To think keep buying books when you haven’t read the ones you’ve got is odd

Just back from lunch in a local coffee shop, prior to that visited two charity shops and bought some more books. 😊

No, if you're an avid reader, there are always books that you want to read, when you can. (Looking at my to read pile, 20+ books, plus a number on my Kindle)
I will read them, too. Unfortunately, I also have to cook, clean, go shopping and see people, all of which massively get in the way.

The comments about not being a book person or "tell me you're not a reader" are next level patronising! There is a lot of judgement on this thread 🤣

I am also surprised by the number of people who have piles of unread books next to their beds for years/random boxes under beds/so much clutter that they forget what they actually have, but people can buy and store what they want in their house 🤷‍♀️

I have a selection of unread books on my shelves but I try not to impulse buy, and I don't like having excess amounts of stuff so I clear out unwanted things or books I've read fairly regularly.

It's only expensive if you buy new books.

The books I buy cost less than the average bar of chocolate here.

I recently bought a biography of Coco Chanel and one about the Boston gangster Whitey Bulger, costing $1 apiece, at a thrift shop. My local library does an annual book sale fundraiser where they sell books they're taking out of circulation and thousands of books donated by the public. Books cost $2 at most at the sale. I'd say most of my books come from there, and if anyone wants to buy me a book as a present, I tell them to look on Thriftbooks first.

Like a book sanctuary! 😁

Maybe Mumsnet sells our data/post info? 😧 Not sure.

How does this work, that when I post on these threads (which are often quite clickbaity) my Instagram feed becomes full of really specific reels about ‘you can never have too many unread books’ and similar ?

Books are never a a waste of money.

Agree.
We had a great "local" library (as in 8 miles away) which has now been closed, along with lots more in the area. Our nearest now would be a 35 mile round trip. The closures have cut off a vital resource for children, elderly and lonely people, many who really looked forward to their visits and the social aspects/free events for children. Not everyone can afford to buy books, even second hand.
We set up a book station in the village bus stop which has done well but isn't the same. I donate books there all the time, hopefully people enjoy them.

And "visit the local library" makes the assumption that a) you have one and b) if you do, they have anything you want to read. I tried the local library. Airport novels and assorted crap I would never enjoy.

I don't buy them, I just re-home all the poor lonely books no one wants anymore for free and give them all a wonderful shelf to sit on until I get round to them... Which will be in about twenty years 😊Does that count?

I don't think it's strange at all. I always like to have a few books on my "to read" pile, it's nice to have a choice. Also some of my book purchases are from charity shops so I tend to buy when I see something interesting as the good books don't always hang around for long!

I saw a book that I wanted to read in a National Trust 2nd hand book store just before Christmas. I didn't have cash for the honesty box, and there wasn't a manned till. So I didn't get it.

About a week later I pulled the sofa out to hoover and found a copy that I didn't know I had.

But. Worse than that. I then found another copy in a box in my bedroom.

Our library is open 9-3 Mon-Weds. I’m at work.

I don't think it's odd - I love books and read every single day so often get through a book in around a week - if I see a book that interests me, I buy it because you can't always get the titles you want at a later date.
I buy books both second-hand and brand new and I also give a lot of my completed books away for free so that other people can enjoy them as not everyone is as fortunate as I am to be able to buy so many.
Having said that though, because I have a quick turnaround on my books, all of my books fit neatly on a large bookcase (I've not got 100, but I do have a lot) and any books that are special interest that I intend to keep, we've built a little reading nook and library in the space under the stairs, to keep those books.
I don't drink, smoke or even go out anymore due to disability, so books are my luxury.

The local library has a much more limited selection of books than my house.
I go there because I want to support it, every time we go the kids or I order something in, which may or may not finally arrive.
Occasionally we visit the big library in town, that's worth a visit. If you don't live in a city, a decent library isn't guaranteed nteed.
The kids tend to swap books with friends and cousins. I don't spend a fortune on books, mostly pick them up for 50p.

I agree with @Momstermunch on this:

The thought of a hundred books waiting to be read actually gives me the heebie jeebies. I'd feel pressured and like my love of reading had become a chore. If it brings others pleasure and they have the money and space for it then fair enough. I am amazed so many people want and are able to do this though.

I have one book and one audiobook on the go at a time. One library book waiting for when I finish current book. Nothing unread on my kindle. I keep a small 'want to read' list on Goodreads. I think I can trace this back to when a childhood friend made a remark about the number of unfinished books by my bed - turned me into an extreme completer finisher!

I would never actually run out though, I'd just download something from kindle or borrowbox.

I know....thought I'd get through my TBR pile during lockdown. But doomscrolling got even worse 😭

100%. I don't want to read something I have hugely looked forward to, e.g. on the train, or late at night when I am nodding off, I will save it for something like a rainy Sunday afternoon when I have nothing else to distract me and can really settle down with it.

I don't actually object to people buying books they don't read. I object to the idea that people who don't do that must not be keen on reading.

To answer your question, it's pretty easy to see a book is about to finish and line up your next one. I also have a kindle so I can download a book immediately.

There's no way I'd attempt to buy my mum a book. She reads so much and so widely that I'd struggle to figure out what she'd love and hasn't already read. My husband is the same with me, he doesn't know what I've read as lots were library books or stored on my kindle.

The thought of a hundred books waiting to be read actually gives me the heebie jeebies. I'd feel pressured and like my love of reading had become a chore. If it brings others pleasure and they have the money and space for it then fair enough. I am amazed so many people want and are able to do this though.

Oops wrong one!

No not odd at all. There are books in my house I have never read but I still buy new books if I see something I want

Just this!

The thing is some books are just waiting for the right time to be read.

Most of mine are from charity shops too.
The new ones are mostly presents from people