It literally becomes incumbent upon me to try to slither I to a used bookstore in any twin I happen to be in other than my own. Boise Idaho was no different. And I found two.
I also managed to find three books that have the “can’t pass up” feel to them. These are all things easily acquired in Amazon, but why? The experiential/tactile sort of binary mashup is worth the shipping costs at least.The first exists in theheart of what is known at the “8th street walk,” called Rediscovered Books. A beautifully-laid out hybrid of used and new books, both shelved together with rendering stickers. Bruce, the owner, was extremely helpful to us.
It was here that I walked out with Flannery O’Connor, The Complete Stories. Now, I already own this on my Nook. But here’s the odd thing. I had no idea that book was as thick as it is–and for me, this seems to matter. I guess some erudite sociologist will say it’s because of my prehistoric conditioning before the digital age, but I’m getting the same vibe from my children, who were definitely postdiluvian.
The second is one of which I am guilty of buying on the intriguing blur and cover: The Royal Wulff Murders. This involves mystery, homicide, flat-footing . . . and . . . Fly-fishing.
Apparently, a body is fished out of the river, and discovered to have a Royal Wulff in his lip, and a stick protruding from his eye.
Sounds like a good start to me.
The third book was A Separate Peace. I bought this because I was supposed to read it a LONG TIME AGO. And never did. I found this one at Bent Corners–a solidly second-hand bookstore on N. Five Mile Rd.
Supposedly, that book has some haunting echo to it. So I’ll just read it and find out what the stink is all about.
I read “A Separate Peace” many years ago. It is haunting.
I think Helene weighed in on it once, too.
I think she called it one of the more disturbing books she’s read. It rather subtly deals with the dark side of human nature, and it is not until towards then end that the full impact hits you.