If this were a poll,

[LavCat]

How would you respond?

How many books do you own?

1: Zero
2: 1-10
3: 11-35
4: 36-100
5: 101-250
6: 251-1000
7: 1000+

I counted exactly 200 books in the bedroom, and then found a few more. Mostly religion (the oldest of which printed circa 1721), some literature and social science and philosophy. A good number of lesbian graphic novels.

In the dining room I counted 67, almost all cookbooks. A few chemistry texts, guitar books, and the 50th anniversary edition of the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. Plus one of my mother's old nursing text books from 1917 (which might yet come in handy on that desert island).

In the living room I estimate about 200: science, literature, history, and photography. In here by the computer I have about the same number or a few less. Mostly computer books, though the volume nearest my elbow is Raymond Sokolov's The Saucier's Apprentice.

I fear to consider what may be in closets.

What are the top 2 Dewey Decimal classifications or genre of your library based on quantity of the books you own in said categories?

I work in a library. The last thing I want to do is catalog my own books. However as I recall, cooking is 641.

Sub-Topic 1

If you were to be stranded on a desert island for one year, what 3 books would you like to have with you? (We will assume there is reasonable food, shelter, and clothing as well as an unlimited supply of paper and writing implements.

I would take a copy of the bible. If I could choose the translation/edition, it would be the Great Bible.

Beyond that maybe Origami Aeroplanes and Piloting, or perhaps a copy of Robinson Crusoe. While a cookbook might be nice, there are only so many ways to skin a banana.

However, there are no medical supplies, so if you have a condition (such as I do) which would cause you to die before the year is out, does that affect your selection?)

No one that I have seen has addressed this. I suppose it depends on how long it takes to fold an aeroplane. I know the bananas shall come for me eventually, and I plan to take as many of them out first as I can.

Sub-Topic Alternative

If you could substitute the complete musical works of any 3 composers, groups (bands), or artists for one book, what would you select and how many books would you replace with music? (We assume there is an awesome musical playback device.)

As said with all seriousness above, I would take a bible. But I don't really feel that much need for books. I am grateful for the unlimited ink and paper (I only wish there had been a few more alchemists on that ship) and I would amuse myself by writing.

In place of my second two books I would probably choose music. If I read the question correctly that would give me six selections (three per book). Off the top of my head I would take Beethoven, Indigo Girls, Wagner, Dylan, and a couple lesser known artists.