Buying Books vs. Reading Books

By Sydney Lee

If you’ve ever excitedly bought a book but let it sit unread on your shelf, you are not alone. There is a difference between purchasing books and actually reading. This is seen especially in the age of social media, where book hauls, long TBR (To Be Read) lists, and aesthetically pleasing bookshelves have become part of the dominant reading culture.

To start, social media has turned books almost into status symbols. Creators who post “book hauls” show massive purchases, and while these posts promote reading literature, they can sometimes shift the focus from reading stories to hoarding them.

Many readers also create extensive TBR lists, carefully collecting the books they want to read. While this can be motivating, it can also be overwhelming. The number of unread books can lead to guilt instead of joy, turning reading into a chore rather than something meant to be enjoyable. Some readers find themselves adding more books to the pile than they can realistically finish, creating an endless cycle of buying rather than consuming.

For many, collecting books is a hobby itself. There is something special about a well-stocked bookshelf, even if every book has not been read. Books represent potential. They are new adventures, knowledge, and inspiration waiting to be explored. While buying and reading are different experiences, both can be fulfilling in their own way. The important thing to remember is balance and being able to appreciate the beauty of books while also making time to enjoy the stories inside them. If your unread books are piling up, don’t stress, just pick one up and start reading.