Whenever I'm at a thrift store, I always take a gander at their books. I knew that I was headed back to work. I always try to have a good book on me so that I have something to read on breaks and at lunch. When I saw a book by Amy Tan, I picked up and flipped through it, and then bought it.
So on first break Monday, I grabbed my book and prepared to lose myself. By the time I was a few pages in, I realized that I had already read it.
Gah! I hate that.
That's one of the reasons I started keeping book journals (I have 25 years of them!) I've only read one by Amy Tan (more than 25 years ago...) and even though I don't remember any details about it, I know I enjoyed it. Perhaps you might enjoy a re-read? (says she who never reads books twice, if possible)
ReplyDeleteI've done that. At least it couldn't have cost you much.
ReplyDeleteThat is so annoying. I once went on a foreign holiday, took 3 books. I’d read the first 2 in a week as it rained constantly. The second week it was still raining, the last book was one I’d already read, no chance of buying more and no tv in the holiday home. Now I keep a record of my reading though occasionally I buy the same book again in a charity shop.
ReplyDeleteI reread books all the time, if I liked them. Of course, if you didn't remember reading it at all then you probably weren't too impressed!
ReplyDeleteOh no! My grandfather used to write "read" in the front of books he'd finished so he'd know not to start them again. I don't know why he kept them!
ReplyDeleteRather than reading books from charity stores, may I suggest that you spend your breaktimes reading past blogposts from Yorkshire Pudding? That smooth-talking guy will keep you entertained for hours.
ReplyDeleteI have done that before with books I get from the library. I will start a book and after a bit, I will think, "this feels familiar" but since I read a lot of mysteries and often can't remember "who done it", I end up skimming through it again to discover the ending! Silly!
ReplyDeleteAt least you helped support the thrift shop. Arilx
ReplyDeleteOh I am a big supporter of thrift stores. Recycle. Save money. What's NOT to love?
ReplyDeleteThe worst bit is when you sort of think maybe it is familiar, but maybe its the writer's style - and so you keep guessing until you flick to the end to see if it is what you remember...
ReplyDeleteEither way you lose!
Lol. YP, your suggestion is duly noted. Jeanie...yup....
ReplyDeleteHaven't done that exactly but I've bought many a book only to realize that I already owned that book, sitting in my hefty to be read pile.
ReplyDeleteAmy Tan sounded familiar so I had to google her. Can't say I've read any of her books but I saw the one famous movie based off her book.
Oh you all make me feel much better about my stoopid self.
ReplyDeleteMy wife has read several of Amy Tan’s books.
ReplyDeleteLike Kelly, I keep a record of every book I read. Otherwise I would do exactly as you did. But I should be honest. I did it recently even though I do keep records! I forgot to consult the list before I got the book!
I don't get much chance to read but I do have a few I am part way through. I pick up my book about Julie Andrews about every now and then and enjoy it until I get interrupted then down it goes again until next time!
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