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Emptying Bookcases & a Sense of Awe

Writer: Jean Shinoda Bolen
Jean Shinoda Bolen
Oct 4, 2022
1 min read

Updated: Oct 9, 2022


When I got ready to move out of my office because I no longer needed it, I emptied my tall bookcases, two of which turned out to mostly contain multiple copies of foreign translations of my books. I usually got copies of each new translation over the past decades and stored them there.


I was touched and in wonder, when for the first time, I opened each one. found my name, usually figured out the title, country, and date.. There were more than eighty. Ten or more foreign editions were at home. I put a sticky note with the book title, city or country where it was published and put each one on the floor.

(Photo by Laura Stallone)

 
 
 

80 Comments


Barbara Nolan
Oct 07

Clearing out a bookcase can bring up more emotions than expected, especially when each book carries a memory, a story, or a connection to a particular time in life. Letting go of old possessions can also create space for new experiences while encouraging reflection on what truly matters. Personal reflections like this make everyday changes feel surprisingly meaningful and relatable. On a different note, fans of TV-inspired fashion may appreciate the justin hartley puffer jacket for its rugged, versatile, and stylish appeal.

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cellesim
Aug 25

The discovery of over eighty foreign translations, as described in 'Emptying Bookcases & a Sense of Awe,' truly encapsulates the global journey of ideas and the profound impact a single author's work can have across cultures. It's striking to consider the linguistic and geographical breadth represented by those editions, each one a unique testament to connection. For authors navigating such extensive international presence, maintaining a comprehensive overview of these diverse editions—identifying titles, countries, and publication dates across multiple languages—must be both a challenging and deeply rewarding endeavor. Visualizing this remarkable global footprint, and having a dedicated resource to explore the intricate details of each unique translation, would certainly amplify that sense of awe. One could delve deeper into the intricate…

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Guest
Aug 24

https://ea88.ac/ hôm trước mình thấy bạn bè nhắc thoáng qua nên bấm vào coi thử giao diện thế nào thôi. Mình không có ngồi mò từng mục hay chơi gì cả, chủ yếu xem cách họ sắp xếp trang cho dễ nhìn không. Ấn tượng đầu là tông màu xanh với vàng nhìn khá “sạch”, chữ với icon nổi vừa đủ nên không bị chói. Mấy khối nội dung chia theo nhóm rõ ràng, lướt xuống là hiểu ngay mình đang ở phần nào, chuyển qua lại cũng không phải bấm nhiều. Nói chung kiểu bố cục này hợp với người vào xem nhanh, không cần đọc dài dòng vẫn nắm được. Nhìn kỹ thì phần menu và các khung…

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bin
Aug 23

Your reflection on uncovering so many foreign editions is truly moving — what a powerful reminder of the quiet reach your words have had across the world.

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Amy Hacks
Aug 19

Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful reflection on emptying bookcases and finding that deep sense of awe! Sorting through a lifetime of physical books, dog-eared pages, and forgotten notes always brings a special kind of nostalgia and quiet wonder. I was actually taking a quick break earlier looking into gamevault999 to unwind, and coming across your write-up was a super meaningful and reflective read. Really appreciate you sharing such a beautifully personal literary moment with the community!

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@2025 Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D.

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