book recommendations. But wandering around the library is fun too.
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