**Local Reader’s Epic Book Haul Satisfies Yearly Reading Goals and Supports Independent Bookstores**
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**Renee Sturgill, a 52-year-old retired software engineer from Utah, has made headlines with her recent extraordinary book shopping expedition. During an exhaustive day-long trip, Sturgill managed to acquire an impressive 146 books, all while navigating a two-hour drive to the nearest bookstore.**
Renee, who has documented her journey on TikTok under the handle @unhingedromanceclub, embarked on her ambitious quest with the aim of collecting enough reading material for her annual goal of around 150 titles. Living in a rural area with limited access to bookstores has made it imperative for Sturgill to approach her reading needs with careful planning.
Relocating from South Carolina to a small community in Utah with a population of about 5,000, Sturgill has embraced the beauty of her new environment, with its hiking trails and panoramic mountain views. However, she admits the transition has its challenges, particularly when it comes to accessing books. “We have what I call the very basics here,” she explained. While she appreciates the amenities her town offers, she finds that anything beyond that—especially bookstores—is hard to come by.
Sturgill revealed that travelling to a bookstore is no small feat. “We are two and a half hours from Salt Lake, where we’re at. The closest bookstore of any kind is two hours away,” she shared. This distance, along with her love for reading, prompted her to embark on a well-planned shopping spree to meet her literary goals.
Her original ambition was to find between 180 and 200 books, as she often prefers a diverse selection due to her self-identified status as a “mood reader.” She enjoys varying genres to fit her reading mood, from romance and fantasy to Westerns and even unexplored categories. Ultimately, her final count of 146 books cost her $1,031, slightly exceeding her initial budget but still deemed a success.
A key motivation behind her vast haul is Sturgill’s increasing appreciation for physical books. Recent discussions about digital ownership prompted her desire to cultivate a personal library of books she truly owns. “I really want to go and have my physical media back because now I own that book,” she said, highlighting a growing sentiment among readers who value tangible books over digital formats.
Sturgill also consciously chose to support independent bookstores during her shopping trip. She expressed her concern over the diminishing number of these establishments, emphasizing the importance of preserving their presence in the literary landscape. “Bookstores are disappearing from our landscape, and that distresses me greatly,” she commented, with the hope that her purchases would help sustain these vital community hubs.
As she moved between thrift shops, used bookstores, and independent retailers, Sturgill allowed herself to be guided by both her wish list and the excitement of discovering new titles. “It really turned into, once I got into the bookstore like, ‘Oh my God, books,’ ” she joyfully recounted. The thrill of shopping for literature turned out to be a captivating experience that exceeded her expectations.
Interestingly, the attention her book-buying adventure garnered on social media was almost as astonishing as the haul itself. Initially, Sturgill had a modest following, but her videos soon captured the interests of thousands, creating an enthusiastic community around her literary pursuits. Rather than focussing solely on the numbers, she takes joy in the connections made with other readers, with whom she now shares recommendations and discussions about future reads.
As for where she plans to store her latest acquisitions, Sturgill admits shelving space is already becoming a concern. Having dramatically downsized her collection prior to the move, donating over 1,000 books, her previous library consisted of around 600 titles. With her new haul adding to that figure, she recognises the storage challenge ahead but approaches it with a light-hearted attitude. “Tomorrow’s problem,” she remarks, signalling her readiness to tackle the issue when it arises.
In a world where independent bookstores face increasing challenges, Sturgill’s story serves as a reminder of the significant role these spaces play in the reading community. Through her determined efforts, she not only fulfilled her personal reading goals but also contributed to the sustainability of independent bookselling, proving that a little passion can bring big changes.