The Book Lover

I like to think a used book is "better off" from me having read it. A book is an art object to me. I will clean off any "schmutz" residue stains on the cover and pages using my thumbnail. I will un-dog-ear any interior pages, and flatten out any and all paper creases. I will glue-seal any cover tears or de-laminated corners -- even on a high-print run "Jack Reacher" mass-edition paperback thriller, taken from a "Little Free Library." While I read it, I will straighten a cocked spine and buff up the cover gloss. When I'm done, a used book will be in better condition than when I acquired it, even if it's not destined to be a "keeper." That's just how I roll these days...