Sunday, June 26, 2011

Sunday Salon- Save Bookstores Day, and Upcoming Posts

Happy Sunday! I hope everyone is having a nice weekend. Yesterday was Save Bookstores Day, a day on which book lovers were encouraged to visit their favorite bricks-and-mortar bookstore (Amazon doesn't need saving, alas) to buy a book or two. That's every Saturday for me, it seems, so I can't think of an easier assignment. And, as it happens, yesterday and today the wonderful Harvard Book Store is having its semi-annual warehouse sale, where they open the doors of their enormous showroom of remainders, used and collectible books at discounted prices. I came home with a small stack of treasures- a rare collectible Ian McEwan book ate up most of my budget but I got a few little treats, too:
Cider with Rosie, a memoir of Cotswaldian England at the turn of the 20th century, by Laurie Lee;
Resurrecting Hebrew, by Ilan Stavans, a history of Hebrew's growth into a modern spoken language, and  
The Door, a book of poetry by Margaret Atwood.

I'm really happy with my little haul! The sale continues today so if you're in the Boston area I encourage you to check it out. You can find hours and the location of the warehouse on their website, www.harvard.com.

Today? Today's the usual- groceries, my improv class, maybe some relaxing if I'm lucky. I'm almost done reading The Bone People and I'm still reading Caramelo, by Sandra Cisneros, which I like but oh boy it's long. After that, I've got two books on deck to round out the month: Lucy, by Jamaica Kincaid, and The Comfort of Strangers by Ian McEwan. 

Tomorrow I have a post on bookstores charging for events and I'll be reviewing all audiobooks this week, in celebration of Audiobook Month, which is coming to an end. Look for those on Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday I'll have some summer reading suggestions.

And watch for an announcement on Friday! I'm starting a new challenge blog and it launches at the end of the week; if you like European and world literary fiction you'll want to take part!

What are you up to today? More Sunday Salon here.

10 comments:

Sandy Nawrot said...

Yay for audios! Every month is audio month for me. Although when I was overseas, I had not much luck with them, being surrounded by friendly faces 24/7.

I bicycled through the Cotswolds years ago (when I was in a wee bit better shape) and was totally charmed by the place. It was out of a storybook. I can't wait to hear what you think of the book!
Happy Sunday...

Lynne Perednia said...

Goood thing I don't live close enough to get to that warehouse sale. The Cotswolds book and the McEwan both look particularly interesting.

Looking forward to Friday's announcement!

Booksnyc said...

I look forward to your post about bookstores charging for events. I am going to a luncheon with J. Courtney Sullivan (author of Commencement and Maine) tomorrow at an independent bookstore. I am more than happy to pay for the event!

Have a good Sunday and a great week!

Michelle (Red Headed Book Child) said...

How did I miss Save Bookstores day?! Thanks for sharing!

I used to frequent that bookstore when I lived in Boston. So wonderful.

Happy Sunday to you!

Anonymous said...

Good weekend so far...despite the rain and it not looking too promising out there right now. However, I've gotten in some reading and plan to get some more in today, plus reading all these wonderful Sunday Salon posts! :)

I'd love to join your challenge, but I'm involved in a few already and am having a hard time keeping up with them...so....

...that doesn't mean I won't let others know about your challenge when you start it. I'll still help you promote it.

Bellezza said...

I wish I could have gone to the Harvard Used Book Sale with you! The best I can come up with close to me is the AAUW (American Association of University Women) Used Book Sale held at one of our huge high schools. It's still pretty good, though!

I remember how long Caramelo is. Good, but long. I think my favorite Cisneros book is Woman Hollering Creek...a collection of unforgettable short stories. Glad you got a great McEwan!

Kathleen said...

I'm sorry I missed Save Bookstores Day yesterday but will make up for it today by going and buying some books from my library's used bookstore. Happy Sunday!

Zibilee said...

I had not idea that it was Save Bookstore day, but I am not sure if Barnes and Noble counts. It's really the only store here in the area. I am also really keen to find out about the challenge blog you are creating and am eager to see the announcement. It's neat that you got a new MeEwan, even though it was a little pricey. I have a few of his on my shelf that I need to get to!

Anonymous said...

It was Save Bookstores day? How crazy! I observed it without even intending to! I went to McNally Jackson in Soho and bought a nice new book there. :)

Anonymous said...

The Bone People; I'm impressed. I tried to read several years ago and could not get past the first page. I have since read the short stories of Patricia Grace, the Maori writer. And I think that I;m ready to try and read The Bone People again. Looking forward to your comments.