Nobody can deny that the printed book is on it's way out. Like 8-tracks, cassettes, cd's, dvd's, newspapers, and magazines - it's all going digital - and the printed copy of a book is going to be more increasingly a thing of the past owned and displayed by collectors only.
I love having 12 shelves full packed full of my favorite books. When a friend or new acquaintance comes to visit, I can lend them a book. Or they can peruse my shelves on their own and get a sense of where my head is at and what books have earned the reward of being kept on the shelve. Only the best books make it to my bookshelves - I am the opposite of a pack rat - it's got to be significant to get kept. If it's a book I would recommend or think is essential reading it goes on the shelf. If it's a book that changed my perspective, it goes on the shelf. If it's a book I highlighted and made notes in and want around as a source of inspiration and reference, it goes on the shelf. Other then that, it's a goner and it get's discarded. It's so cool that you can grab a book off of my shelf and quickly scan the highlighted passages.
So if you look across my shelves you see the personal development books, the biographies, the inspirational, the profound, and the challenging and beautiful books that have impacted my thoughts, personalities, and personal vision.
However......
The pace at which my bookshelves currently grow has decreased to a snails pace due to the fact that for the last 2 years most of my book purchases have been on my nook and kindle. I love having my entire library with me at all times. I usually have 4-6 books being read at one time. (Fiction, inspiration, spiritual living, training, etc.) It makes traveling a lot easier when you don't have to carry 4 heavy books with you. So I love the convenience of my Kindle.
When you visit and we chit chat, it used to be we could stand by the bookshelves and I could see what stands out to you as you browse the selections. Maybe I've read something and you've been thinking about the subject. Maybe you have read the same book and we can talk about the messages, themes, or the author and other similar favorites. Maybe you quietly scan the shelves and take mental notes on who and what you are dealing with. But what we will do now, get out my kindle so you can scan my electronic library? Doubtful.
I have been in the offices of many people I respect and admire. And one of the things I always like to do is scan their usually small and concise (office sized) bookshelves. Office space is usually limited, so if it's on display in an office it is important enough to the individual to publicly display. If it's important to a person I'm studying or respect, I take note. I usually get at least a few titles to check out after a glance at their books. But what will I do now? No doubt their shelves are being impacted by the e-book as well. How will I get a glimpse into their personal influences and thought shapers without the bookshelves to provide that window?
I specifically remember the books on Baylor Women's Basketball Head Coach Kim Mulkey's shelves directly behind her desk. Anything on or by Mike Kryzewski was a favorite. I remember also the eclectic collection of Seth Godin and design philosophy books at a favorite architect's office. Local, independent bookstores always seem to have the best selections on display (since their space is limited and shelve space determined by the owner's tastes more then the market) and on "employee's picks" sections. Strength coaches have provided me with quick recommendations without saying a word. When you see Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe and several of your respected coach's bookshelves, you take note.
What will replace these books/bookshelves? Amazon's "recommendations based on previous purchases", "readers also liked", or maybe your Goodreads feed? Sorry replacements for sure.
On my shelves: Stephen Pressfield, Seth Godin, John Eldredge, Tim Ferris, Dave Ramsey, ....
On my Kindle:
On my Nook:
Tell me, what's your shelves and devices?
I'm going to miss these bookshelves and the books on them.
