The Magic of Buying Books (and the Hilarious Struggle to Actually Read Them)
There’s something uniquely magical about stepping into a bookshop. For me, it’s pure me-time. The smell of freshly printed pages, the quiet hum of discovery, and the endless possibilities of what I could read next—it’s like a spa day for my brain.
My favorite escape in Berlin? Dussmann. This book lover’s paradise is also a haven for stationery enthusiasts like me (which is a dangerous combination for my wallet). Fiction, non-fiction (Sachbücher), novels—you name it, I’m taking it home. And don’t even get me started on the notebooks and pens. Somehow, I’ve convinced myself that new stationery will make me more productive. (Spoiler: It doesn’t.)
Too Many Books, Too Little Time
The joy of buying books is unmatched, but here’s the truth: I don’t always get around to reading them. My stack of books (Bücherstapel, as we say in German) keeps growing, towering precariously over my shelves. My guilty pleasure has officially turned into a logistical challenge.
Sure, I use a Kindle sometimes—it’s great for saving space and traveling light. But nothing compares to the tactile experience of a physical book. The hunt, the purchase, and the satisfaction of flipping through pages is irreplaceable.
My Secret Weapon: BookBeat
So, how do I deal with this beautiful chaos? Enter audiobooks. For the past three years, I’ve relied on BookBeat, and it’s been an absolute lifesaver.
BookBeat is a subscription-based audiobook service with a library of over 800,000 titles. Whether you’re into thrillers, self-development, or cozy novels, there’s something for everyone. And the best part? BookBeat lets you seamlessly switch between listening and reading for select titles—a feature that’s been a total game-changer for me.
This year, thanks to BookBeat, I’ve managed to finish more than 50 books—a personal record! Without it, most of those books would still be gathering dust and silently judging me from the shelves.
With BookBeat, I can listen during commutes, while cooking, or even during workouts. The flexibility it offers means I no longer have to choose between multitasking and enjoying my favorite stories.
If you’re curious, here’s a link to try a free 90 days.
Will the Stack of Books Ever Disappear?
Let’s be real: probably not. But that’s okay. The joy of buying books and imagining the stories they hold is just as important as reading them. If it means buying more shelves to accommodate my passion, so be it. Life’s too short not to indulge in the things you love.
What About You?
Do you have a guilty pleasure when it comes to books? Are you more of a buyer, a reader, or both?
Drop a comment below and share your thoughts! How do you balance your love for books with the time to enjoy them? And if you’ve used BookBeat or other audiobook services, I’d love to hear about your experiences.
Here’s to the magic of books, smashing personal reading records, and laughing at the chaos along the way.
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