This past weekend was the wonderful, huge, annual library sale that I go to every year, and below you see my haul.
What? You don’t see any books? That’s because I never got there. Being under the weather for a few days, plus it was raining non-stop, I knew my best bet was to stay home and feel better. I missed the excitement of just being around the thousands of books, and certainly the traditional follow-up lunch with my friend in which we go over our multitude of finds, but in the end, I am hardly bookless.
I still have books from last year’s venture; friends share books all the time; I have bookshelves stuffed with selections I’ve yet to read or would happily read again; and … the local library is in a decent walking distance from my home. I am living in a very book-rich world.
Not to mention, I am still living in the world of Anthony Doerr, Pulitzer Prize winning author of All the Light We Cannot See. Yesterday, before I closed-up shop for the day on my work, I read a bit online about him and his other books, and watched a video of how he came to write this phenomenal book. I also looked at photographs of Saint Malo, the walled city on the coast of Brittany, bombed practically beyond recognition at the end of World War II, and an important location for much of the story. Doerr wanted to write a different tale about the war, and much like the outstanding author of The Book Thief, Markus Zusak, he certainly has done that. I am at times brought to tears at the beauty of Doerr’s use of words, and am moved by the story he tells.
As I approach the end of the book, I am deeply saddened by what has happened to one of the characters, but am holding out hope for the others. Soon I will be returning this novel to my local library, never knowing if my next book will be in the stacks, sitting in the $1.00 shelves at the front desk, or waiting for me here at home. I don’t own a kindle, and don’t read online. I thoroughly enjoy the weight of a book in my hands, the smell of paper and ink, the turning of the pages, and the placing of a bookmark where I’ll begin again as soon as I’m able.
We who love to read are a lucky lot, are we not?
Still A Dreamer 
We are indeed when we discover gems.
You’ve answered my query.
Sorry you missed the sale. At least the library is a walk away. Very lucky that.
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There’s always next year! There really is a sense of wonder in being in this huge grange hall with seemingly endless tables of books, sorted roughly enough that you can find “A-D” in the novel section, but not so much so that you don’t have to graze over every title. And you’re elbow to elbow with all these people that love to read, too! It really is a pleasure. And yes, there’s my local library, with access to every book the main branch has, and a wonderful, knowledgeable librarian. Can’t beat it.
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We are indeed, Jeanne. I was just wondering if you read all the books from last year’s sale when you answered the question! And now that my book was released today, I am going to read some books by other authors starting tomorrow! My best to you.
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Hi, Cynthia! Congrats on your new book being released – are you having a launch party somewhere? I would say that I get through 75% of what I buy at the book sale each year, which is why I still have a bunch waiting. But … sometimes I will also pick up books for future reading. I’m not always in the mindspace to read Toni Morrison or Khaled Hosseini, but if I see a hardbound copy of one of their books for $1.00, I’ll grab it anyway. Sometimes I feel like reading Neil Gaiman or Alice Hoffman, sometimes not. Sometimes MG or YA, or urban fantasy – even I never know! And sometimes there are books I’m inspired to read that I can get only at the library. That’s why missing the book sale even gives me a chance to catch up a little!! 🙂
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I hear you, my friend! I’m somewhat the same. thanks for the congrats. Believe it or not, I’m having a book blessing first! My church community will come together to bless the book and wish me well. All other book events will come after that! Please help me spread the word about the book, Jeanne.
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Sounds like a plan! And I can do that – help you spread the word. Is there a summary/blurb somewhere I can pick up easily and frame it with my own comments? (Only cuz I really do have to work a bit here 🙂 I could most likely get to it later today, or certainly tomorrow. J.
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Yes. I’ll send it via email. Okay?
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That will work. And since you’re e-mailing me, also send a high rez image of both your book covers. Thanks!
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Will do!
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