Guess where we were today? My husband and I spent a sunny Sunday afternoon checking out the Borders book store closing sale. It was crowded but we still managed to snag a table in the cafe and shared a smoothie while we looked over our books.
We were happy with our book finds but still couldn’t help but feel sad about the closing. Not only was this store where we’d sometimes go have breakfast at on Saturdays, but it was also where my husband had a small collection of his calligraphy on exhibit. A shame to see the good stores go away isn’t it?
Anyway here’s my stash of books, and I even got a library book kit! For $5 it was too cute to pass up. I really wanted to buy more stuff but refrained. The book store’s final day is next Saturday so who knows I may just go back for more.
Oh wow…nice buys. And that library kit looks like fun. I’m dying for the inside of a bookstore. Amazon is fun, but not the same. I think I’m off to Borders this afternoon.
Oh that’s too bad about your husband’s calligraphy exhibit, but I’m sure he’ll be able to display it somewhere else. Has he shown his work in the local libraries? Or for that matter, have you?
Isn’t it a delightful experience to do some Sunday book shopping? That’s what the hubby and I did yesterday, too. And it was a beautiful sunny day in Toronto, just perfect for walking (as long as you were bundled up properly!)
And hey! I’ve got that library kit, too! (You got a way better deal, lucky gal!)
Not only do I want to hear what you think about The Book Thief, I want to read Michael’s review of it, also. What a powerful book!
Kisane – I know it’s sad isn’t it. Go have fun at Borders. Can’t wait to hear what you got.
Patricia – I should have said “where he once had work on exhibit”. He’s been able to have a couple of works around town (libraries, small galleries, etc.) Me? I don’t do calligraphy so no exhibit for me 🙂
Bookworm – I’m reading Book Thief for one of my book groups later this year. I don’t know if I’ll be able to wait though. ha.ha. I’ll see if I can get Michael to read it. If only he’ll drop those design books long enough 🙂
I hate the loss of the small, privately owned book stores, but it is definitely a sign of the times. Glad you got some great buys, though!
How come bookstores never close near me? I want cheap books. LOL!
Oooohhh can’t wait to hear what you think of The Book Thief!! And nice haul! And how sad to see a favorite store closing 🙁
Wow, I’m surprised Borders had a 40% off sale. I would’ve thought they’d just send the stock back to distribution. I would have gone wild with that sale! I remember when I worked for Borders and we had our employee discount sale days and got 40% off the merchandise. That’s how my TBR stacks grew out of control.
You got two great books, in my opinion. The Book Thief, as you are probably tired of me repeating, was my #1 read for 2006. The Night Watch is excellent and I look forward to reading more of her books this year.
Very good finds and even one for the book group! That is sad about the book store going away but it sounds like you have some good memories to remind you of your times there…..
Jenclair – Sign of the times indeed. Sad.
C – At least the sale makes it hurt a little less 🙂
Heather – I know you loved that one and his other book too right?
Les in ne – I thought they’d send the stock to another store too. I was surprised. We were bummed out we just didn’t get there in time to get the Moleskines. I’m looking forward to Night Watch because I started that one last year and never finished it. Right book, wrong time sort of thing. I do recommend “Affinity”!
Christine – Good memories for sure. And, actually I got two books for our book group (Book Thief & Dancing Girls of Lahore). So excited about that!
Wow, didn’t know chain bookstores closed!
You definitely showed restraint! I would have gone crazy in a 40% off sale!! 🙂 Sorry to hear they are closing, though! Enjoy your books!
Too bad they are closing. How did you restrain yourself from not buying more?
Carl V. – Luckily it was just one store. If the whole chain close up here in Dallas I’d move!
Danielle – I know that was restraint wasn’t it? 🙂
Nancy – I think the only thing that kept me from buying more was that my arms were already falling asleep with that load. The lines were so long to check out! ha,ha…
I second what Carl said! I was convinced that Borders was overtaking the world!
Sounds like you got some good buys though. I have The Book Thief on my wishlist as I have heard so many wonderful things about it.
Besides Night Watch and Book Thief, what are your other books? I couldn’t read the titles? Tell me about the library kit?
I was in Borders today, but sadly they weren’t closing. Well, not closing is fine, but a sale would be great! The library kit looks fantastic.
Yay for Billy Collins and The Book Thief!!! Boo for bookstores closing.
Kimbofo – I hope I won’t be disappointed with Book Thief. Everyone seems to love it.
Isabel – I got Dancing Girls of Lahore, Love in a Cold Climate and 180 More Poems. The library kit is cute but honestly I don’t know if I’ll even use it – I don’t lend out my books. ha,ha.
Max – They also had a DVD kit and a CD kit. I kind of wish I’d gotten those too.
Andi – You should go check out the sale if you have a chance! But you are right, boo on them!
sad: borders closing
happy: sale! wish they had more of those–minus the closing impetus
cute: the library kit…i am jealous. i can see how that would keep one entertained for hours!
book thief: i have been dragging my feet on this book despite the continuous/positive recomendations. it seems to fantasy fiction for me. i’ll be curious to hear your thoughts!
That’s too bad about the store closing, especially since you enjoyed your time there so much! But you’ve got some good books – I have ‘Love in a Cold Climate’ and ‘The Night Watch’ on my TBR shelf. And what a cute kit!
Kristen – I know, with that little book kit I may fulfill those fantasies I had of being a librarian. ha,ha.
Lesley – Luckily there are a few other Borders in my area and a bunch of B&N too. Still, I liked that one 🙂
Cannot wait to read The Night Watch!
Which Borders is it? I might hit it up!
LOVE the library book kit!! ooooooooo I want one!
Jordan – The funny thing is I tried reading Night Watch last year but never finished it. I know it wasn’t the book – it was me. So I’m looking forward to starting all over with it.
Andi – I see you got my email 🙂 Have fun!
Heather T. – Isn’t it the cutest? I haven’t opened it yet but I want to stamp something 🙂
Yes, The Book Thief is very good. I don’t think of it as Fantasy Fiction at all. I have absolutely no interest in that genre. I guess the fantasy part comes in to play with the fact that Death is narrating the story, but other than that, it’s plain fiction to me — a great human-interest story.
Iliana, I should have been more clear in my question about your creative works. I wanted to know if you’ve ever displayed any of your book art in a gallery or library. You may have mentioned this before, but I’m afraid I’ve forgotten. And by the way, when are we going to see some of your wonderful creations here? 😉
Patricia – Oh got it 🙂 No, I’ve never displayed any of my books. I think I’m a bit hesitant to even look for opportunities for that as I feel like I’m such a beginner. I have several books to show off here on my blog but I’ve been so swamped I haven’t had a chance to take pictures. Argh. Must prioritize. Thank you for asking though and hopefully I’ll get my act in order soon 🙂
It’s so sad the store is closing – but I must say you didn’t buy nearly as much as I probably would have. haha!
Hmmm. MY Borders is closing on Saturday (been there 4 times in the last 7 days), and SOMEONE bought the complete works of E.E. Cummings that I was eyeing at 25% off. I came back at 40% off, and it was gone, gone, gone.
Did you score the Cummings? Are we the same person?