I like looking through the books, always surprised at the things I find. Want to take many books home with me, but limit myself to spending a dollar or less. Sadly, if I'm on foot I will pass up a huge volume of something I want, only to go back and find it gone. (Now I know to just buy it if I really want it, and leave it at a friend's office directly across the street from the store.) In the case of the old hymnal above, a photo was enough--but if I found a hymnal in really bad shape in the trash, I might take it for collage purposes. recycle, right? 
I have not read any of the books pictured above.Another blogger sent me a news item that revealed that many British peeps pretend to have read certain smartypants books to impress others; 1984 by George Orwell topped the list I think.
I'm embarrassed to reveal that I've read Down and Out in Paris and London by Orwell three times in the past twenty years. I'm never embarrassed to reveal that although I gave it a half-hearted try years ago, I could not get into reading 1984. I don't feel bad.
If a bunch of smartypantsers were discussing 1984 at a cocktail party, (the British ones all pretending they read it...) I could just enjoy listening in, and if asked anything, I could mention some of his other works and/or simply say I haven't read Nineteen Eighty Four ... (maybe adding a yet as if I was planning to, or maybe ask why I should read it --but so far I've never been to a party where it was brought up.)
In the thrift store, I did find a good book by Ignazio Silone (who has been compared to Orwell, so that's something, right?) and find it highly readable so far--(more on Silone once I've finished the book )-- Bread and Wine.
A quick film of my visit to the thrift store, with the easy listening station they play supplying the soundtrack.
7 comments:
1.collage - sounds like a great idea.
2. And neither have I.
3. re smartypants (how to deal with) You have got the perfect out, A R. You nodd knowingly while they do their pretend number on 1984 and casually segue with something like: "But how did you like Down and Out in Paris and London? The passage on page (whatever) was really a hoot (or whatever else, Ihaven't read it even once to your thrice.)
4. I've never read Silone but the blurb on wikipedia certainly suggests a complex personality
5. vid: I saw that! (by the way, in French we use the M word the same way you use 'Break a leg' in English.) As for John Denver, well... it's easier to browse to than AC/DC, yes?
It's fun looking through old sheet music in thrift stores, too. I think one hymnal is enough for my collection though.
I think I did start 1984 at one point, but did not finish it (and also not afraid to admit it) A book came out a few years ago called "How to Talk About Books You've Never Read." Even reading that would feel like a cheat wouldn't it? Tempting, though.
Next time the snooties discuss 1984tell them you read "496" - the Readers Digest condensed version...
Oh you are funny! I can just imagine you at the next party...bringing up the subject of George Orwell just to get one over the smartypants!
I am British- and not ashamed to say that I have never read any George Orwell!
Great vid, although that music would put me out. As for 1984, I read it as a teen and had no "snooties" of my own at the time with whom to discuss it. I don't think I've missed much in that regard. Thanks again for writing and I do hope you feel better.
I am not embarrassed to say I have not read a book. I read what I like and that is not always trendy ;)
I love thrift stores and books at yard sales :) I love looking at books.
In the cooking section of your video,I saw a microwave cookbook that I have. Bought way back when micro's were a novelty ;) hahahahahaha
I came over to read your "animal" post - but got sidetracked by quotes from Craig - who I think is the funniest man on late night television.
I completely agree about creative cussing - it's an art form for the bold and articulate...
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