I packed too many books

I really did try to exercise restraint as much as I could... but I still ended up reading or using only half of the books I brought on my recent vacation. I think most of my fellow book lovers can relate to this, lol.

What I brought (and Why):

(Left to right) 1. Hashimoto's Protocol; 2. Masterpieces in Miniature (specifically, I wanted to read Parker Pyne Investigates, which is contained in this larger book); 3. The Best American Science Writing 2004; 4. Spring Pearl; 5. Paddington Marches On; 6. It's a New Day

I brought books #2-5 because they were all on my September TBR. I had also intended to read Hashimoto's Protocol in September, but I didn't expect to actually read it on this trip. I just wanted it on hand for reference. It's a New Day is a book of daily pep talks. I brought it in case I needed any boosts of motivation, because I knew I'd be doing some writing on this trip.

What I actually read/used:

1. Books I actually finished reading:

Parker Pyne Investigates (part of the Masterpieces in Miniature collection) (see this post for a review and related discussion about short stories)

2. I read part of:

The Best American Science Writing 2004 (Note: I have since finished reading this book (after I got back from the trip). See post about it here.)

3. Used for informational reference:

Hashimoto's Protocol. I didn't read any more of this book, but I did look at parts I had already read for informational reference. Therefore, I'd say it was a good idea to bring this book, even though I didn't read it, per se.

4. E-books that I hadn't planned to read but read anyway:

a. Actually finished reading: My Marketing Workbook: Promotional Tips for Poets by Cendrine Marrouat (another writer here on Vocal!)

b. Read part of: End Closet Chaos by Debbie Roes. Debbie has been my favorite blogger for years, and her blogs were a major source of inspiration for me to start "blogging" here. I don't normally read much about fashion, but for some reason I find her content extremely relaxing and very interesting too. Check out her current blog here, and her previous blog here.

Why I didn't read or use the other 3 books:

The main reason I didn't read Spring Pearl or Paddington Marches On is that I simply didn't read as much as I thought I might. I didn't finish Parker Pyne Investigates until the plane ride home, and I didn't finish The Best American Science Writing 2004 at all (Note: I did finish reading it after I got home, as I discussed in this post). Therefore, I had no reason to start either of the other books. (I did read the two e-books, but My Marketing Workbook is very short and I only read a little bit of End Closet Chaos, so they didn't take up much actual reading time.)

It's a New Day is slightly different because it is a daily motivation book, not something you sit down and read cover-to-cover. For this book, the reason I didn't read it at all is just that I felt plenty of motivation every time I wanted to write, so the book just wasn't necessary (yay!). However, I don't regret bringing it, because it is small and can be super helpful.

In conclusion

Will I use what I've learned from this trip to pack fewer books in the future? Ummmmm.....maybe? 😂

To be honest, I won't have any need to cut back on books when I'm flying with an airline that gives free checked bags. However, I really should remember that I don't need as many books as I think when I'm trying to cram everything into a carry-on. This especially applies to trips where I will be particularly busy, due to having lots of activities or family time planned, and/or due to having plans to work on either novel writing or Vocal Media posts while I'm gone. Both of those things drastically cut down on available reading time. This could have definitely clued me in to the fact that I wouldn't have time to read so many books on this particular trip.

Another sensible strategy for packing efficiency would be to bring books that I haven't started or read much of yet. My packing was made less efficient this trip by the fact that I had already read most of The Best American Science Writing 2004 beforehand, and the fact that I only planned to read part of the multi-book collection Masterpieces in Miniature. I don't regret this, because those were the top priority books on my TBR, but when space is at a premium, that would be not a good idea.

And of course, I should remember that I do also like reading e-books, so it would be okay even if I run out of physical books to read. I can just check out e-books from the library (or read any of the ones I already own), and keep reading! I am trying to minimize how many library books I read this year because I want to focus on decreasing my owned TBR instead, but considering the fact that I always bring more books on trips than I actually read, it's safe to say I can afford to cut back!

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Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed reading about my folly, haha. Do you have any tales of overpacking to share? Comment below--I'd love to read them!

Click here to check out my other Book Club stories. My next few posts will be more writing-related, but I have a couple of exciting book-themed topics planned for October, so be sure to subscribe if you want to be notified!