To Used Bookstores, Thank You For Being A Haven | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

An Ode To Used Bookstores, Thank You For Being A Haven

"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one." - George R.R. Martin

35
An Ode To Used Bookstores, Thank You For Being A Haven

I open the door and pass the threshold from the windy cold outside to enter into any book lover's dream, the used bookstore. The cozy, warm atmosphere with the underlying smell of the mustiness of old books is, frankly, a mess. Stacks of books are everywhere, the floor to ceiling bookshelves are packed so tightly with books that they're starting to lean. Books and boxes take up spots on the floor and I tiptoe around the sleeping cat.



I attempt to maneuver myself between two bookshelves and become trapped when the overflow of books makes the space too narrow. I skim the bookshelves, from top to bottom, in awe. How many adventures are awaiting me? How many worlds to live in? What information to feed my curious and ignorant mind? How many forgotten books? Hidden gems?

Some of these books may have the potential to change my life, others might spur me to visit some exotic corner of the world. Some might annoy me, others might make me laugh. As I pass by, I acknowledge old friends, authors, and characters I've come to love.

I also acknowledge ones I have yet to acquaint myself with, D.H. Lawrence and Tolstoy. How their works have outlived generations before me, and will outlive the generations after me, spurs me into deep thought: Will I ever have an impact on the world like them?



The space is quiet except for shuffling footsteps and the occasional book closing. Other people, just like me, in a quiet way, anticipating the potential that surrounds them, the worlds and lives that can be sprung about just by opening a cover. I pick up a book that would make the perfect addition to my overflowing bookshelf. Do I need it? No. Can I resist buying it? Absolutely not.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

5 Things To Do That Are Better Than Writing A Paper

Don't waste your time trying to write that paper when there are so many more interesting things you could be doing.

8405
computer keyboard
Unsplash

Writing a paper is never fun and is rarely rewarding. The writer's block, the page requirement, be specific, but don’t summarize, make sure you fixed any grammatical errors, did you even use spellcheck? and analyze, analyze, analyze.

Papers can be a major pain. They take up so much time and effort that by the end of the process you hate yourself and you hate the professor for making life so difficult. Questions of your existence start roaming in your mind. Am I even cut out for college if I can’t write a single paper? Am I even capable of taking care of myself if I lack the energy to open my laptop and start typing?

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Reasons Why Sisters Are The Best

Who could be a better friend than your own sister?

5083
sisters
Taylor Hooper

I can barely remember back when I was the only child. Most would say it’s because it is extremely difficult to remember things as a toddler but I would say it's because I was bored until my sister came along. My mother always says how important the "sister bond" is and with every year that passes I realize how right she is. Instead of writing a novel about all of the wonderful things there are about having a sister I decided to list a few of them instead.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

How To Adult

You're gonna make it after all.

5619
how to adult
Twitter

It is the time of our lives that we are beginning to enter the adult world and most of us, if not all of us, have no idea what we are doing. It's like starting a video game, but skipping the tutorial. We're all just running around aimlessly hoping we accidentally do something right that moves us along the right path. Now that graduation has just happened, or is right around the corner for some of us, it's time to start thinking about how we are going to take care of ourselves once we are on our own.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

7 Signs You're A Starbucks Addict

I'll be the first one to admit I'm addicted to Starbucks.

3483
drinking coffee
Tumblr

If you’re anything like me, you love a good cup of coffee. My coffee always comes from Starbucks; I refuse to drink it from anywhere else. Over the years, it’s become one of my biggest addictions. So, if you are aware that you’re a Starbucks addict as well, or maybe you need to check to see if you’re an addict, here are seven ways to tell.

Keep Reading...Show less
people  in library
Photo by redcharlie on Unsplash

College involves a whirlwind of emotions, whether it’s from the stress of an assignment (or twenty), or from fighting with your roommate. It can be overwhelming at times and it’s important to take a step a back and calmly think things over. Maybe gain some perspective. The following aren’t foolproof tips and may not apply to you, but I was able to find success with them (hope you do too!)

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments