All the books we own, both read and unread, are the fullest expression of self we have at our disposal. ... But with each passing year, and with each whimsical purchase, our libraries become more and more able to articulate who we are, whether we read the books or not.
In "The Polysyllabic Spree," Nick Hornby reflects on the personal significance of the books we accumulate over time. He suggests that our collections, regardless of whether we have read all the titles, represent a profound part of our identity. Each book, whether explored or left untouched, contributes to a broader understanding of who we are as individuals.
Hornby acknowledges that as years pass and we continue to make spontaneous purchases, our...
