Same Dungeon, Different Day, Seattle, WA
Last night I got the urge to buy a few books after all that book talk. I have been on a search for a book to review for our Act of Giving newsletter. I wanted the book to be relevant to what we do (i.e. grants, global awareness, social services, non-profit startups, etc.) or at least inspiring and motivating to us. I had a hard time finding something since this was such a broad topic, but I think I found a book last night that might do. You’ll have to wait to see if it’s worthy of being mentioned.
Why I bring this up though is because of where I bought the book. Tonja kept telling me that instead of spending all my money on full price books, not to mention at a chain, that I should instead go to a Capitol Hill spot called Half Price Books. So last night after dragging her all over Seattle looking for a duvet cover for me to no avail, I then asked her to finally take me to the infamous book store.
And let me tell you, the place was spectacular. Not only is it a pleasant environment with tall ceilings of wooden beams, but it also has a great selection of books for half the cost. I walked away with the aforementioned find and two other books that I probably would be embarrassed to admit I’m reading. Just junk. But then it dawned on me, “this isn’t a local store, this is a chain!” There is one in the University District and I was sure there was more to discover. Sure enough, I found this article in The Stranger which reminded me of my other favorite place to go: Twice Sold Tales. The Bookstore where I get my never-ending cat fix.
What’s my point? If you can help it, go to Twice Sold Tales first. Let’s really support our local bookshop. After all, my dream is to own a bookstore so how hypocritical am I buying from B&N, Borders, or even Half Price Books. Argh.
I was also saddened when I read that Stranger article. Similar to hearing that Odwalla “Started by three guys with a van and a juicer” is now owned by Pepsi. But I still drink Odwalla and still shop at Half Price books. The selection is too good.
Same with Tazo tea and SBC, now owned by Starbucks.
Don’t forget, Starbucks was once a small local coffee shop. It just became a giant. Still local though. 🙂
And if you’re shopping for books on Capitol Hill and can’t find them at Twice Sold Tales used, go order them from Bailey-Coy a couple of blocks north. They’re local and independent and helpful and fun, and they can order you any book you might find at Amazon or BN.
Yeah KT, we have half-price books in Columbus too.. hey, at least you’re reading books rather than playing mario kart and watching David Cross DVDs like my shallow dumb ass 🙂
I also really like Magus Books in the U District. The address is 1408 NE 42nd St., right around the corner from Bulldog News. There’s a pretty cool coffee shop in the alleyway behind the store as well. Not sure what bookstores are in Ballard, though.
KT- For those of us who are “financially challenged” and need to buy books to participate in a book club with their best friend, a high volume, discount store is our only option. I would love to support local mom & pop stores if they weren’t so expensive. (Half Price Books does donate books that won’t sell and overstock to charities, so they’re not all bad.) I also scope out the local library and place books on hold in advance, so I can get them within the next 6 months if possible. I hate to admit it, but I had to buy an xmas present online at walmart.com, because they were the only store that carried the paticular item I needed. If local stores could offer competitive prices then I would definitely shop at them.
Tonja brings up something we all forgot to mention, THE LIBRARY!!! I need to start using it as well. And speaking of a Book Club, anyone interested in starting one with Tonja and me?
Is there an actual book club being organized among this cohort? I was thinking about it a couple of nights ago when this whole book thread started. It might be a fun idea. Or rather, maybe we could make a list of books to read and people could read them when they get a chance (in whatever order they prefer) and then report back when they’re done. I dunno…maybe that defeats the whole purpose of a book club, but I something like it might be fun.
I’m down for a book club. But I get to pick all the books. Who’s with me?!
I knew you might be interested, Chris, but I have to admit, I’m a little intimidated by you when it comes to books and comprehension. But barring your apparent want to control the book selection 🙂 I think we could consider you for the club. Looked like Mark might be interested too? Was that you Mark? So how do you guys feel about a bunch of girl, sappy, romance novels? Or high class writing like Danielle Steele? That’s acceptable, right?
Believe me, my reading comprehension skills are depressingly average. I enjoy swimming in the deep end of the literary pond, but I usually end up flapping my arms and swallowing water. My favorite books are those where highbrow and readable overlap.
I like the idea of everyone coming up with lists. First a list of books you’ve read, would like to read again, and would make for good conversation. Then a list of books you’re curious about. Then we could see where our tastes overlap. Also, how often would the club meet? Every other month?
I’m open to just about anything. I have to admit, my knowledge of sappy romance novels leaves much to be desired at the moment, so I’d be curious to what you come up with in that department, Katie. Two questions I have at the outset would be with availability (I would have to check out whatever we’re going to read from the library; that may or may not pose a problem…but we can cross that bridge when we come to it) and flexibility (though I gather this is going to be more of a standard “everyone reads the same book at the same time” format, which is fine.) I like Chris’ idea for submitting books that we’ve already read; even if they don’t get picked, it’s always good to get recommendations on what other people are reading. Should we start sending e-mails or posting our potential lists here?
I cannot be in the book club, but would love to see the lists and then the titles you select to read.
Fun!
Brenda
While this may not be convenient for those of you living in Seattle, no discussion of used books stores would be complete without mentioning the best of them all. Duvall Used Books on the main street of Duvall is locally owned by Mike and Vicki Elidge. Great ambience, funny posters, good prices, no phone, no computer, well organized.
I’ve been there before. It’s a great little bookstore. They didn’t even have a cash register; all the transactions were recorded in a ledger. (This was about ten years ago, so maybe they’ve gotten one since then.) Good selection too. Definitely worth checking out if you’re ever in the area.
Book club? Yeah, I’m in, too! I’d be happy to host the first one…
Well, first off, I’ve been playing rugby with a guy from WWU who joined the army and left school. Can’t remember his real name, we call him MAC. Want a good book to read. I haven’t been able to put it down and well I’ve been laughing my ass off the entire time. “Youth In Revolt: the Journals of Nick Twisp” by C.D. Payne.
i vaguely recall you talking about searching out a book alogn these lines, but i cannot find the entry – maybe i imagined it – if i did, just ignore…..
How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas
by David Bornstein
ISBN: 0195138058
They are ordering three copies at SPL and there are only two holds, so you could pick one up when it comes in.