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Recently, I colour-coded my bookshelves. This goes against everything I’ve ever believed about bookshelves in my life, but there you have it. I have perhaps taken leave of my senses, but the damage is done and it doesn’t seem to be upsetting anyone so I’ll leave it for now.
While I was doing so, though, I realised how many books on my shelf still hadn’t been read despite some of them being there for more than 10 years. Obviously I want to read them, that’s why I bought them in the first place, but they were all on the “one day” metaphorical pile.
Well, dear reader – that day has come. I decided to count every 10th book, put the titles into a hat, and read through the list as each name was drawn. I hope to get through all 17 this year, but I make no promises. Some I’m really looking forward to reading, some I’ve no idea how they ended up on my bookshelf, and some missed out by a whisker that I’d really have liked to include. But this is a challenge after all!
I called it the dusty bookshelf challenge because these poor books have been slowly gathering dust waiting patiently to be read. Well, no longer random book of Abraham Lincoln quotes, your time has come!
If you want to join in, feel free! Choose your long-unread books, use the #dustybookshelfchallenge and tag @veggie_mama and we can play together. We’ll hold hands across the internet in sad solidarity when we get to the cricket biographies…
The Complete Book of Etiquette
I wasn’t sure if I should include this, as I’ve read three-quarters of the way through (yes from the start I have no life) but I’d really like to read the end, so there we have it. I’m pretty sure I bought it from a Lifeline Bookfest. Get it here.
Cheaper by the Dozen
No idea why I bought this, although I’ve seen both movie versions. The first one was way sad. They also had a nice dining room. I think it was an op shop buy. Get it here.
The Voyage of the Beagle
Came in a box of other ’70s goodies from Lunchbox’s grandfather. I like Darwin and I am interested in poking around his observations (not a euphemism) but we’ll see. Get it here.
Dark Half
There are few Stephen King horrors I haven’t read and this is one of them. How it escaped my grasp I don’t know. I think I bought it from a second-hand bookshop (well, swapped for others I didn’t want to read any more). Get it here.
Spellbinders in Suspense
I think this was my Dad’s when he was young, and I’m reasonably certain I read it as a kid, but can’t hurt to read again! Hitchcock is great, and it’s only a slim volume. Get it here.
Innocent When you Dream
Lunchbox was reading this. I don’t know where it came from only I know he didn’t finish it. Help. Get it here.
Booky Wook 2
I bought this at the op shop in readiness for when I’d read the first one. I haven’t read the first one. Get it here.
Stark
Another op shop find. I love Ben Elton (thanks to my early years in Young Ones-ology) but I’ve never read any of his books. I am so ashamed. Get it here.
The Thorn Birds
One of those ones one should just read, right? Pretty sure this was purchased from a second hand book sale but I don’t know where. Get it here.
The Bourne Identity
I got it when the Bourne movies were big (I have them all) and have never read any of them. Get it here.
Journal of a Novel
I’m a huuuge Steinbeck fan and I picked this one up at a Christmas fete. I’m interested to see the mechanics behind his writing. Get it here.
A Passionate Life
Come on as if you don’t want to read it. Another bookfest buy. Get it here.
The Wit and Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln
I bought it from The Book Depository because I have a thing for American politics. And their presidents. I also have a George Washington colouring book. I am ridiculous. Get it here.
Dorothy Parker: What Fresh Hell is this?
Op shop buy, I’m pretty sure. Get it here.
The Swiss Family Robinson
I read an abridged version a few times as a kid and always wanted to read the whole thing. I loved it. Get it here.
True Colours
Lunchbox’s. I’m not looking forward to this. Get it here.
The Road Ahead
So curious about ole Bill Gates! Bought at a second hand book fair. Get it here.
And the first pick is….
Bummer.
Have you read any of these? Did you love/hate them? Want to read? Want to play?
Reemski says
That’s uncanny! I did the same yesterday! Here’s my pile. I’m just going to plough through them and pause when one of my reserved library books becomes available
Veggie Mama says
Nice choices! I’ve read that Tom Parker Bowles book, I love him. It was great! The chilli – I still remember it haha
Kylie @happytodaymag says
The Dragon Tattoo book series was gripping. Loved it all
Tasha Batsford says
Ah man! I can’t wait to see your thoughts on that one.
I did something similar over Christmas because we have lived in the house A YEAR and I hadn’t properly unpacked my bookshelf. I shall be properly selecting, photographing and back-linking for one of next weeks posts now.
