While it is recommended (by more serious collectors than me) that a book collection should have a focus, a niche, something that makes it unique - I say, why? Let your books accumulate over time, sell or toss what you don’t like, and what is left over will as surely as not be your book collection. If you read just one kind of book, a single author, or stay exclusively within a genre, then yes, you will have a specialty. If you do not, then determining what you want to focus your energy and money on can be somewhat daunting. So, I say don’t stress out over what should or shouldn’t be in your collection, it is just not worth it. Your collection will be unique because it is yours. Let it grow from book to book. If you love a book, search out a first of it. If you really like an author, find his or her first work. Upgrade copies of your favorite books as you see fit. Let it grow from you, not some list.
It is also often recommended to collect what you like - and this, I believe, is great advice! Perhaps it is the only real advice I can honestly offer to someone interested in collecting books. My favorite band is the Grateful Dead and over the years I have gathered together enough Grateful Dead related books to say I have a collection of them... but, I also like baseball and have quite a few baseball books (novels and nonfiction) as well. Does that make it a different collection? I like to read award winning novels (Pulitzer Prize winners, National Book Award winners, Hugo and Nebula winners, etc.) and the ones I really enjoy, and that fit into my budget, I will search out first editions of. What does this do to my collection? A bunch of random prize winners scattered throughout... oh, the horror! My list of favorite authors is a long one - I enjoy speculative fiction, literary fiction, poetry, mysteries, thrillers, suspense, and histories and biographies of various sorts - but it is a rare writer where I dream of owning everything they ever wrote. So, do you know what you get when you mix all my books together? My book collection!
....
A book worth reading is worth buying. ~John Ruskin
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Good news… bad news
.
This can't be a good sign for your favorite bookstore, especially considering July '07 saw the release of the final book in a popular series about a certain young wizard - which can't bode well for July's year over year sales... although, to be fair, I have limited perspective here and all encompassing numbers such as these do little to enlighten the why's and how's, and do not lend themselves well to analysis. Being new to this, and not really wanting to dig deeper, I will be left to wonder what certain things like ID store sales are showing within this trend? Also, I have no idea what makes up this numbers - just reported numbers from publically traded companies? I do hope some stores are fairing better than others. Oh well, at least sales are up for the year, that's got to be a good thing, right?
Go out and buy a book, save an industry.
....
This will never be a civilized country until we expend more money for books than we do for chewing gum. ~Elbert Hubbard
This can't be a good sign for your favorite bookstore, especially considering July '07 saw the release of the final book in a popular series about a certain young wizard - which can't bode well for July's year over year sales... although, to be fair, I have limited perspective here and all encompassing numbers such as these do little to enlighten the why's and how's, and do not lend themselves well to analysis. Being new to this, and not really wanting to dig deeper, I will be left to wonder what certain things like ID store sales are showing within this trend? Also, I have no idea what makes up this numbers - just reported numbers from publically traded companies? I do hope some stores are fairing better than others. Oh well, at least sales are up for the year, that's got to be a good thing, right?
Go out and buy a book, save an industry.
....
This will never be a civilized country until we expend more money for books than we do for chewing gum. ~Elbert Hubbard
Thursday, August 14, 2008
The Big Box vs. The Bookstore
While I shall do my best to champion all aspects of the independent book seller, I need to be honest here (hypocrisy shall not become me) and let it be known that I do shop for books at Borders and Barnes & Noble and have done so at many other chain bookstores over the years as well. I have even purchased books at Wal-Mart (albeit, most likely during a late night shopping trip when I am there for something completely unrelated, and a book catches my eye). In my opinion, big box bookstores have their place in this world even if many book people do have a certain disdain for them.
I can still recall the overwhelming feeling of, as a 17 year old stoner, driving 50 miles from my home into the heart of NJ (a somewhat unpleasant prospect compared to the simplicity of northeast PA at the time) to first experience the huge selection of books available at a Barnes & Noble - oh man, it was like every Waldenbooks and local bookstore I had ever been to put together under one roof! I had no idea such a place could be real, and wanted nothing more than spend hours looking at all the books I never knew existed. Since then, I have had that feeling at a variety of bookstores, but there was something truly unique in my awe I first experienced there (just remembering it now makes me want to head back to that particular store at some point to see what my feelings are all these years later, but that will need to be an experience for another time).
