We need to talk about books! #13

This week I have the pleasure of catching up with Katie Huey from 52 Beautiful Things, where she writes about her imperfect practice of looking for beautiful things the world has to offer.

Are your bookshelves a ‘work in progress’ like mine or are they clearly and systematically organised?

My bookshelves are always a work in progress. I don’t have just one spot I keep my books in my house and my shelves are already overflowing. I sometimes dream of color-coding the spines, but for now, I just pull out my signed copies of books and keep those safe.

Apart from books, what is to be found on your bookshelves?

These days I’ve got airplants, candles and photos on my shelves. My puppy tends to chew up my books so I’ve had to be more careful about what is at her eye level.

What do you do with books once you’ve read them?

I keep my favourites. I read quickly so I tend to use the library more than purchasing books. The ones I end up buying are more special to me and I keep them. Sometimes I have book swap parties where everyone brings three books and goes home with three different choices. A nice way to keep things moving.

Do you tend to re-read books?

Not very often. I do re-read Harry Potter and classics like Mary Poppins or Alice in Wonderland. So many books, not enough time.

Have you ever read or started reading a book only to realise that you had already read it?

Yes. This happens to me with Nicholas Sparks books and Jodi Picoult. I love their stories and am always forgetting that I’ve read that one before.

Are you a ‘spine bender’ or do you like your spines to be pristine?

I care more about dog-earing pages. Spines can bend, please keep my corners of the pages smooth.

Do you write in books, do you use sticky notes for your comments or something like that?

I used to say, gasp NEVER. But as I’ve gotten older I’m ok writing in books. I like the idea that I’m recording a part of who I was when I was reading the book. It’s fun to come back as time passes and see how my thoughts changed.

What is the prettiest book to be found in your current TBR pile?

I was just given a copy of Gracelaced by Ruth Chou Simons. It’s a gorgeous collection of water colored bible verses mixed with devotionals. I can’t wait to dig in.

Do you take a book with you whenever you go out, just in case?

I’ve got a book or my journal. If I’m not reading I like to be observing, kinda like Harriet the Spy. People are fascinating and I like writing down my observations.

If you have a partner, do they love reading too? If they do, do you have the same taste in books? If they don’t, have you ever tried to convert them?

My partner does not enjoy reading as much as I do. We joke that I do enough reading for the both of us. He’s learned to be gracious and listen when I’m passionate about a new story and I’ve learned to accept that we probably won’t have a shared love of literature.

If you were to write a book, what genre would it be?

Probably a collection of essays. I dream of being like Anne Lamott, Ann Voskamp or Brené Brown.

And this was my last question for you. Thank you so much for joining me today!

If you'd like to keep in touch with Katie and the beautiful things in her life, you can find her here:

Blog: https://52beautifulthings.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/52Beautiful

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/52beautifulthings/

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