I was raised to be respectful of other people’s belongings/homes, and that snooping is rude. I’ve never had a problem following that rule. Unless there is a bookcase or pile of books somewhere, and then, well the jig is up. I cannot help myself but pick up every single novel I see and inspect it.
Some people are ok with you going through their collection; others are very uncomfortable with it. I always ask if I can snoop just in case, so no, I’m not sneaking off when no one is looking. Even still, I get a grin and an eye roll because I have a hard time walking away until I’ve looked at everything, and asked a ton of questions. Like why did you buy this novel? When did you buy it? What is your oldest book? What is your most special one?
If the shelves are full of authors I’ve never read before I’m excited. Maybe I’ll find a new gem!
If I find a book I own, I squeal with glee, cause clearly, the owner is one of my people.
If I find a shocker, like a sappy sweet romance novel on the shelves full of fantasy tomes and the owner is a single manly man, I have a good, inner giggle.
Occasionally I run across a collection that makes no sense, and those are my favorites, because I have one just like it, haha. You will find a wide variety of novels in my hoard. I am an eclectic person after all.
If the shelves are full of nothing, but Steven King shall we say, I wonder if the reader is unhinged or secretly tripping on acid. Considering his books are ever so slightly weird, in the best way of course. Or if the shelves are full of crime novels, it makes me wonder if the person is doing their homework for some bloody killing mission they’ve dreamed of committing. LOL I have a vivid imagination, didn’t you know? Since I rarely find collections with more than one genre, I can’t help but wonder what their choice means. Plus, where is their secret stash? We all have them, don’t lie. Oh, and would they notice if I rearranged a few books when they weren’t looking….shhhhh don’t tell anyone.
The good news is, if I’ve seen your stuff before I won’t bother you again since it’s lost its power over me. Unless you routinely get new items and then, well, you might as well just invite me over every time you bring something home. It would be easier on us all.
Please tell me, I’m not alone in this? No one else in my reading circle has this compulsion and I feel utterly alone.
