--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In midlife, I feel that my tendency to…" description: "\"In midlife, I feel that my tendency to acquire books is rather like someone smoking two packs a day: it's a terrible vice that I wish I could shuck.\" —..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5d1/claire-messud-1372_book_in-midlife-i-feel-that-my-tendency-to-ac_1316318.png" --- # In midlife, I feel that my tendency to acquire books is… ![“In midlife, I feel that my tendency to acquire books is rather like someone smoking two packs a day: it's a terrible vice that I wish I could shuck.” quote by Claire Messud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5d1/claire-messud-1372_book_in-midlife-i-feel-that-my-tendency-to-ac_1316318.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5d1/claire-messud-1372_book_in-midlife-i-feel-that-my-tendency-to-ac_1316318.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5d1/claire-messud-1372_book_in-midlife-i-feel-that-my-tendency-to-ac_1316318.png) > “In midlife, I feel that my tendency to acquire books is rather like someone smoking two packs a day: it's a terrible vice that I wish I could shuck.” [Claire Messud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-messud/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Collecting books can become an addictive habit, similar to a harmful vice, and may need to be curbed. **In simple terms:** Book hoarding can be a harmful addiction. Key Takeaway Recognize and limit excessive collecting. Themes addiction materialism selfcontrol Mood reflective concerned Type personal philosophical When to use this quote - personal libraries - budgeting - decluttering - mental health - time management Key Concepts consumer behavior psychology habit formation Questions to Reflect On - What drives your need to acquire books? - How might you channel this love for reading differently? A Different Perspective The joy of reading can be lost if it becomes compulsive. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Book](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/book/) [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Day](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/day/) [Smoking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/smoking/) [Wish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wish/) [Writer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writer/) ## Related quotes > [“I feel that my tendency to acquire books is rather like someone smoking two packs a day: it's a terrible vice that I wish…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leah-price/i-feel-that-my-tendency-to-acquire-books-is-rather-like-someone/) [Leah Price](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leah-price/) > [I grew up as a step-kid, always a little outside, always trying hard to follow and fit in. 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