Book Wrapping 101
I am totally OCD about my books, to a point of weirdness. For instance, I won’t read a book if it’s not mine so I buy them (new, secondhand, doesn’t matter as long as I could keep them). Gifts would be very much welcomed, though =)
I do spend a lot of time arranging (and rearranging) my books. Just looking at them is like Zen to me because each one has a story of their own. And I have certain rituals that I HAVE to follow (in order) before reading a book:
- Of course, I have to buy them first
- Peel off the price tag
- Wrap in plastic cover
- Update LibraryThing & Goodreads
- Initial my name & date I start reading at the top-right hand corner of the first page
- Start reading from the very first page including, you know, the one with the “First Published in bla bla bla”, “All rights reserved yada yada yada”
Is this weird?
But I have gone a little off topic here. I meant to show you how I wrap my books (Warning: This post is quite long and contains a lot of pictures).
What you need: A plastic cover, a pair of good scissors, tape and of course, a book.
Now the step-by-step:
Step 1: Cut the plastic cover to an appropriate size. I usually leave about 2 to 3 inches longer at the top, bottom and sides
Step 2: Start with the front and bring the ends to the inside of the cover like the picture below. You want to make a really good crisp to set it in place (I use my fingernails). Repeat for the back cover


Step 3: To make the “envelope”, measure about an inch from the spine and make a clean cut until you reach the cover. Then from the edge of the book, make a “triangle” cut like so…
Step 4: Repeat step #3 for the top part of the book

Step 10: Now the book is ready to join the other “friends” on the bookshelf =)

Step 4: Repeat step #3 for the top part of the book
Step 5: Now repeat steps #3 & 4 for the back cover
Step 6: Go back to the front cover and bring the "envelope" outside. Cut the unwanted ends (don’t make the angles too big)

Step 7: Repeat step #6 for the back cover
Step 8: (Bear with me guys, it's almost done...) Next, all is left is to tape the “envelope” at the front and back cover of the book

Step 9: (One more step, then we’re done. I promise.) Cut the unwanted ends, and voila!, there you have it!
Step 10: Now the book is ready to join the other “friends” on the bookshelf =)

Comments
I have some rituals too:
1. Rearrange bookshelves regularly so they look random and pretty.
2. Buy used books whenever possible.
3. I prefer soft cover. And I love it when the cover is a little bit worn.
4. I start reading from the 'First Published In . . .' page. I HAVE to know when it was published!
5. Yes, peel off price tag is a must.
6. Update my Shelfari.com bookshelf.
7. Read, Review, and Enjoy!
You've got a lot of Agatha Christies!
Have a great weekend!
Brush Up On Your Reading