The Many Lives of a Book: Why Books Are Meant to Be Shared, Savored, and Stacked

 

From my point of view, books are so much more than objects gathering dust on a shelf—they are living, breathing companions that can transform, comfort, and inspire us. The image above perfectly captures what I believe books are truly meant to be, and I'd like to share my thoughts on each of these elements.

Read

First and foremost, books are meant to be read. For me, reading is like taking a journey into new worlds. Each book holds something unique—whether it’s a gripping story, fresh knowledge, or a perspective that challenges my views. When I pick up a book, I’m stepping into someone else’s shoes, living a thousand lives beyond my own. The joy of turning each page feels like unraveling a new mystery or gaining a deeper understanding of the world.

Loaned

I believe books should be shared, not hoarded. Loaning a book is such a personal act. When I lend a book to someone, it’s like sharing a part of my soul with them. It’s my way of saying, "This moved me—now I want you to feel that too." Seeing a book I’ve loved being appreciated by someone else makes the experience all the more meaningful. For me, sharing books creates a bond, a conversation that continues even after the last page has been turned.

Bought

There’s something incredibly special about buying a book from an independent bookstore. Supporting local businesses makes me feel connected to the community, and I find that these stores often have a magical quality to them. Every time I buy a book from a small shop, I feel like I’m making a small investment in both my personal growth and the world of literature. I love the thrill of finding hidden gems and feeling like I’m part of something bigger.

Borrowed

I’ve always seen libraries as sacred spaces. Borrowing books from the library feels like tapping into a collective pool of knowledge. It’s a privilege to have access to so many stories and resources for free, and it’s one I don’t take lightly. Libraries are places where everyone can come together, regardless of background or finances, to share in the love of reading. It reminds me of the idea that knowledge should be accessible to all, not just those who can afford it.

Smelled

Yes, I’m that person who smells books. There’s something incredibly nostalgic and comforting about the scent of paper—whether it’s a brand new novel or an old classic. The smell of a book has this way of transporting me back to my favorite reading moments. It’s a sensory experience that digital books will never be able to replicate. For me, it’s the scent of endless possibilities.

Stacked

My book stacks at home are a constant reminder of how much there is still to explore. Each stack represents a promise to myself that there’s more to discover, more to learn. It’s comforting to know that no matter how many books I’ve read, there are still countless stories waiting to be told. Stacking books feels like collecting pieces of different worlds, ready for me to dive into whenever I’m ready.

In my point of view, books have their own unique life. Whether we are reading them, loaning them to a friend, buying them from a local shop, borrowing from a library, smelling their pages, or stacking them high, every interaction we have with a book adds to its magic. Books are meant to be lived with, and each moment spent with them adds to our own story.