Timelies all!

Got caught in a downpour(with an umbrella, but that didn't keep my pants from getting drenched). Now wearing a MST3K T-shirt, sweatpants and slippers.

Sometimes I feel like less of a book geek because I don't really care all that much about special/rare editions. If I can't sling it in my purse or if I'm too worried about cracking the spine or getting fingerprints on the cover, a book isn't of much use to me.

There are books for reading, and there are books for ogling. My tour of the vault of the Huntington Library stands out as one of my favorite experiences.

Sometimes I feel like less of a book geek because I don't really care all that much about special/rare editions. If I can't sling it in my purse or if I'm too worried about cracking the spine or getting fingerprints on the cover, a book isn't of much use to me.

I've always thought that there was a difference between people who like to read and people who like books. A lot of overlap of course, but also a difference.

I love books, and I love looking at older books, but I like to read more than I like a rare edition. There are a few things I would collect, if I had the time and space -- editions of Jane Eyre, for instance -- but otherwise I'm with Kate.

There are books for reading, and there are books for ogling.

Yes, this. I own no rare books or special editions, because I am a story slut, and I want more, more, more, more. And I frankly am a terror with my books -- when I am reading a story, if it's hard copy, I haul it everywhere, eat with it, drink with it, haul it around, sleep with it, and yes, I read in the bathroom. I balance it on the counter while I'm waiting for stuff to cook.

ETA: I have been, however, well-trained by my sister to treat her books like a holy object. For real, we would get into physical altercations as teens for me dogearing a page or breaking a spine. I have SCARS from mistreating books, yo!

But old editions and rare editions, and especially oh, my god, hand-copied and illuminated manuscripts just give me a feeling akin to looking at a painting.

And a beautiful library is my church, along with places in nature.

I've always thought that there was a difference between people who like to read and people who like books. A lot of overlap of course, but also a difference.

Agree completely. The Kindle, and how much more I'm reading because of it, has been a revelation. I like books a LOT, which you understand upon seeing my house. But it turns out I just really love stories, and I don't care what delivery system I use.

...tour of the vault of the Huntington Library

Oh, my.

I got to do research at the Bodleian and I swear, I got inappropriate feelings in my ladyparts.

Well, I got 5/6 of the way through my swim before it got apocalyptic outside. That's something.