Why I keep books
Recently, I saw that Granta had published a story by Jon McGregor. I instantly clicked on it because I loved both So Many Ways To Begin and If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things. I liked his books so much that I read them just about back to back, something I rarely do - there’s just too many new books to discover.* As I clicked over to Granta I realized that the story is a reworking of a story originally published in 2002. I also noticed the cover of that particular issue looked familiar. So I went over to my bookshelf and sure enough there it was. What a find! A long time ago I used to ‘collect’ Granta magazines, particularly if there were pieces by Milan Kundera. Not sure why I collected them (or why I looked for Milan Kundera above anyone else) other than they are always beautiful and have great writing. I subscribe now and then, when I feel like spending the money; but, mostly, if I’m at a used bookstore or book sale I find one or two and pick them up.
This particular issue is a treasure trove with writings from:
- Milan Kundera
- Rachel Cusk
- Edmund White
- Arthur Miller
- Jon McGregor
- Gary Shteyngart
I can not wait to go back and reread some of these pieces. Just when I think about getting rid of more of my books I realize why I keep them in the first place.** I am always discovering and rediscovering.
*A sentiment I no longer believe. I am now more concerned with reading whatever I feel is the right thing to read right now. If I want to read two books by Jon McGregor, one right after the other, then that is what I shall do.
**I understand that this could easily open a discussion on the physical book versus its electronic version. I have not formed a concrete position on this issue other than that it should always, always be about the writing.
