Biblioholism: The Literary Addiction

I have never seen a book get to the heart of my psyche like this one!!! I could not believe the descriptions! I am a compulsive bookbuyer--and reader--this book helped me realize that there are others out there.

This is the first book I recommend to friends who already have "too many books" (as if that were possible!). While humorous, Raabe's book also gives historical insight into people who make most current avid collectors pale by comparison. And he shows the range of reasons why people acquire volumes, whether to boost one's social standing, to admire, to eat, or even to read. Amazingly, while I've lent my copy several times, it's always come back (maybe the chapter about sticky-fingered borrowers tweaks consciences).

I could have written this book - and boy do I wish I had! This book, which includes a test to find out if you are a biblioholic, is absolutely hilarious and I certainly could relate. Living in a house which has been taken over by books in every room, question #22, "When a stranger walks into your house or apartment, are his or her first words usually a comment about your books?" hit too close to home. Another one I found particularly profound was, "Do you ever lie about how many books you've bought?" How true, how true. Including chapters including "Confessions of a Biblioholic," "Collectomania," "Fantasy Bookstore," "We are What we Buy" and one on reading in all sorts of locations, readers everywhere will be able to readily identity. My recommendation, buy one for yourself AND one for every biblioholic you know. It's fun to discuss this with friends and even add to the list of questions. A great gift for readers - or even for yourself. Highly recommended!

Wonderfully funny and tragically wise (an affliction less uncommon than one might think) this book is not a treasure because it satirizes us poor biblioholics, but because it tells it like it is. We are a sad bunch, but the trembling and racing of the heart that came over me when I saw that a book like this existed was a pleasure as sublime as any I might wish for. And reading the book only made me crave for more books. But enough of my idle chatter, if you care about this review, the book really isn't for you. A true biblioholic needs books as some need sex or drugs, and no damning words or praise can change that. For those lesser souls, who cannot find arousal in a bound tome, buy it anyway (if only for a peek in on some truly odd behaviour).