Sunday, May 2, 2010

Used book fair treasures

This weekend there is a huge book fair at a local mall.   I went yesterday and came away with some great finds.  In all, I only spent $22 (I say I only spent $22, the husband's eyes grew as large as saucers when he heard $22 and then they got even bigger when he realized he heard me right).

Here's a list of the books I got and some other tidbits about my finds.
* = author's I haven't read yet but they were on my wish list

Fireside by Susan Wiggs *
Dockside by Susan Wiggs *
74 Seaside Avenue by Debbie Macomber
6 Rainier Drive by Debbie Macomber
Dakota Home by Debbie Macomber
The Angels of Morgan Hill by Donna VanLiere
Last Stop by Peter Lerangis (children's book)
Alphabet Weekends by Elizabeth Noble
The Tall Pine Polka by Lorna Landvik
Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky *
An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor *
The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent *
The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan *
Up Close and Personal by Linda Howard
Mind Prey by John Sandford
Last Breath by Mariah Stewart
The President's Daughter by Mariah Stewart
Carved in Bone by Jefferson Bass
When Will the Dead Lady Sing by Patricia Sprinkle *
Slaying is Such Sweet Sorrow by Patricia Harwin *
Blood Orange Brewing by Laura Childs
Needled to Death by Maggie Sefton *
Knit One, Knit Two by Maggie Sefton


I was giddy with joy (seriously..as in: giggling out loud and saying "yeah!") when  I found these books:
An Irish Country Doctor because Beth Fish Reads reviewed An Irish Country Christmas in March and the series sounded wonderful.  If I hadn't read that review, I wouldn't have even noticed this book.

The Heretic's Daughter because I know of two ladies in online book groups I belong to who have read this one and liked it.  Oh, and it's hardback and in like new condition.

The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan because I've been wanting to read this one for awhile now, and the copy I bought is hardcover and still in great condition.


I was also able to snag a free t-shirt that says Read on the front.  Who wouldn't love a t-shirt like that right?

I happened to say something to the husband about how Sunday (today) all the books are half-off and I was tempted to go again.  He asked how many books I already owned that I haven't read. I said I didn't know.  He said I had to have an idea.  I said no.  He told me to guess.  I said 10. He gave me THE LOOK.  The one that says "Who do you think you are kidding? We both know that's a lie." and of course he is right.  He then told me I couldn't go back today because even if the paperbacks would only be $0.25, I didn't need any more.  I than countered that with "I'll just end up paying full price for 'em then".  At which point he told me I couldn't buy any more books till I've read all the ones I already own (at which point..I went outside to do some yardwork and then running...had to get some of the anger out of my system).  Ladies..you have no freaking clue how hard it is for me not to go back today and buy a ton more books in retaliation.  If I can sneak out...I will.   I mean..come on...paperbacks for $0.25!  Who could resist?


I also am not sure if I should be impress or worried.  Why you ask?  Well, it seems I am able to recognize the Berkley Price Crime Mystery logo on the spine of the books from a good distance.  See..when I go to used book fairs I just skim all the books.  I'm sure I miss some good ones, but most of the time if it's a book I want to read or an author I already read, the title and/or author's name jumps out at me.  I think the evidence is above with my giddy finds.  Anyway, so you have no idea how easy it was for me to spot the cozy mysteries! Lol!  I noticed the logo and was grabbing for it before I even knew the title or author.  Several times I had to stop myself because I was about to start reaching around people, at books they were currently looking at.


ok ok..I'll admit it..I also bought 6 that I already owned.  Ooops....You have no idea how embarrassed I am to admit that, but, I have to admit that they are all in great condition and 4 are cozies. I was actually incredibly happy to find one, but then disappointed when I realized I already had that one in the series.  Oh well...it happens to everyone right?  Right?  Please tell me this has happened to you.   On a bright note, I'll be offering all the cozies as a give away on my cozy mystery challenge blog, after the challenge ends.   

I also bought one book specifically to give away on my cozy mystery blog, Last Writes by Laura Levine

10 comments:

bermudaonion said...

Your post made me laugh so hard, I was almost crying! Boy, can I relate to it. You found some great treasures.

Kaye said...

oooh, Kris, it sounds like you had a wonderful time shopping. I'm glad you got patricia Sprinkle and Laura Childs. I loved Susan Wiggs's Fireside! The whole Lakeshore chronicles series is great. By the time our library booksale is $3.00 a bag, most of the cozies are gone. And yes I have definitely bought books I have already read or own.

WonderBunny said...

My fiance hasn't really said much about my book stack and he knows where all the books are that I haven't read. In fact, I have a shelf in our bedroom with all of the 200 books on it. I kept saying how I was getting books on the shelf this month because I've been reading books I own and he hasn't seemed to care. I think he is accepting of the fact that he marrying a bookworm and if he didn't like the fact that together we own a ton of books, then he might be marrying the wrong person. Plus, he knows all the books I buy physical copies of are books I think he will enjoy too (I bought a kindle earlier this year).

Lover of Books said...

I have done the whole bought a book I already owned. Opps. Now I try to be more consistent. lol Good luck! I need to go to half price book store and sell a bunch. I have two grocery bags full. I know I'll get measly amounts but need to satisfy my new clothes habit. Oh boy! LOL

DarcyO said...

Kris, you are not alone. I have also bought books that I already had at home. But I can't pass up a great deal. My husband doesn't understand either. Hope you were able to sneak out for the 25-cent sale.

Unknown said...

Bermudaonion - lol - I'm glad I could make you laugh.

Kaye - So glad to hear good things about the Lakeshore Chronicles book. I haven't read any of the books by the author but thought I had read good reviews, so grabbed the 2 I got because they were in such good shape. Glad to hear I'm not the only who buys duplicates too.

WonderBunny - You would think Husband would understand, especially when we converted a room to be a freaking library in the house, but alas..he worries about money. He's also not a reader, so he just doesn't get it.

Lover of books - I don't even want to start in on my clothes habit. Lol! My current addiction is running clothes...who would have thought it was fun buying workout clothes?

Darcy - Glad I'm not the only one with a husband who doesn't get it. I wasn't able to sneak out, but never fear, they do this book fair every year. lol! There's another one that is similar, but not as large of selection, put on by the ymca in August or September (I can't remember) so I'll be hitting another one later this year.

Serena said...

Wow, you did great at the used book sale! The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan is a fantastic read...enjoy your books.

Lisa said...

I have Fireside on my TBR, looking forward to seeing what you think of it.

I think you got a ton of books for $22!

Kelley Hardesty-Fulmer said...

Hi Kris,

Let me know when you start Heretics Daughter. I have it sitting on my shelf to read. No rush, as I have a stack of books to read, I just thought it would be fun to read at the same time to discuss after!
Kelley

Unknown said...

Kelley - sounds good! Although..it might be best to pick a month to read it, otherwise it could sit for years. Any coming months good for you? I'm sure I could roll with anything.