I would like to say that I have my bookshelf perfectly organized with TBR's in a section, my favorites in another place, and quirky little decorations mixed throughout; but if we're being honest, I just threw all of these books on here after unpacking from a move. I did, at least, attempt to maximize my space by putting books of the same size together. With that being said, I still have another four boxes of books that I can't fit on here. While I must admit that 90% of my books are just TBR, I do have a couple of gems that are held higher above the rest.
One of my favorite collections, of course, consists of my Harry Potter books. While they're not all on my shelf, I've amassed multiple copies of each book that I continue to loan out or give to friends; especially when I find out someone hasn't read Harry Potter. My favorite book in my collection, by far, would have to be my Mina Lima edition of Sorcerer's Stone. It brings back memories of my trip to London, and it truly is the best version of Sorcerer's Stone that I own.
Harry Potter holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of my brother. I must admit, I wasn't a Harry Potter fan early on, but after my brother passed I decided to finally read the stories he enjoyed so much. Needless to say, I was very quickly hooked. (I even got a tattoo of the stars!)
Moving on from Harry Potter, I'd have to say my favorite books are a part of my non-fiction collection.
As someone who studied film, I'm absolutely obsessed with learning about how films are made. So, when I was told to read The Jaws Log for an assignment, I was immediately on board. Since then, this book has become one that I recommend to absolutely everyone interested in the film industry. I used to have a large collection of books that fell within this category, but I gave them to an individual that was pursuing a film degree (I do not regret this decision...). It's such a great look into Jaws and how the film is nothing like it was originally intended.
Another interest of mine, is traveling. So naturally, some of my favorites are the National Geographic's Guide to National Parks of the United States and The Airbnb Story.
The year 2017 was the year of traveling for me. I was in my final semesters of school, and I had trips to Florida, Hawaii, Arizona, and California planned. (See pictures below from some of my awesome National Park adventures!)
It was only when I was searching for information on National Parks that I found a guidebook that I just had to own. Originally, I checked it out from the library, but after visiting a handful of National Parks and seeing how useful it was, I immediately put it on my to-own list. My friend, being an avid traveler herself, surprised me with it for my birthday. It has since become one of the most used books on my shelf when planning trips because it contains everything you could possibly want to know about each National Park. (Mind you, it's now out of date because there are new National Parks, but I still find it extremely beneficial.)
As for The Airbnb Story... I have a fascination for companies and how they began. I first picked this book up through serendipitous browsing as I was shelving books one day. Having stayed at multiple Airbnb's, I just had to know how this novel way of traveling became so widespread and popular. It's a great read, and it's cool to see how Airbnb's began as well as what the co-founders want it to become.
Returning back to the land of fiction, the English major in me has to mention my somewhat obsession with Pride & Prejudice. Along with having multiple copies of the film, I have quite a few copies of the novel itself. Jane Austen holds a special place in my heart, and I loved analyzing her work for a course in school. It's my go to book when I'm sad or just need a pick me up. The film, of course, is my go to for everything because I just adore Elizabeth's impertinence, Mr. Darcy's aloof nature, and the beautiful music.
Of course, my list wouldn't be complete if I didn't mention Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. This is the only book I've created an entire screenplay adaptation for. It's a great story, and I LOVED transforming it into a work for the big screen. Now, if only I could get someone to actually turn it into a film. I know you're probably thinking that adaptations are almost always terrible (The book is always better!), but I have a new appreciation for them after learning the reasons why screenwriters make the changes they do. Throughout my entire undergraduate studies, I have to say this was the most challenging, albeit rewarding, task that I had to complete.
Last but certainly not least, I have to mention my pop collection that has taken over the top of my bookcase. What started out as a Luna Lovegood obsession has turned into so much more as I've quickly amassed Pop figurines of my favorite characters in Harry Potter (Hot Take: I don't like Harry. I only have one Pop of him while he is in the train, and he doesn't get a space on my shelf.). Along with Harry Potter, I have some of my newest obsessions; Schitt's Creek and The Good Place. I can honestly say that there isn't a day that goes by when I'm not quoting something from these shows. If you haven't seen either, you definitely need to check them out!
And that's a wrap on one of my bookshelves. I have to admit that I was dreading delving into my shelves because I just didn't think I had any special connections with my books, but I surprised myself. Hopefully this inspires you to explore your own shelves; or perhaps, gives you some more books to add to your TBR pile. I would like to say that I will eventually knock out the 90% of my collection that is TBR, but I know that I will continue to build my collection and die with a TBR pile by my side.
-- Danielle C.
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