I blogged here last month about my continued efforts to slim down, scale back and re-read our eight shelves of books. I did fear (or rather hope?) that I would be the recipient of a few new books over Christmas. Having quickly read my way through the new CJ Sansom and Sarah Waters hardbacks I’m now struggling to find a place to put them.

I have already asked myself the question: “Will I re-read this book?” I know the answer is “yes”. I have been quite strict in only asking for/acquiring hardback books if I am absolutely desperate to read them and both Waters and Sansom are among my most favourite current authors. For the past year I’ve wanted to pick up a book on the 1985 Live Aid concert by Dylan Jones but have only just bought it as it’s now in paperback. Similarly, I’ve held off on buying a couple of other books until they come into paperback. However as I am supposed to be on a minimalism/no new books diet I am wondering if the £20 Waterstones voucher in my purse should be used at all. If I’m trying to reduce the number of books in our house to only those of real value I should be very picky at what I buy next. Alternatively, I could buy the book, read it and then donate.

In the meantime I have cleared the shelves of another half a dozen books which I know I won’t read/re-read (one I stupidly picked up at a book event because it was free even though I knew I wouldn’t read it!).

While I’m reading new fiction the girls are ploughing their way through the second-hand books I bought for Christmas:

My middle daughter is intrigued by the mystery of the Marie Celeste and I was able to buy this book used from the States. My six year old, meanwhile, is really enjoying the Amelia Jane books.

In the meantime I will keep wondering what to do with that Waterstones voucher…..