What huge chain bookstores have meant to the book business can be discussed on various levels, but on a personal level, through thought and consideration, I can safely say this - with all things being equal and given the choice between buying a book from a local independent bookstore or from a national chain store, the choice is easy for me, and my local book seller would get my dollar every time… the problem is that all things are not equal - nothing I can do about that except support independent bookstores whenever I can. You will see chain stores mentioned and discussed in posts that I write, but you will not see me advocate or promote them - I am pretty sure their advertising budgets do not need any assistance from little ol’ me.
Put simply, this is a place for the independent bookstore to shine.
….
I cannot live without books. ~Thomas Jefferson
I can still recall the overwhelming feeling of, as a 17 year old stoner, driving 50 miles from my home into the heart of NJ (a somewhat unpleasant prospect compared to the simplicity of northeast PA at the time) to first experience the huge selection of books available at a Barnes & Noble - oh man, it was like every Waldenbooks and local bookstore I had ever been to put together under one roof! I had no idea such a place could be real, and wanted nothing more than spend hours looking at all the books I never knew existed. Since then, I have had that feeling at a variety of bookstores, but there was something truly unique in my awe I first experienced there (just remembering it now makes me want to head back to that particular store at some point to see what my feelings are all these years later, but that will need to be an experience for another time).
What huge chain bookstores have meant to the book business can be discussed on various levels, but on a personal level, through thought and consideration, I can safely say this - with all things being equal and given the choice between buying a book from a local independent bookstore or from a national chain store, the choice is easy for me, and my local book seller would get my dollar every time… the problem is that all things are not equal - nothing I can do about that except support independent bookstores whenever I can. You will see chain stores mentioned and discussed in posts that I write, but you will not see me advocate or promote them - I am pretty sure their advertising budgets do not need any assistance from little ol’ me.
Put simply, this is a place for the independent bookstore to shine.
….
I cannot live without books. ~Thomas Jefferson
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Motivation, Vocation, and Location
As I am beginning this slowly and only plan to review bookstores and sales as I go to them (there are plenty out there where a review from memory can be done without much effort, but I want to head into everything fresh and actually record my experiences as they transpire to keep things current, accurate, and hopefully entertaining) I imagine some posts about me, and other topics, may be beneficial… Yes, there will be more here than just book buying experiences (book reviews, news, opinions, and whatever catches my fancy), but I have decided that my “niche” in the book blogging world should be dug out by sticking to what I know, so info your average bookworm will be most prevalent. Either way, as this blog gets off the ground I figure a few points of interest may be in order for you the reader to understand where I am coming from.
Motivation - As this blog develops my ideas on all things book related will be revealed. I can be as opinionated as anyone when it comes to something they have a passion for, but at the end of the day I am not negative. You will hear about my pet peeves, dislikes, and aggravations when it comes to book buying, but you will never see me be overly aggressive or mean - I have often been describes as “laid back”, and I’m good with that. Please see my previous post for more on what motivates this blog.
Vocation - I do not work in, nor am I in any way related to, the book industry. Just wanted to add this to get it out there… plus, it rhymes the title of this post nicely.
Location - I have lived my whole life in Pennsylvania. For the first 19 years or so I lived and played in the Poconos. I then spent 4 good years attending Kutztown University. And for nearly the last decade I have lived in the central PA area, as I continue to do so. This, obviously, will mean that most reviews will be concentrated to within a few hours of here (Mechanicsburg). As I am not far from several major cities, New York and Washington DC being my favorites, you can expect some quality book hunting adventures in some much more densely populated areas as well. Additionally, as my location changes (thank god for vacations!) you can, on occasion, look forward to the possibility of an exotic locale or two.
….
I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library. ~Jorge Luis Borges
Motivation - As this blog develops my ideas on all things book related will be revealed. I can be as opinionated as anyone when it comes to something they have a passion for, but at the end of the day I am not negative. You will hear about my pet peeves, dislikes, and aggravations when it comes to book buying, but you will never see me be overly aggressive or mean - I have often been describes as “laid back”, and I’m good with that. Please see my previous post for more on what motivates this blog.
