I am now heavy of heart.....

I got rid of mine in one go - 'rip the plaster off quick'. Haven't started buying real yet - last book was a download onto my tablet. I find I don't have time to read these days and I'm one of those people who must finish a book with as little delay as possible thus leading to washing-up stacked, beds unmade and sleep deprivation...

I feel your pain. I spent a whole lifetime, rarely throwing out any books at all. When we moved house, there had to be some culling, although Mr Delia kindly put up some high shelves around the top of 3 walls in the smallest bedroom and we call it a 'study'. Plus a set of bookshelves. I keep all the reference books on these, plus quite a few books (novels) which were my father's. I used to say I would read them when I retired, but I never seem to find the time.

Since I bought a Kindle 3 or 4 years ago, I did give some classics to the charity shop. But I do feel like they're 'old friends' and it hurts. Every year I try to have a cull, as I don't want my children to have too much to shift when I go. I love my Kindle but it's not the same as holding a much loved book in your hand, with a history.

Miranda, it's possible to buy what they call "warehouse" items on Amazon, these are things often returned unused and are sold unboxed but in as new condition - you might be able to get a reduced price e- reader on there if you check it now and then.