I really dig picking up used books.
If they have writing in them from the previous owner it makes the book unique.
Not sure I would mark up a book the same way I’ve seen that others have done, I might highlight a part that really stands out, or something minor, but beyond that, I don’t feel the need to put my commentary into someone’s writing.
One book of short fiction I picked up at Strange Maine in Portland Maine (where else?) has notations about which stories the previous owner enjoyed and didn’t enjoy.
I happen to very much disagree with the inept opinions that are thrown around in the book as if they will somehow influence my arrogant view point.
Sometimes I am tempted to write replies then bring it back to the store in the hopes that eventually another person will see my comments and validate me.
Is that what the prior owner thought?
Damn, did I just become what I read?
Recently, I picked up a copy of The Rum Diary by Hunter S. Thompson at the Book Oasis in Stoneham thanks to a gift card that I received in a mad pile from the fantastique Foley Sisters.
In the book Thompson always writes “lit” instead of “lighted” when referring to igniting cigarettes. The novel was set in the late 50’s, so stylistically, grammatically correct, or not, “lit” is the best writing choice. Why? Read some stuff from the late 50’s and you’ll pick that style up. Also, it’s clearly Thompson’s voice, all you need to do is read some of his other writing to get that vibe.
Well the prior of owner of the book was clearly upset about this perceived grammar malfunction and went into overdrive. Every instance of “lit” is marked, circled, or crossed out completely and replaced with “lighted”.
I have difficult time imagining being so upset that you could spend your time doing that to a book.
Wait, did I just do that with this blog?
Strangely yours,
Count Robot
