I’ve been working on organizing my bookshelves these past few weeks. I’ve successfully purged duplicates, books that I’ve read but am unlikely to read again, and books that just “aren’t my thing.” I’m very pleased to say that all my fiction is now shelved alpha by author – no more piles of novels lining the walls!
There is, however, that matter of non-fiction (still lining the walls, like an extra layer of insulation). They’ve been roughly grouped by subject, but it may be time to pull out the big guns and arrange them according to Dewey. Yes, complete with labels. I’m a geek – so, sue me!
As I was grappling with sorting fiction from non, one particular mis-filed book literally fell at my feet. I opened up Julie Morgenstern’s When Organizing Isn’t Enough to find this message on page 128:
Here are a few examples of how to say no successfully to some common schedule fillers:
- I’d love to, but I’m not taking on any new projects until my current ones are complete.
- I have a previous commitment. Thanks for thinking of me, though.
- That’s just not on my focus this year.
- This year, I’m focusing all my energies on family activities
- I’m really flattered you think I’m the right person to handle the job. But I couldn’t give it the level of attention that it really deserves at this point in my life.
- I’d love to have you visit, but I’m so up to my ears at the moment I just wouldn’t feel good about the quality of time I could give you. And that would make the visit less enjoyable for me.
Yes, there's a homeless stack of nonfiction to the right of the fiction shelves. It's a work in progress!
So, if you ever hear these words (or similar) coming out of my mouth in response to a request, please don’t take it personally. It’s not me talking, it’s the book!
How about you – Are you one who can’t stop your hand from rising when you hear the words “we need a volunteer …”? How are your non-fiction shelves arranged? And … has a book ever crossed your path just when you need it most?
I needed some of these encouraging words to choose from when the time comes, and I think it has definitely come! I also love your shelves and how you’ve gotten them arranged!
Good for you for organizing (I’m totally jealous of your bookshelves). I would give you advice but right now my idea of book arranging is several large piles on the side of my bed.
But, in answer another question do I have a book for you. Sarah Addison Allen’s The Sugar Queen. In it there is a character who has books literally follow her. The book she needs at any given time will keep appearing in her path until she takes the hint to read it. I love this part of an already really good book.
I am so envious of your organized shelves! *applause*
I love your shelves!
I’m pretty good at not over-volunteering.
Well whatever they were before…they are now perfection…good job…
You have really been going at it! Everything I have is shelved by author, which is probably not the best but is the way it is going to stay. And I’ve gotten very good at turning down ARCs. Only a few have made it through this year!
I love to organize my books. Granted I end up spending most of the time thinking, “Oh I forgot I had this!”
Your shelves look great!
zibilee – want to hear something pathetic/funny – there’s a workshop I want to go to next week, all about finding “balance” with work/life/family. But, I wonder if committing to that 2-hour workshop will push me over the top with time commitments!
Martha – ohh, thanks for the suggestion! What a fun concept, with books crossing the character’s path.
Beth – I’ll take the applause for these shelves, because it was a huge undertaking. I have lots to work through, though, with a nice collection of nonfiction to sort still. Wish me luck!
carol – I used to be better at saying “no”, but I’ve loosened up (a bit too much, perhaps!) now that all four kids are in school.
Patty – thanks! These neat shelves will spur me to tame the rest of the book piles.
Sandy – I remember you saying that all your books were by author. It’s a system that works for you, and that’s the important thing
Iliana – those cries of “Oh, I forgot I had this!” are the reason this project took two weeks. I’m easily distracted, especially when books are involved.