If Books Were Lovers, I'd Be a Whore.

Hello,

My name is Octavio. I am a Bookalholicr.

My parents initially read primarily newspapers and magazines, occasionally delving into books. I distinctly recall stacks of LOOK and LIFE magazines scattered throughout the house. My mother transitioned to Readers Digest magazine and subsequently condensed books. She adorned her home with books and engaged in crafts using them. My parents gifted me my own books when I was approximately seven or eight years old. They would occasionally read to me as well.

During my school years, I read primarily to conform, socialize, and unwind. Initially, I read because my peers did, but soon I found myself reading alone solely for the pleasure of the act. I cherished the initial days of school, as they signaled an increase in the number of books available. Notably, I spent the summer of my fifteenth year studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses due to their book sales. This situation clearly indicated my predicament. My addiction led me to seek more digital thrills on the internet.

Now, I have come to comprehend that books have made my life more manageable. Consequently, I occasionally surrender to the deity of my understanding, who is an author; a divine being who speaks the word that I purchase in leather-bound or hardback editions exclusively. This is because only a Philistine or a plebeian would purchase paperbacks. The additional cost is always justified by the immediate satisfaction of holding a hardback book. On average, I purchase a book every week. Currently, my library comprises approximately 400 volumes, which is a testament to the fact that I have donated over 2,000 books in the past decade.

“When I have a little money, I buy books; and if I have any left, I buy food and clothes.” ― Erasmus

In my former residence, which houses a dedicated library, I meticulously maintained a reading log. Each book I read is recorded, and the total number of pages and the accumulated cost for each year are meticulously tallied. I have stopped this practice, but for the year 2019, I diligently read 3,919 pages of books, excluding the pages of a newspaper, online articles, the three monthly magazines I subscribe to, the sacred Scriptures, my Daily Roman Missal, and the daily readings from my three-volume Roman Breviary.

Despite my extensive reading habits, I often find myself contemplating the notion that I am not reading sufficiently due to the abundance of books and the limited time available.

The aroma of books holds a profound fascination for me, a sensory experience that has accompanied me since my early childhood. To this day, I am unable to resist the allure of the scent of books. Coincidentally, I have acquired a cologne that is aptly described as “…hints of cigars, blending leather, wood, animal notes, and bookstores.” Naturally, I was compelled to purchase it.

The sight of a torn dust jacket evokes a sense of annoyance within me. Consequently, I have adopted a practice of covering the dust jackets of my books with Brodart covers. These clear plastic covers are commonly used on library books. I am committed to meticulously cleaning, mending, and repairing book covers with the precision and affection of a surgeon and the unwavering love of a mother. To me, books possess a sacred and aesthetic value.

During my travels, I invariably make a visit to a local bookstore in each country and city I visit. After churches and cathedrals, it stands as a consistent destination in my itinerary. I have the opportunity to purchase books or book bags from renowned bookstores such as Moe’s in Berkeley, Powell’s in Portland, and Politics and Prose in Washington, D.C., as well as Barnes & Noble. On one occasion, I requested my son to return three books from Germany because their weight exceeded the luggage weight limit. Despite not being proficient in German, I was not deterred by this challenge, as the books were only priced at 15 euros.

My library is meticulously organized by subject matter, encompassing Philosophy, Theology, History, Fiction, Art, and Personal Development. Notably, I possess a $600 copy of the works of Edward Hopper, which I acquired for an astonishingly low price of only $19!

Upon commencing a book, I experience an intense emotional connection, akin to that of a teenager. Conversely, upon concluding a book, I am left in a state of profound melancholy, mirroring the emotional state of a teenager. As a personal habit, I make it a point to inscribe my name, the date I commenced reading, and the date I concluded reading on each book. For this purpose, I utilize a Pilot mechanical GraphGear pencil with a 0.5 HB lead, a Pilot sleeved white eraser, and a Sharpie SmearGuard yellow highlighter to effectively mark my books.

Through books, I have embarked on journeys of exploration and gained profound insights into various aspects of life, transcending the boundaries of time and space. This intellectual engagement has fostered a deep understanding of the works of Erasmus, among others.

It is evident that my profound appreciation for books extends far beyond mere enjoyment.

Did I mention I love books?