A lot of my bookworm friends are surprised when I make the confession that I prefer second-hand books. Why would you want an old book when you could have a new, shiny edition? I understand why people are always confused by it, as who doesn't love to have new things? But please, indulge me while I explain why second-hand copies are the superior species.
I grew up in a single-parent family with almost no money to our name. New things were a rarity - a treat to treasure. But as I mentioned in yesterday's post, my Mum wanted me to have all the books I wanted. As a child, reading was the only thing I enjoyed. I was always reading. I'd read before school, on the way there, during school (I was known to finish my lessons as quickly as possible so I could read), afterwards, and every other spare moment I had during the day. My Year 6 teacher even dubbed me as Matilda, as I would read everything she gave me in a day. I was seriously obsessed!
Because I would consume books within a matter of hours, it wasn't really financially sensible for my Mum to buy me every book I wanted to read, so she introduced me to the library. But as the only decent library was on the other end of the Island that we once resided, I didn't get to visit too often. Then it became apparent that I'd read so many of the titles before that it wasn't worth visiting, so my Mum had to think of a new plan. Charity shops.
And that is where my love of second-hand books was born. I love being able to walk in there with a £1 coin, and then walk out with two books in my hands. But, it's not just the fact that they're cheap that I like second-hand books. No, I have a much soppier reason for loving them.Call me a romantic, but I've always thought that every book tells two stories: the one written inside, and then there's a story of the book itself.
Who owned it? Was this a treasured book of theirs? Did they take it on holiday? Was it left somewhere by accident, and then picked up by a passer-by? Did the original owner miss their copy? Did the new owner love the book as much as their predecessor? Why did they end up giving the book away?
I love the fact that every book tells a story. I love that someone was once reading these same pages, getting lost in the same world that I am now exploring. I love that someone once took this book on holiday, on the train to work, or read it at the hospital as they nervously waited to see the doctor. I love that they would talk about this very copy to their friends and family, perhaps even passing it on for others to read.
I am a huge sop for dreaming up such fanciful stories for every second-hand book I come across, but I just can't help it. I suppose it is the writer in me, I just have to know or imagine the backstory for every person, creature or object I come into contact with. I would much prefer an older copy of a book that came with a colourful history, than buy a new edition at the shop.
So, that's why I love second-hand books. What do you think of my reason? Do you agree, or do you think it's fanciful nonsense? And, do you prefer second-hand books, or new copies? Please let me know in the comments below, I'd love to hear what you think!
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