Books are too personal as objects to be displayed, in case a potential buyer is put off by your taste for Nietzsche or Marian Keyes. You would not display the contents of your knicker and sock drawer, or your bathroom cabinet with its face creams and cough remedies, so why put off potential buyers with your taste in literature?
In her book "I Murdered My Library," Linda Grant expresses the idea that books are deeply personal items that reflect an individual's tastes and preferences. Displaying them can risk alienating potential buyers who may judge one's literary choices, whether they are highbrow or popular. This notion emphasizes the intimate connection people have with their books and the potential for these choices to misrepresent their overall character when displayed publicly.
Grant draws an interesting parallel between books and other personal items that one would typically not showcase, such as undergarments or personal care products. Just as one would not open their private drawers for scrutiny, displaying a library could expose too much of oneself and lead to unintended judgments. The focus here is on the vulnerability that comes with sharing one’s literary tastes, suggesting that it's perhaps better to keep such personal interests private.
