A Brief Note On Used Books

Over the past eight years or so I've discovered the power of literature. Sure, there were a few books I enjoyed as a kid, even a few required reading selections that I actually read cover to cover in high school. It's been rather recent, however, that I've come to appreciate the effectiveness of the written word.

This morning, I was perusing the shelves of one of my favorite book stores, Barner Books in New Paltz. What I enjoy about Barner Books is that they carry just about everything, including rare publishings and an awesome selection of used books at great prices. Whereas stores like Borders or Barnes & Noble have all of their books itemized and categorized as uniformly as possible, the uniqueness of Barner is that sometimes you have to really dig for the good stuff. 

There are a few special characteristics of used books: First, they're already broken in. While many people enjoy breaking in a brand new book and watching it age, why let a perfectly good, easy to handle used book go to waste? Also, older books may be earlier editions, meaning they may be more rare, or could have some unique quirks in the printing that required additional editions. Secondly, used books belonged to someone else at some point. While this is obvious, most people tend to leave traces of themselves in or on their belongings. With enough searching, you may find a book that contains a love note, an old laundry list, a bookmark, or some other hint of humanity.

I say this because as I was in Barner Books today, I purchased a used copy of Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha. I've always meant to read the book, but have only recently remembered to pick it up when I had the chance. To my surprise, the book was only $4, which in my eyes is a price that you cannot pass up. What made the book special was an inscription on the title page. As I mentioned above, the hints and markings of humanity are often what make objects more valuable - they have history. The inscription reads,

"Michele, 

I hope that you will read this with a seeking eye, because I feel it has much to offer, and is a root in a common search for the more meaningful aspects of life. 

I hope it will mean as much to you as it has to me.

Love, 

Bernard

2/4/71"

Not only did this book mean something to Bernard, and quite possibly Michele, but now this allows a connection between these two people and myself, whether they are alive or not. We will experience the same words, the same pages, the same paper. 

We often times overlook the simple connections that we humans have with each other. While this idea may not mean anything to you, it is a wondrous thing to allow yourself to imagine the lives of others. While the words in this book may have had different effects on Bernard and Michele, and that I may also have my own experience, we are participating in the ongoing cycle of how one is affected by literature.