m0use

Exactly, i feel the same way. It's like the Velveteen Rabbit. The wear and tear shows love. There are obviously some books that must stay pristine... signed things, comic books, art collections, limited editions, new shiny hardcovers; but for the most part these thigns are badge of honour to wear. The crinkle where the book was pressed in bed because you fell asleep with it blissfully at your side. Underlined passages you wanted to look up online, or relevant notes down the side to surprise and inform friends when they borrow it.
They show that they are well-loved, like a faded favourite old shirt. As long as you don't rip or stain it, everything else is just love and breaking-in.

catching up.. congrats on the move and the job!
horray!

i like to read collections of poetry randomly.
go through the index in the back for interesting topics.
sometimes i just flip the pages and open one up to read.
no pencilling. sometimes putting post-its in to mark pages.

xox