Memoir Heaven
The packages should start arriving in the mail soon.
One book from Massachusetts (All Seasons Pass).
Another from New Jersey (The Best Day the Worst Day).
More from California (The Disappearance), Nevada (The Education of Koko), and Boston (Heaven’s Coast).
Pretty soon I’ll be in memoir heaven.
It’s always great to come across a writer who has a list of recommended memoirs on their site (like Barbara over at Writing Time), or who mention them a lot (like Lisa).
I ordered the books online with a gift certificate someone gave me (well, technically the gift certificate was given to my husband, but he’s nice and let me have it after I kept drooling over it). Because they’re used books, I’m getting five for the price of two.
My husband doesn’t understand why I don’t do this more often – buy used books instead of agonizing over how much of my hard-earned freelance income I’m going to spend on new books.
But I want to support my industry, especially the writers themselves. So for the most part, I buy new books. I’m trying to be better at buying them from independent bookstores too, but those are harder and harder to come by these days (Dutton’s in Brentwood, CA, where Anne Lamott used to give readings, is closing). Another favorite place I frequent when I’m out west is Maria’s Bookshop in Colorado. Her selection is lovely.
Anyway, do you buy new or used books? From independent stores or big business? Or are you a library person?
posted by Jenny at 12:42 AM
15 Comments:
Hey - I just started an interesting memoir. "Swallow the Ocean" by Laura M Flynn. Captivating so far.
Thanks for your suggestions. Always looking for new books to read!
11:48 AM
I'm an "all of the above" kind of gal. I should use the library more often, but I'm a chronic, pick it up, put it down, pick it up again kind of reader and I usually run out of time on renewals. I also get to impatient to read new books that have long waiting lists. I buy used reference books on things like grant writing and software programs, but novels I tend to buy new. We have Powell's which sells new and used side by side often. It's great to have the options.
(Just a side note - been thinking and praying for you lately. Had two friends recently experience miscarriages and I was just prompted to pray for my friends who are on this journey to becoming parents. Just wanted you to know! Hope all is going well.)
6:41 PM
Aw. Thanks, Kim.
Sandi, I've seen that book. Will have to check it out.
7:09 PM
I am a "gotta own the book" reader. Too many years of fines at the library because I am usually reading several books at a time.
I love to peruse the shelves at our local used book store (Half Price Books) and do occasionally buy from there, but if I'm being honest I get most of my books from Amazon. I love hearing about a book, instantly finding it on the web, reading reader reviews of it and ordering it all within ten minutes - no gas, no kids to corral in the store, no worries. Then, by the time it shows up on my doorstep, it feels like a Christmas gift. LOVE IT!
8:08 PM
I love memoirs too, but I'm most definitely a library girl. While I believe in supporting the authors, I just can't keep all those books -- they're too much to move, for a girl on the move. :)
11:15 PM
Libraries? GOOD ONE! HA, Ha, Ha! That's for SISSIES! I just keep buying more book shelves - won't stop until I get me one of those ladders on wheels!
11:01 AM
LOL - I've been torn about this for a long time. The librarian in me says "library! library! library!" but the writer in me says "get 'em to buy! buy! buy!" ;) That said, if I find a good book anywhere I'll do whatever it takes to get it home...
2:51 PM
All of the above...I'm a book freak...I won't hesitate to open it up and stick my nose right in the middle for a big sniff.
I gone a call from our local independent bookstore owner just today...I don't remember ordering it??? But can't wait to pick it up tomorrow :)
Hope your healthy and having fun,
:) xo Darlene
2:26 AM
I am a library girl - Guess I am a sissy!!! haha
I read about 3 or 4 books per week so if I bought everything I wanted to read, there may not be grocery money left to feed the kiddos. :)
However, I do buy my absolute favorites and save them (like all my vintage Nancy Drew) and collect antique bible commentaries and early american school primers. I am a weird chick.
10:15 AM
I get Amazon deliveries almost daily. I think I now own more books that I've not read than I have read. And, now, you've given me MORE titles to check out. Thanks. :)
I love our local independent bookstore, Vromans. You may have heard of it since you're from around here, although it sounds like you were living on the west side. I love Duttons, too, but I only get over there when I'm working at UCLA.
But I usually buy from Amazon. Better prices. Although I also have to admit that I've never left Vromans empty handed.
12:51 PM
I LOVE the library...it still amazes me that I can walk in there, take out as many books as I want, and take them home to read for no cost at all. It's like heaven. It's also how I discover the books I want to own...most library visits are followed by a trip to Borders or Amazon.com. A beautiful cycle, really :)
3:08 PM
All of the above, though I find it very confining not to fold the pages of library books.
Libraries are heaven. True dat Trish.
12:56 PM
That's a good point, Trish!
1:56 AM
I'm having trouble commenting -- wanted to recommend Alex, by Frank Deford -- so lovely and amazing! Also, It's Always Something by Gilda Radner.
I'm a new book buyer, unless books are out of print. Then I'll buy used. My favorite memoir of all time is out of print, but you can get it used -- In the Absence of Angels, by Elizabeth Glaser.
2:22 PM
Thanks, Courtney. Can't wait to read those!
9:14 PM
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