The other day, I was going through my bookcases to dust and noticed quite a few books that had been signed by the author, which of course, is really neat. I received many from book store signings, authors, contests or friends and those copies have never been read. In many instances I purchased a few duplicates, but there are still some that remain untouched.As a bookworm, it's a total thrill for me to receive a novel that has been personally signed by the author and specified for me, so I just don't have the heart to mess it up in any way. It's personal and has to stay in pristine condition. I'd rather spend the money to get another copy when possible, than to take that chance.
What about you? Do you treasure your signed copies and never read them? Do you read them and keep them in a special place? Does it matter?
I do read the signed books. After I've read them, I cover them in plastic before putting them on the shelf.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good practice to place them in plastic. I don't trust myself to read them first though. I'm clumsy and know something would go wrong! (lol) Hugs...
DeleteI have a few signed copies and yes I am extra careful with those.
ReplyDeleteI have a few that have traveled with me from state to state, and thank goodness I haven't messed them up yet! Hugs...
DeleteI have a shelf for signed copies, and I'm super-careful with them! Like you, I'd rather read a different copy and keep my signed one in good condition. Especially if I've met the author and the signature is personalized. I hadn't thought of putting them in plastic (Angela's suggestion.) As long as it's archival plastic, that's a good idea.
ReplyDeleteI know right? I put some of my collectible toys in plastic, but never thought to do that with books like Angela said. Personal notes really make them special. Hugs...
DeleteThe signed ones have a special attachment to them.
ReplyDeleteThey definitely do. I have some from many years ago that i truly treasure. Hugs...
DeleteI try not to lend my signed copies. They're precioussssss. :) Also, is that your bedroom?! O.O
ReplyDeleteLOL! Don't I wish. That's a pic I found from Pinterest that I really keep dreaming about having one day. I stopped lending books years ago. i could tell you a few horror stories about those days. Hugs...
DeleteI do read them but I do it in such a way that I don't break the spine. lol
ReplyDeleteYou're much better at it than I am, Mary! I know for sure I would ruin that book.(lol) Hugs...
DeleteI have a few signed books and I am careful about how I handle them, but I do read them. They do not have a special shelf or covering, but they do mean more to me than books without signatures.
ReplyDeleteThere's no way I could do justice to that signed book, Sophia. (lol) I would end up spilling something on it, or folding a page. They are definitely very special. Hugs...
DeleteWhen I can, I buy a second copy for reading purposes but some of my most read copies are those that are signed. They are precious and I try to keep them in good shape but to me, they're books so of course they are for reading. If they were worth getting signed, then they are worth reading. :)
ReplyDeleteHey Bea: So sorry for the delayed response and thanks for stopping by. Great point about just reading and maintaining the preciousness of it. Makes sense. Happy Monday and Big Hugs...Ro
DeleteYes, I agree, Ro! I usually buy e-books, so I don't really have that problem. And the only time I've met any authors was this year at RT, and I did bring some actual paper books with me home. Several of which are signed by the author with a little message to me. I really don't feel like reading or even touching those, either! And that actually goes for the ones that aren't signe as well.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read on my kindle, I can highlight stuff for quoting , or going back to read a particularly well done sentence. But I don't want any marks in my actual books.
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
That makes a lot of sense, Lexxie. I don't read many e-books at all even though many have said they are more convenient when traveling. Sounds like a really great way to make notes and highlight information for reviews. Love it! Hugs...Ro
DeleteSadly, I don't really care about the signed books. I have 7 and they are all things I won from other blogs or GR. I have read them and kept them, which is a big deal for me as I usually give away every book I read when I'm done. I don't buy books and I only keep books that are signed, reference, or serve a specific purpose.
ReplyDeleteWow Elizabeth, I think you are my first and that's really super interesting! Do you have a TBR pile at all, or is that kept to a minimum? A lot of friends sure are lucky that you give them all those books! Cool!!! Hugs and thanks for stopping by! Hugs...Ro
DeleteOops! I neglected to ask? Do you also have a blog? I'd love to visit! Hugs...Ro
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