I'm not entirely being idealist with this. It's the truth. I've come across books that are poorly written to the point that it's too difficult to read. I've also come across literary pieces, which plots are really not my cup of tea, and I'm not talking about just weird, twisted and out of the blue topics. But nevertheless, I love them for their existence. That is how I love and advocate books. It's like how the world sees a child. Not all children are born geniuses, kindhearted or promising, but all children are special one way or another.
My relationship with books seem sacred and OC to some, but sometimes I just see them animated and brought to life. I see them as a sort of company, a savior and an anchor to course through life aside from the usual agents of friends and family. Some may not agree with this as most fail to harbor the interest in reading. But any hobby or interests would be fine, as long as you get the picture.
Before I developed a relationship and attitude with anyone else, I relied on my relationship with books. Most of the times I buy books out of random. I walk into a bookstore, a thrift bookstore or a chic one, it doesn't matter. I browse and get immersed in hours finding that perfect connection. I remember a TV show I've watched in Lifestyle Channel wherein this shopping expert advised shoppers that if one cannot find a certain thing to buy in a store, in 10-15 minutes, then one should move on and go to the next establishment. Obviously, it doesn't work with me, with books that is. I stay there for hours if I can to find that book that I would be hooked with. It occurs in levels, actually. I first get enticed by the cover. I look at the author if he or she is familiar so that I may have an idea of his/her writing styles. Then I move on to the plot summary at the back. If I get interested enough I read 1-2 chapters (depending of the length of course). If by the 2nd chapter I'd still want to continue, I'd bring it along with me for a while and continue exploring the available book selections following the same chronological procedure.
Since I'm in a certain trance, most of the times I wouldn't know how many books I might end up with. If there's still time, I would sit and continue reading a few lines and find that strong gut feel and connection. If my overstretched budget would allow it, I'd go for a book splurge, but if not, I do the process of elimination taking note of other titles that I might have a chance to buy in the future. I return the books at their rightful place, request for a sealed copy (if available), savor the transaction process, and go out of the store feeling more rejuvenated than any spa trip I've ever been to. It's a priceless feeling.
The titles also do vary depending on the gravity of desire. There was a time that I wanted to learn more about Greek Mythology, I bought a couple of Greek Mythology art books and compilations such as Bulfinch's version and Edith Hamilton's. I've bought also series of inspirational books like Khalil Gibran's the Prophet and Sun Tzu's Art of War. Usually, I go for non-fiction titles in different genres, again depending on the current interest. There was a time that I felt vintage so I searched for the Great Gatsby. From medieval period to the usual modern court setting. I've been reading the novels from JR Tolkien to modern-fantasy of Neil Gaiman and Clive Barker. I am comfortable reading Youth by Coetzee and shift to Judith McNaught's or Josie Littman's intricate romance stories. I've also bought a compilation of Filipino essays on a giant book fair, and enjoying for the second time since High School, the stories of Sionil F. Jose, Manuel Arguilla, Nick Joaquin etc. I've managed to gracefully switch reading Maxwell's Blink and Greene's Laws of Power to managing through old yellow pages of the disturbing 1970's adapted true story of Sybil. With books, I can say that I've always been comfortable with variety.
Finding my connection with books before purchasing follows that certain procedure and attitude. I give time and effort to it, but mostly I rely on a few lines, current interest and gut feel. I'm not overly particular if the author is new, reliable or not. I go for the connection. But there are a couple of times wherein I bought a book based on hyped reviews. I've benefited from it sometimes, but I'm not the type who would usually rely on it. One particular example is Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code. Before I left for the states in 2004, it's already been hyped up in the Philippines. Since I'm not the type who instantly conforms, I waited for the perfect urge and timing to buy it albeit I kept on reading and hearing reviews. But when I was already in the in the States, particularly in the BART (train) station in San Francisco, I saw 4 individuals actually reading the book. That's where I felt the urge. I immediately skipped the train, went to Borders and finally faced the hype. I'm happy to say I liked it, it tickled my beliefs. It was a good sign. But in some cases of hype-purchasing, most titles, I felt, were overrated.
In other special cases, I've been keeping notes on titles that I've been longing to read, waiting for the opportune time to buy them. Whereas in second hand books, the attitude and procedure of selection are almost the same, but more emotions are involved. Most of the times, I've been duped by vintage looking books. I buy them out of "awa" or sympathy. I feel I have this self-imposed obligation to restore them. Half of the books in my shelf aren't read yet, and some books are "mood specific" unfortunately. But I'm catching up always catching up, I'm in no rush in experiencing the literary party.
Recently, I've also added a new method in acquiring books. I've been doing it online. I'm not talking about ebay here. I'm referring to the brilliant business sense of MULTIPLY sites. I have a regular business contact in Multiply where she sells old to mainstream second hand books. She posts the pictures, summary and prices and from there you could message her your orders. Payment is made through bank deposits, and some through G-Cash to make everything more convenient. It saves you the time of traveling to bookstores, although the bad part is the limited connection-assessment with the book. It's a hit or miss thing. The gut would only depend on the cover, author and book summary. In this part, I suffer the usual shopping syndrome when you're faced on an establishment sale. "Quantity over Quality," but then again with PHP 500 pesos I can easily buy 10 titles, either hardbound or paperback copies, there might be a new found treasure there.
In conclusion, I am not really particular on how I would buy the book. I'm even less critical about it's condition. I buy the book out of connection and interest. Books, aside from food, have been the only retail commodity that could overwhelmingly stretch my budget or make my budget non-existent. Purchasing is an attitude, a method or a sentiment that can be applied in various situations. In my case, it deserved more practice and familiarity than usual, but once I've started to be comfortable and attuned to it, the treasures just keep on coming.
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