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I don't like the smell of books, especially old ones. It doesn't discourage me from reading, but I'd be happier if they didn't have that musty, previously read by someone who kept cats in a confined space and didn't empty the litter trays often enough, smell.
Am I odd? No, let me rephrase that to something I don't know the answer to. Do other people like the smell of books?
(This post was prompted by Johnnywriter saying ereaders don't smell right)
Comments
Not one book, new or used, has ever offended my nostrils.
I wish more of my writing would inspire people to start threads about it. Hopefully, one day, it will be about my creative writing
I really dislike the smell of charity shop clothes, but, equally, I dislike that 'new car' smell which lots of people seem to adore.
It's what comes of having a big nose.
I like the smell of a book shop, new or old, but I agree about charity shop clothes. A good wash sorts those out but you can't do that with books.
Charity shops wash and iron donated clothes.
Did anyone visit the Flea Market clothes shop in Carnaby Street in London's Soho? I did though I never bought anything.
The one smell I do hate is that of fried food cooking on stalls at the seaside or car boots.
Shelves of proper leather bound books, comfortable leather armchairs, wood panelling, even a fire in winter. I've been in a few in my time and they're gorgeous.
Simply amazing.
The leather smell was lovely. It was never used as far I recall. But I loved that leather smell.
I shall have to read in latex gloves.
Suspect we'd be thrown out of your house, Nell...
Oh the embarrassment! Scarred me for life - I still check the lock twice.
Of course the books on my kindle don't smell at all but I love the scent of ink on the page. Does that make sense?
I heard a urban legend that the fungus in ancient books (such as those in the British Library) that haven't been open in a long time can cause people to hallucinate or feint. I don't believe there is any truth to the story but it's enjoyable none the less.
I think the chances of catching anything from a book would be very, very low and probably not increased by that book having been read in a bathroom. As Liz says, any bacteria would dry out and be harmless.
It was a huge, old house - each bedroom had feather eiderdowns, and my nan and Grandad's bed was very high and metal, and sprung. One day, my aunt, who had my new cousin Dion, showed me and my brother a change of nappy in their room. i think it was an old-fashioned sort of 'this is what mothers do' lesson, for me. My brother and I were vastly entertained because every time she pt a new nappy on Di, he weed. It took her ages to go and get a new one each time, i can even see the view out of the window i gazed out at while we were waiting. She changed it again 3 times before giving up and doing it up slightly damp... I say, what memories!