The Penguin-Putnam book sale started today. I waited in line for an hour and a half outside a warehouse on a gray November day. The line snaked around the parking lot. Geese arced overhead — 3 flocks, low-flying, trying to figure out the strange array of human figures beneath them.
A group of women ahead of me chatted about their experience as seasoned book shoppers. They dragged large suitcases on wheels to carry the books they planned to buy. About an hour into the wait, I began to feel pointlessly irritated at the huge Sam’s Club style cart the woman in front of me hauled.
Then, I was in. For about an hour and a half, I browsed the aisles, wedged tightly into the literary herd. Books from $1-$10 were sold for $1. Books from $10 through the upper teens went for $2. Books into the $20’s went for $3. I accumulated, sifted, accumulated again. Then I waited another hour to go through the checkout and haul them out to my car in my trusty canvas bag.
It was worth it.
There are some real gems here. Some of them are books I’ve wanted but couldn’t justify the expense, and it was a delight to see them there today. Some are favorites from the library that I feel glad to own. Even the multiplication facts kit, complete with refrigerator magnets, a cd, a book, and a nifty slide-thingy for practice, was a hit, and cost next to nothing.
This pile gives evidence of some of the bloggers I read. Amy liked Hank the Cowdog. DebD liked Reading the OED. Jeane wrote about Chalice. Several folks have recommended A Thousand Splendid Suns. I’m looking forward to exploring these.
This year was a repeat performance of last year in many respects. All in all, I feel quite wealthy. It’s not often I feel that way after a shopping trip.
I’m having serious problems with jealousy here. WOW, what a haul!
Wish you could’ve been here too. Life outside the tropics has its occasional bright spot.
You should have seen the loads some people were carting out of there. The little girl behind me in line counted seventeen boxes for one man. And the two ladies ahead of me had a strollerfull, plus three boxes.
Nice stack of books! I love the library sales, and am so bummed I missed out this year. They all happen in the beginning of Oct- and I was away visiting relatives. O well.
I need to get more tuned in to the library sales around here. They always have a shelf with a few books for sale, but once or twice a year they go all out. It’s a great way to pick up books that might be out of print, and other gems.
I’m seriously envious of the copy of The Help, which I’ve been eying on for the longest time.
I couldn’t believe they had The Help either! I’ve had it on hold at the library for about two months, and still no sign of it becoming available.
Miss Rumphius! I love Barbara Cooney books especially this one. What’s the other one I like so much??…Roxaboxen. Love those books. I’ll be checking this sale out this week. Tomorrow I’m a thinking. As packed as it is the lines do seem to move along. And most of the fellow bibliophile’s are friendly, if not exactly courteous! Will you be going back?
Count me as one of the jealous ones, too, Janet. Of course, I’m happy for YOU, because I know you’ll enjoy these titles just as much as I would (as will your girls).
I think y’all will like Hank the Cowdog (at least I hope you will). He’s really funny, if you like rather low-brow humor with a twist of word-play, etc., which I admit I do.
We have a FABULOUS used bookstore open daily in our library–very organized, staffed by nice volunteers, etc.–but even that can’t compare to the opportunity to buy new (and recent!) books for the cost I often pay for used books.
I may never find out about Hank the Cowdog, Amy. Older Daughter scarfed it up and is into the fourth chapter — without me. Sniff.
Your library bookstore sounds fabulous. I’m accustomed to used books, but it does feel luxurious to get new ones so inexpensively. (They should sell car deodorizers with “new books smell.”)
Polly, newp. Not going back. I made myself go all the way through yesterday so I wouldn’t have to brave the lines again!
Wow, seriously jealous here… I hate crowds, but someday I may have to overcome that and experience a book sale like that. Surely, there are some in my area too!?
I plan to hit it up next Saturday with my mom. I hope the crowds have died down by then!!
Wow. Mother lode. Good work, Janet.
What a haul!! Looks like great results from your shopping expedition.