Black Fridayish

Okay, I know. It's not black. Or Friday for that matter. But you know how some people can find amazing bargains on clothes and shoes? Or there's that legendary grocery shopper who can get $400 worth of groceries for say, $50? I'm not either of those people. My shopping talent is books. So,  in honor of all those ridiculous black Friday shenanigans, today's post is going to cover some of my favorite ways of acquiring books.

1) As a gift. Plus side? Free. Down side? Not everyone knows my taste in books, so there is the long shot chance I'll get a book I will never read. It's never happened yet (unless you count the copy of The Host my roommate randomly gave me, because she had two copies, that I never read, mostly on principle, because I boycott Stephanie Meyer. On principle. My own principles, you do not have to follow suit or agree). One of the beauty about books is that they are generally one-size-fits-so-many.

2) Amazon. This is a great way to buy books, because you can get them used. Now, having Amazon prime can be a bonus, but I have often found that I can still get a lot of books in very good condition cheaper even after paying for shipping, so Prime is not essential. The other nice thing about amazon is it sets a good baseline price. It's almost guaranteed (generally speaking) that you can find a used copy for $4.00, so you know that for most books, if you find it for less than that, it's a good deal. Another plus is that you can often find great deals on kindle versions, which only require the software, not an actual kindle. So, if there is a book I like, but don't necessarily love enough to want a hard copy, but still don't mind owning a copy, this is a good alternative.

3) The library. How did this not make number two, you ask? Because I was thinking about owning, not borrowing. However, the library works for both ends. The library is a great way to give books test runs. I often find books that I enjoy, but don't necessarily want to own. Which makes the library an ideal way to access those books. The downside is that access depends on your library having the book, and the book being checked in. But other than that--awesome!

Libraries can also be a fantastic way to buy books. Again, this is somewhat dependent on the library, but if you get lucky, library book sales can be a gold mine, literarily speaking. (Yes, I made that word up, and you know exactly what I mean, ergo, according to the Elise Reynolds' rules of vocabulary, it is a real word). I have found some incredible steals at the library. Once, I picked up 19 books and a DVD for $20. But, like all bargain shopping, you have to be consistent to get good deals on books you might specifically be looking for. But, you are bound to find a nice fifty cent copy of a book that you wouldn't mind owning, even if it's not on your wishlist.

4) Half.com is another place I like to check. I use them as a comparison for amazon. And while I tend to buy through amazon, I definitely like to keep tabs on half.com. Sometimes,, with newer books, you can find better deals through them. And sometimes the shipping fee is lower.

5) Used Bookstores. Used Book Bookstores? Hmmmm. Anyway, this is a good way to buy books. Like I said, I tend to use Amazon as my baseline, and if I can find it for less at a used book bookstore (it's the books that are used, not the bookstore...) then it's a deal. And I feel good about supporting a small business. Which it seems used book Bookstores generally are. A win all around.

So, there you have it. Some acquisition strategies for book nerds. Tried and true--I replaced the four missing boxes of books (courtesy USPS--a story for another day) using these methods. And, if you have other suggestions for book acquisition, please let me know. My budget (hypothetical though it might be at present) will thank you.

Kicking it old school

When I was a kid, I loved the library. We went on a field trip every year to the library, at least for most of grade school. Our library had these really cool murals, and this cool kids area with giant arches for the entrances. I remember browsing the shelves, and being part of a train on the tour of the library. I also remember the card catalogs and learning how to use them. One of my brothers would go in and check out every Dr. Seuss book on the shelf, or every Bill Peet book. Within a week, we'd usually read everything we'd checked out. I remember the yellow library card, the fish tank, and how exciting it was to go through the underpass on our way there (maybe that's really why we went to the library almost weekly during the summer--to go through the underpass!). I loved that library.

Sometime during my teenage years, our town built a new library. This one had a lot more open space for reading and studying, and of course had lots of computers. Gone was the card catalog. Gone were the murals and the cool arches. The books were all still there, but somehow it wasn't the same.

I have seen lots of other libraries since then. The local library where I did my undergrad, the university library where I did my undergrad, the university library where I did my master's, the library in Madison, Wisconsin, the local library where I did my master's. Let me tell you, the local library where I did my graduate degree? Tough to beat. Beatable, I'm sure, but it's a good library. Five branches, pretty fantastic programming, lots of resources. I imagine they have to be good, seeing as the university here offers a library science degree. I look at libraries with a little more discrimination now, and I realize how meager my hometown library is in comparison (seriously, their movie and audiobook collection could use some expansion, but that's just my snobbish opinion, and I do acknowledge that they probably know what their patrons need and want).

Granted, I now have a much better understanding of libraries, both from a patron's perspective and a professional's perspective, and technology has advanced and a lot has changed over the years, there is one thing that my first library had that hasn't changed much in any library I've been to. I don't know how to explain it, but there is a kind of magic about the library. Something about walking in and seeing all those books and feeling at home. I just hope that my hypothetical kids feel that same thrill  someday. Because that is really what a library is about.

Dragons, gods, and playing librarian

Today is a hodge podge of topics, but there you have it. I'm working on breaking from the whole trend of order and cohesiveness that has been ingrained in me since my formative years in high school, if not sooner.

