One of the used book stores I frequent in Middleton was hit hard in the recent floodings in Massachusetts. The owner said they lost about 3,000 books. Entire listings of authors, who lived on the lower shelves, are gone. The W's did look a little thin. No Thomas Wolfe to be had.
Though some books were washed away, I picked up seven titles for $25. Not bad for a quick stop. Kate Atkinson's Behind the Scenes at the Library, Robertson Davies's What's Bred in the Bone, Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose, Michael Dorris's A Yellow Raft in Blue Water, Margaret Atwood's The Blind Assassin and Flannery O'Connor's The Complete Stories all found their way into my awaiting hands.
(This book store still uses the old credit card machine where they slide the press over the card. No computer.)
The books remained dormant that night as I took my sister out for her 23rd birthday. Happy 23rd A.B.!
5 comments:
Wow -- to lose 3,000 books! That terrible.
You found a lot of good things though, it looks like. What a nice haul!
I loved the Michael Dorris book. Lost my copy years ago, but still remember it fondly. Oh, and I think you will like "The Name of the Rose" - creepy in the most literate and enjoyable way.
This bookstore is hit or miss sometimes (mass market paperbacks are always available,) but this time I was on the spot.
Ella, I recently read a blog that talked about the Dorris book and it sounded different. I haven't read too many coming of age stories of young women. Or novels that dealt with three generations of women.
The Name of the Rose could be up next for me. Eco affected me tremendously in Queen Loana.
I have heard of the Dorris book, but I have never picked it up--I will watch for your review. I have The Name of the Rose on my stack, too, but I am not sure I will get to it this summer or not.
I really enjoyed looking at your site, I found it very helpful indeed, keep up the good work.
»
Post a Comment