Vocation - I do not work in, nor am I in any way related to, the book industry. Just wanted to add this to get it out there… plus, it rhymes the title of this post nicely.
Location - I have lived my whole life in Pennsylvania. For the first 19 years or so I lived and played in the Poconos. I then spent 4 good years attending Kutztown University. And for nearly the last decade I have lived in the central PA area, as I continue to do so. This, obviously, will mean that most reviews will be concentrated to within a few hours of here (Mechanicsburg). As I am not far from several major cities, New York and Washington DC being my favorites, you can expect some quality book hunting adventures in some much more densely populated areas as well. Additionally, as my location changes (thank god for vacations!) you can, on occasion, look forward to the possibility of an exotic locale or two.
….
I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library. ~Jorge Luis Borges
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Where to begin?
I wonder if most first time bloggers struggle with where to begin? Me… I have plans for this space, I really do. As you will learn, when I write, I can be inclined to ramble some (which I don’t see as a bad thing, I hope you don’t either - somewhere in the words I write will be wisdom and wit, facts and opinions… in essence, a bunch of words about books and book buying with the goal of entertaining you my fellow book lover).
OK, so here is how it begins... I know a thing or two about books and buying them and I want to share my adventures with whoever loves books and stumbles upon this space. I want to guide people to good book spots and I want to hear from others who love books about where and how they purchase them.
What makes me qualified to do this? Well, I love to read, but more than that, I love books. I love books and the hunt for them. I love getting lost in a bookstore. I love day trips driving from bookstore to bookstore, crossing state lines, eating cheap food to save my money for the next shop. I love walking into a bookstore I have never been to before, possibilities opening up on shelves before me. I love the shops I have been to a hundred times, stumbling upon that one book I missed or never before realized I needed. I love exploring for stores in places I have never been while on vacation. I love the local library book sale (book sales where I wonder from spot to spot loading up bags or a box of books that’ll end up costing me the same as one new hardcover). I love the hour or so waiting in line for a book sale to open, the anticipation of what I might get my hands on before anyone else because I am inevitably towards the beginning of the line. I love my closely packed bookshelves. I even love my neatly organized stacks of boxes in the basement (but oh do I loathe that there are not shelves for all these books - but someday…). I love the feel and look and smell of books. I love learning about books. I love books about books (not literary criticism or anything like that – although that stuff is fine - but books about “Books”, the physical objects you read and put on shelves). Yes, I love books.
I am aiming for the long run here. As I visit a bookstore, I will review it. If I go to a sale, I will review it (I will also be mentioning sales before I go, as it won’t do anyone any good to hear about a yearly sale after the fact). This will be a somewhat slow burn of a blog, hopefully gathering steam and inspiration as I go - please, I will need feedback, suggestions, comments, recommendations, anything at all… how nice would it be if this was the beginnings of a simple and straightforward place to share and exchange book stories with fellow book lovers? So please if you read this blog, tell me what you like and what you don’t. Do you have a favorite bookshop or sale? Please let me know about it.
I plan on adding posts as I can until book lovers of all shapes and sizes find something here to enjoy, but my main goal is to create something for the person who, like me, has a simple attitude towards book collecting - I love books, but do not have the money to buy indiscriminately. I read paperbacks to save money and seek out nicer editions of books I enjoy (or authors I enjoy, or think I may enjoy). I keep multiple copies of books I really like, some to give away (and some just because there are multiple editions worth owning), while always keeping an eye out for an upgrade. I am typically on the lookout for quality firsts in the $20 range, and rarely spend more than $50 a book… of course, these aren’t rules - I am willing to drop big money on a book (big money for me anyway). Although, you will not see anything purchased by me beyond the very low 3 figure range. Am I interested in higher value books? Hell yes, but while I love looking at books that well exceed my financial limits, I find more pleasure in, and have knowledge of, books I own and have the ability to own. This way of thinking and buying I relate to the “average” bookworm. The average bookworm may be intrigued by what a signed and inscribed Hemingway first edition is fetching these days, but really wants discussions on the excitement of loading up on quality $1 books at the nearest Friends of the Local Library book sale or finding places where they can spend $20 for those books they just absolutely “need”, whether it is to fill in a gap in their collection or just because it is a nice book need not matter.
