Breaking the Book Buying Ban: Stages of Guilt

How long has your book buying ban been? Most of us can make it a few weeks, but it is obvious that we as a YA community are not the strongest when it comes to bookstores. We sneak in to take a peak at the shelves and suddenly you fall into the hole you said you wouldn’t go near…

But we all go through the same thing! So our book buying bans don’t last long enough, our already-stuffed shelves are about to collapse under the weight of words, our wallet is completely empty and our paycheck has been completely spent. We all fail. So let’s at least fail together.

Here are the seven stages of guilt that you probably go through after breaking your book buying ban! 

Stage 1: Picking Up the Book 

It’s there and it’s beautiful. You made the dangerous mistake of checking in on Target’s YA book aisle just to make sure the newest release by your favorite author is there, for future reference, of course! What you didn’t expect was it to be ON SALE. Crud. You fight it. You are on a book buying ban… you should walk away. But it’s on sale? Well, let’s pick it up just to see and— darn. Now you can’t imagine putting it down. I mean, let’s just keep it with us as we scan the next few shelves.

Stage 2: Walking to the Register

So now you are walking about the several flavors of Pop-tarts and you still have the book in your hand. You decide to give in. I mean, it’s only eleven dollars. It’s not that much. In fact, you have no idea when it will be on sale again. Or IF it will be on sale again. Might as well take it now. So you are up at the register, and the guilt hits you like a tidal wave. Oh no oh no oh no. Aren’t you breaking a promise to yourself? Are you really that weak? But suddenly it’s your turn at the register and you are too flustered to do anything but hand the cashier your book and swipe your card. 

Stage 3: Instant Gratification

And then the book is in your bag and wow! What a great feeling! A New Book! It’s yours. Imagine how it will look on my shelf you think. Imagine the photos I can post on my Instagram. It’s yours to smell and stroke and touch and read. You walk out of the store like you own the world. I mean, you basically own A WORLD that you can hold in your hands. Feel confident, girl. Books are awesome and therefore, by association, you are awesome. 

Stage 4: Justification

So that nagging feeling in the pit of your stomach? That guilt? It’s starting to come back. You try to shove it down, saying “no, please. I just got a new book. Are you really going to spoil it for me?” “Oh yes, honey,” your stomach says back. “You broke your ban. How could you?” Well, it was on sale, you say. Well, it’s my favorite author. How could I not get it? you say. Well, I’m going to read it soon anyway, you say. It’s educational. I could be watching Netflix. It was a good buy. I mean, it’s not like you spent a million dollars. I was justified in buying this book. Right?

Stage 5: Obsession

So somehow you figured out how to stop feeling so ashamed of your broken ban. You get to your house and tear the plastic bag off your beautiful hardcover. It’s gorgeous! You stroke the velvety spine and pull off the dust jacket. You take a look at those fabulous end pages. And oh! There’s a map! Soon, it starts happening. The book selfies sent to all your friends. Be jealous, you want to caption it, but decide against it. You can’t wait to Instagram it, include it in your haul, find the perfect spot on your bookshelf for it. You show it to each and every one of your family members. Even the dog. Everyone has to appreciate just how lovely your new book is.

Stage 6: Guilt Guilt Guilt

So yeah. There’s that feeling again. This time, it’s BAD. So bad, in fact, that you have to keep the receipt folded up on your desk just in case you need to return the book. You were doing so well on your ban. You were just starting to make a dent in that tbr pile (ha.) The Internet will be so disappointed in you. Yet they will understand. You will find refuge with the others that have broken their bans. 

The Final Stage: But It’s So Pretty!

But in the end, you made it a whole two weeks without buying a book. Until today, but still! You tell yourself you deserve it. Treat yourself! The new book finds its way to your shelf and voilà. It fits perfectly with the rest of the series. And it’s not coming off that shelf, not until you read it at least. So you “forget” where your receipt goes and that. is. that. 

Hope you enjoyed this fun article! I had lots of fun writing this and as someone who just went through all seven stages in the past two days, I think it’s very relatable! Just remember. We are all strong, independent people, but a book or two wouldn’t hurt!

Lots of love, 

                      Ellie