Recently I was introduced to a fantastic picture book, You've Got Dragons, by Kathryn Cave. This book came along at just the right moment for me. At first, you read it and you think it's about a kid who wakes up to find there is a dragon in his life. But, as you keep reading, you discover it's not about a kid. It's about you. And I hope when you read it, you are dragon free, but if not, this will give you hope. Don't be fooled by the books appearance or location in the children's picture book section at the library. This is very much a book for everyone.

I also finished reading Small Gods by Terry Pratchett. This is a great book for thinking about religion and faith, and there are some very profound statements and ideas. Now, I'm very committed to my faith, which teaches me that truth can be found in many places. And there were some good truths in this book. I don't know what Pratchett's view on religion and faith and God is, but I do know mine. And, when I have the opportunity to see other people's views, it makes me reflect on my own. I have found that it doesn't change my view, but reinforces my belief and shows me how to not get caught up in meta-religion. I think that is a good term for what takes place in Small Gods. Pratchett doesn't describe it that way, but that is what it is. Meta-religion. A religion about the religion, if you will. (Don't worry, it will make sense if you read the book). I have enjoyed Pratchett's books, and while I haven't read an overwhelming amount of them, this one is now one of my favorites.

My sister is getting ready for a lengthy road trip with her family and I was recruited to help find some audiobooks for their trip. I've also been able to pick out a book for all of my nieces and nephews to read while they are camping for a week. I think I have found one--The Squire's Tale, by Gerald Morris. It's a terrific book--funny, characters you can appreciate, a bit of poking fun. Anyway, I had a lot of fun playing librarian and selecting books that would satisfy two adults and at least three kids, hopefully 4, ranging from ages 7-12 (and possibly age 5). Made me feel like I had a skill, or talent. Not that I think it is a special skill. I'm pretty sure anyone could do it, but I had a good time, and it was great to see the kids get excited. I guess that's part of the point of this blog--to get people excited about books and to spread the news about good ones. Well, at least good ones I've read. I like to give authors a boost--they work hard and deserve a plug.

Anyway, that's it for now, but I'll come up with something good for next week. In the meantime, grab a book and go outside and enjoy some sunshine.

Watcha Readin?*

I had a brilliant idea for a post, and now I can't remember at all what it was. Which is why I should write things down. I'm sure at some point in my life it will come back to me. Anyway, since I haven't really finished any books this week, and summer is here, I thought I would post on some of the books on my to-read list. It should be noted that this is not a comprehensive list. This is just the books I have checked out from the library at present and plan on reading/listening to.

How to Live in a Science Fictional Universe, by Charlie Yu. (cd)
I came across this one randomly and it seemed interesting. I don't know how it will turn out, since I don't know of anyone who has read it before, but it will be an adventure.

The Te of Piglet, by Benjamin Hoff.
I read The Tao of Pooh for a college class, and I really enjoyed it, and not too long ago, I discovered this book and I am hoping to find this one as enjoyable. As far as I know it builds on The Tao of Pooh so I am sure I will enjoy it. Same topic, same approach, I think, so I can't go wrong.

The King's Speech, by Mark Logue and Peter Conradi. (cd)
I really wish I could have seen this movie, but I am kind of a baby when it comes to ratings. I watched another movie about the same story and I figure, books usually top movies anyway.

Planet Google: One Company's Audacious Plan to Organize Everything We Know, by Randall Stross. (cd)
This is another random shelf pick. But, since I studied information science, it seemed somewhat relevant, and I figured, why not?

The Brenner Assignment: The Untold Story of the most Daring Spy Mission of World War II, by Patrick K. O'Donnell.
This one is an Amazon recommend book. But, it's about World War II and spies, so how can you go wrong?

Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters, by Lesley MM Blume.
Another Amazon recommend, and yes, young adult fiction, but I have to keep current. I have a lot of nieces counting on me for book recommendations. 

Write It When I'm Gone: Remarkable Off-the-Record Conversations with Gerald R. Ford, by Thomas M. deFrank.
So, I had the opportunity to attend a conference in Grand Rapids, home of the Gerald R. Ford Museum which created some interest in Gerald Ford (whose real name was not Gerald Ford. Who knew?) The other day, I had a chance to do some browsing at the library and remembered I wanted to learn more about Ford. This book was on the shelf, so it won.

Nicholas and Alexandra, by Robert K. Massie.
This one was recommended by a friend of mine. She said it was really good, and I do like history, so I  checked it out.

A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeline L'Engle.
I have read this one a long time ago and have been wanting to read it again. I also want my niece to read it, and checking it out was a good way to accomplish that.

This seems like a very adult list, which I must admit, is not at all typical for me. But, I felt like I needed to challenge myself a bit. And I do have a box of books I brought with me when I moved (most of my books are in storage), and there are some fun ones in there, so I have plenty to mix it up a bit. Now I just need to do some reading!

*This is, of course, a reference to Disney's Phineas and Ferb. Excellent show, I recommend it.  Gotta give credit.

Happy Library Lovers Day

For all you library lovers out there, Happy Library Lovers Day! I hope you enjoy a good book or a visit to the library!