Of course, as a book lover it would be amiss not to include some book reviews here. Therefore, I will, from time to time, be writing reviews on books I really enjoy. I will try to include points of interest about editions available, value, and collectability of the books and authors I review.
So, there you have it. Please stay tuned for lots more book stuff… I hope you enjoy.
….
When I get a little money, I buy books, and if any is left, I buy food and clothes. ~Desiderius Erasmus
OK, so here is how it begins... I know a thing or two about books and buying them and I want to share my adventures with whoever loves books and stumbles upon this space. I want to guide people to good book spots and I want to hear from others who love books about where and how they purchase them.
What makes me qualified to do this? Well, I love to read, but more than that, I love books. I love books and the hunt for them. I love getting lost in a bookstore. I love day trips driving from bookstore to bookstore, crossing state lines, eating cheap food to save my money for the next shop. I love walking into a bookstore I have never been to before, possibilities opening up on shelves before me. I love the shops I have been to a hundred times, stumbling upon that one book I missed or never before realized I needed. I love exploring for stores in places I have never been while on vacation. I love the local library book sale (book sales where I wonder from spot to spot loading up bags or a box of books that’ll end up costing me the same as one new hardcover). I love the hour or so waiting in line for a book sale to open, the anticipation of what I might get my hands on before anyone else because I am inevitably towards the beginning of the line. I love my closely packed bookshelves. I even love my neatly organized stacks of boxes in the basement (but oh do I loathe that there are not shelves for all these books - but someday…). I love the feel and look and smell of books. I love learning about books. I love books about books (not literary criticism or anything like that – although that stuff is fine - but books about “Books”, the physical objects you read and put on shelves). Yes, I love books.
I am aiming for the long run here. As I visit a bookstore, I will review it. If I go to a sale, I will review it (I will also be mentioning sales before I go, as it won’t do anyone any good to hear about a yearly sale after the fact). This will be a somewhat slow burn of a blog, hopefully gathering steam and inspiration as I go - please, I will need feedback, suggestions, comments, recommendations, anything at all… how nice would it be if this was the beginnings of a simple and straightforward place to share and exchange book stories with fellow book lovers? So please if you read this blog, tell me what you like and what you don’t. Do you have a favorite bookshop or sale? Please let me know about it.
I plan on adding posts as I can until book lovers of all shapes and sizes find something here to enjoy, but my main goal is to create something for the person who, like me, has a simple attitude towards book collecting - I love books, but do not have the money to buy indiscriminately. I read paperbacks to save money and seek out nicer editions of books I enjoy (or authors I enjoy, or think I may enjoy). I keep multiple copies of books I really like, some to give away (and some just because there are multiple editions worth owning), while always keeping an eye out for an upgrade. I am typically on the lookout for quality firsts in the $20 range, and rarely spend more than $50 a book… of course, these aren’t rules - I am willing to drop big money on a book (big money for me anyway). Although, you will not see anything purchased by me beyond the very low 3 figure range. Am I interested in higher value books? Hell yes, but while I love looking at books that well exceed my financial limits, I find more pleasure in, and have knowledge of, books I own and have the ability to own. This way of thinking and buying I relate to the “average” bookworm. The average bookworm may be intrigued by what a signed and inscribed Hemingway first edition is fetching these days, but really wants discussions on the excitement of loading up on quality $1 books at the nearest Friends of the Local Library book sale or finding places where they can spend $20 for those books they just absolutely “need”, whether it is to fill in a gap in their collection or just because it is a nice book need not matter.
Of course, as a book lover it would be amiss not to include some book reviews here. Therefore, I will, from time to time, be writing reviews on books I really enjoy. I will try to include points of interest about editions available, value, and collectability of the books and authors I review.
So, there you have it. Please stay tuned for lots more book stuff… I hope you enjoy.
….
When I get a little money, I buy books, and if any is left, I buy food and clothes. ~Desiderius Erasmus
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Coming Soon
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A blog to review independent bookstores, book sales, and other ways to obtain books... a guide for your average book worm.
A blog to review independent bookstores, book sales, and other ways to obtain books... a guide for your average book worm.
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