I love, love to live surrounded by books, but like friends, it's important to choose your books wisely. My books make me feel safe while also expanding the world around me. Some books I will dip into occasionally, some books I might never read, some I treasure as objects of beauty in themselves, and I'm a sucker for a niche subject or unusual title ( moveable feasts - a cultural history of mealtimes anyone?). I even have books about books!
I try to be strict with myself as I have limited space, novels I will often recirculate by leaving them on the bus or the little phone box library near me, even so, my library is sneakily expanding.
When I was younger, I would sometimes rip off a corner of a page and nibble it as I read, and I still love the smell of print. If I treat myself to a new, new book I will open it up and inhale deeply, though I also love the musty odour of some old books too, that tell a tale of readers that have gone before.
I love looking at other peoples bookshelves too, it's an insight into someone's soul