I keep a selection of used books in the store. Mostly non-fiction nature-related. I get most of them at library sales--there was one last week and I went a little crazy.
Field guides sell well. I also keep a small selection of antique and vintage books that may have nothing to do with nature, but are good books that look nice and are useful for the artful (am I being ironic?) displays I aspire to. Jane Eyre, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, and Shadows on the Rock by Willa Cather are pictured here with a stack of field guides.
Thus far I have not carried any contemporary fiction. But this time I picked up a bag full. I stayed close to books whose setting or subject is nature or small towns. These are all books I have read and loved and highly recommend.
I've realized it's a mistake to buy things for the store that I am not enthusiastic about, just because I think "somebody" will like them. Sticking with things that I really love, which includes books, seems to be the way to go. So this weekend I'm taking four bags of books along with me and will fill up my favorite bookcase. Have you read anything lately that you love?
Jen
I'm in the middle of Francine Prose's "Bigfoot Dreams". I don't normally like humor in novels but Prose's, I'm enjoying greatly. It's the story of a Jewish single parent reporter for a sleazy tabloid. Found it at the Goodwill of course. The Washington Post calls it "Metaphysical high comedy." I highly recommend it.
ReplyDeleteWith regard to filling up your store's bookcase, people like seeing books. That's all.
Hi Jen, I do like to read but I am quite slow and many times if the book doesn't grab me enough it doesn't get finished. I have just finished 'The Anatomy of Ghosts' by Andrew Taylor (author of the bestseller 'The American Boy'). I finished it in a couple of days which is really good for me. It is set in Cambridge, England in 1786 and is more of a murder mystery than about ghosts. I enjoyed it very much.
ReplyDeleteI am also reading David Copperfield by Dickens, but it is a very old book and the print is very small and so I am making slow progress, but I want to read some classics as well as new stuff.
Many thanks for your comments about Violet. In it's strongest form it is not a colour for the faint hearted, but I like it when it is paler and dirtier. Periwinkle is a really lovely colour too and I love the flowers. Enjoy your weekend, love Linda x
Oh! I love buying used books more than buying anything else! I LOVE your photos. I LOVE field guides. This post has made me so happy! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI think it's always important to stick with what you are passionate about. otherwise you try to be too many things to too many people. reading On Photography by Susan Sontag at the moment. not sure I can recommend it. I never seem to get through the first essay. maybe I should just skip it...
ReplyDeleteAlways go with what you love! Just finished reading Sheepish by Catherine Friend, and absolutely loved it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely blog this is...glad I stumbled on it!
Rubye--I loved Household Saints by Francine Prose, but haven't read anything by her for a long time. I will look up the book you mentioned--it sounds like like something I'd like. I agree with you about books--people are always drawn to them.
ReplyDeleteLinda--I love historic novels and am putting "The Anatomy of Ghosts" on my list. You sound like me, reading more than one book at a time! I love color and found your post on Violet really interesting. I've been thinking about it.
Petra--I never got through On Photography either. I did take aways something useful of it though--the concept of when traveling how differently we see things when looking through a lens, and if we are actually looking.
Ashling--so glad you found me. Sheepish sounds like something I would like. I am a fan of memoirs, and one having to do with a farm is right up my alley.
Wild Eden--You happiness and enthusiasm make me happy!
I love finding a nice selection of used books!!
ReplyDeleteI love little book collections, especially when I find a shop with a thoughtful curator.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever read anything by Marilynne Robinson? I think her work would fit well with the books you have so far. She's one of my favorite authors.
gilead in bloom
It sounds so good that you wrote"Sticking with things that I really love...". I love the idea and to see your wonderful collection. By the way I came to a fan of Kazuo Ishiguro who is a writer of fiction, though.
ReplyDeleteI dont really have much time these days for reading
ReplyDeletebut I do love to read when I get the chance
Am taking note of all the recommendations above!
Have a good weekend Jen.
x Fiona
Books, esp vintage, are a wonderful addition to any store and home so i'm sure yours will be very well received! I like the selection you've got there, esp the Herriot.
ReplyDeleteyou just made me think that I read very little lately... and there is nothing as the smell of old books ...
ReplyDeletelovely idea Jen : )
Try 'I Capture the Castle' by Dodie um, Smith I think?
ReplyDelete