There are a lot of beautiful, aesthetically pleasing pictures of books in pristine condition out there.

And people get very passionate about keeping their books in tip-top shape. I get that. But that does not have to be the only way.

Look, I'm not saying that I chop my books in half deliberately, like Meg Cabot did here.

But it's COMPLETELY REASONABLE AND HUMAN to keep your books in less-than-pristine condition. In fact, we need to talk about how it can even be a sign of LOVE.

Some people cringe at the sight of a book with a cracked spine...

But sometimes it just means you've fallen so deep into the story that you literally stopped noticing the physical world.

Sure, there's a time and place to keep some books scratch-free and fit for display...

But there's something to be said for loving a book so much you throw it into every bag you have and carry it with you until it falls apart.
Nothing makes me happier than seeing a HP book being read so heavily it's falling apart.
If you're a person who gently beats up your books, you might recognize a warped cover as the sign of intense reading and love that it is.

Sometimes they're just old, and they've been loved for a long time.
Grr! When yr re-reading your favourite trilogy & book 1 is falling apart! #thegirlwiththedragontattoo #steiglarsson
And other times you just ride them hard from the start.
It looks a little beat up lol but I would suggest this book to anyone
Books are made to be ~experienced~. So experience them in the way that feels right to YOU.

Books are made to be loved. How we love our books depends on who we are as readers.
Daughter:"What are you doing dad?" Me:"Looking at your beat up book." D (giggling) "No it's well loved." @jk_rowling
Some of us just read HARD, OK????
@spaceeflower @itssbee_ @jk_rowling my book is falling apart I had to do it I wanted something from the actual book
Let us live. Our books sure did.
None