I love collecting books. It seems that my pile of "To-Read" book grows every day. Nevertheless, I continue to go to the bookstore at least once a week. When I do, these are some of the things that run through my head:
1. I'm not going to buy anything.
"No, you don't need more books." You tell yourself this every time. It has somewhere near a 0.9% success rate.
2. Oh, I've heard of that book!
The second you step into the store you see the title of a book someone has recommended to you. Naturally, you have to read the cover.
3. I should have brought more money.
When I go to a bookstore, I usually leave my debit card at home for obvious reasons. Then I regret it and yell at myself when I have ten books in my arms.
4. If people want us to learn, why are books so expensive?
It's a valid question.
5. Ok, time to narrow down.
This is where you try (and fail) to take a few books off the pile.
6. Wait, I didn't go through that section!
Despite the fact that you don't have more money and you don't need more books, if you realize you neglected a section of the bookstore, you will go back through it.
7. What was the title of that one book?
Before you go to any bookstore, you probably have a list of books to buy that you immediately forget about. Then, after you've settled on buying the books you have gathered, you remember the other books you'd wanted.
8. Oh, look at those bags they're selling on the way out!
Obviously, I want to buy them, too – to carry the books, of course. It's like "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" but instead "If You Give This Person The Slightest Ability To Go Near a Bookstore."
9. How much did you say?
The total will inevitably be much higher than you planned on spending. You buy all the books anyway.
10. When is my next payday?
Aka, when can I go back to the bookstore?
This happens to all of us despite what we tell ourselves before going into a bookstore. It's inevitable. Just accept it.