Thanks for the kick up the butt!
Veggie Mama says
niiiiice one! And so far – meh.
Tasha Batsford says
NO WAY!! For real?! Aaah thanks for bursting my bubble TOM.
Veggie Mama says
HE is great. But it’s a compendium of interviews, so they all say the same thing. He dresses like a hobo, sounds gravelly, bangs tin pots together. here’s a quote. Repeat 85 times.
Tasha Batsford says
I see your point
Africanaussie says
Count me in too, although I try not to buy books, I find I have accumulated some along the way too. Mostly I reserve library books whenever I hear of something I want to read. I will make up my list.
Veggie Mama says
That’s such a good idea! I forget to do that. I usually buy the kindle version of books I think I should read but am a bit “meh” about. Show me your list when you’re done!
Kerry L says
Yes! I keep looking at my bookshelf thinking I should stop downloading kindle books and read the ones I already have on the shelf. Cheaper by the Dozen is one of my all-time favourites – you’re in for a treat when you get to it. I had no idea there was a 1950 film made, nor that there was a sequel book – thank you Stacey and Wikipedia, now off to find the sequel!
Veggie Mama says
hahah the unintended but awesome side effects of blogs! I didn’t know there was a sequel book either! I had a feeling I would love it. Please watch the 1950 movie, it is SO cool!
Pinky Poinker says
I have three bookcases full of books I’ve bought at Lifeline book fairs over the years. I went through them the other day to figure out which ones I can get rid of in anticipation of our big move at the end of the year. None. I can not part with a single one of them. I think out of your list The Thorn Birds sounds the most appealing. I’d have rigged it and drawn that one out first 🙂
Veggie Mama says
That was exactly how I felt when I moved to Melbourne. I couldn’t part with ANY. I’m hoping this will help because I will have finally read them and maybe can say goodbye.
Malinda says
Great idea. I often stand in front of my bookcase and see so many books to still read. I have a goal to read one book a month this year.
Veggie Mama says
I’ve heard a few people say that is a goal of theirs this year. it sounds like a great idea 🙂
Kylie @happytodaymag says
Stacey lovely, happy new year x I would love to read your Tom Waits interviews book, the Ita Buttrose biography, and Cheaper by the Dozen. I have read Stark, Bourne Identity, Thorn Birds and the Swiss Family Robinson and the Road Ahead. On my list are Sex Drugs and Meditation and How to Stay Married by Mary Lou Stephens.
Veggie Mama says
Oh you’ll have to let me know if they’re good!
Reannon @shewhorambles says
Just when I think I know you, you go & colour code your bookshelf & think ” waaaaaaaaaat? I don’t k ow her AT ALL!”
The only book on your list I have read is The Thron Birds. It was my holiday book last January. I LOVED it! I love books set in early Australia & sweeping family sagas so it ticked all the boxes. Hopefully you read it.
Veggie Mama says
I don’t even know what is wrong with me? I surprised myself. It sure does look pretty though.
Hugzilla says
OMG OMG OMG I love that Dorothy Parker book! She is one of my ABSOLUTE idols. She was a total pioneer as a female writer and satirist and it’s a really great read. It’s actually the life I fantasise about when I’m having a shit day with the kids… Me at the Algonquin Round Table with a martini, talking shit with my awesome writer friends…. From memory, her life ended kind of sad and lonely though. She was such an incredible talent. If I’m being really honest, I’m always trying to channel her.
Veggie Mama says
A lot of people I admire say similar things, so I’ve been desperate to read it! I could definitely go a martini and a fictionary cigarette, being preposterously arty and insufferable.
Lilybett and Boy says
I’ve read the Cheaper by the Dozen and it’s always stuck with me. I think I read it as a young teen when I was coming out of my big families obsession (thanks Mallory from The Babysitter’s Club). When I taught a Business/Communication class I came across the Gilbreths again and really admired Lillian (the wife/mother of 12) who was a pioneer in the field of time and motion studies alongside her husband at a time when women weren’t really at the top of many fields at all. I blame them for my long posts about hanging up the washing.
Veggie Mama says
ha I remember that! yes I have vague recollections of reading something about them back in the day and they were super-inspiring. I have been meaning to read it for so long – the first movie has always stuck with me too.
Lauren @ the-thud.com says
Both my bookshelf and my son’s are colour coded. I am not ashamed. My OCD knows no bounds. But I love the idea of the dusty bookshelf challenge. I have DOZENS of books I haven’t read yet. Might give this a go…