Bought Indie

Friday, May 1 was deemed National "Buy Indie" Day. The noble idea was to visit a local independent bookstore (NOT a chain bookstore) and purchase at least one book (if you are unsure of local independent bookstores in your area, visit the store finder feature at indiebound.org). I immediately marked the date on my calendar when I first heard of the event - and had been counting the days ever since.

I knew that it would be difficult for me to participate on a Friday (too much end-of-school-year activities), so I decided to treat myself to a casual Saturday morning shopping spree.

In Johnson County, KS we have two independent bookstores: Rainy Day Books (a very nice, all-purpose reading bookstore that offers several author events each year) and I Love a Mystery bookstore which sells not only newly published mysteries, but also gently used books as well. Since I did not have the opportunity to visit either of these terrific bookstores, I am planning to extend the "buy indie" book DAY -- to "buy indie" book MONTH! My last day of school is Friday, May 15 and I am hoping to treat myself to another casual book-buying expedition on Saturday the 16th. I am also giving thought to attending the Annie Barrows book signing event on Tuesday, May 19 (she is the co-author of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society -- a book that I read from the local library and would love to own a personal copy). Perhaps I can convince my book buddy to go with me --- what do you say, Jil??

Yesterday's adventures took me to Lawrence, KS - home of the University of Kansas Jayhawks. Lawrence is a leisurely 30 minute drive from my house and Massachusetts Avenue is the quintessential college-town main street. I listened to my Harry Potter CD on the way there and back - and enjoyed a lovely bookish morning. I visited an old favorite, The Dusty Bookshelf, and spent quite a bit of time perusing the floor-to-ceiling shelves of used books. I managed to find a very nice copy of Jaqueline Winspear's book, Birds of a Feather, to accompany my recent book giveaway win of Maisie Dobb from Lesa's Book Critiques.

After browsing at this store I ventured around the corner to an independent store that I had not yet visited, The Raven. What a wonderful little treasure! Most of the books are new (although there is a nice little section of used paperbacks) --- and while the store stocks a variety of genres, the emphasis is on mysteries! I was in heaven!! I spent a good hour looking around, discovering new authors - new series - and familiar favorites. In the end I decided to purchase the 2nd Hannah Swensen book, Strawberry Shortcake Murder, and the first in a new series by Rys Bowen, Her Royal Spyness.

All in all it was a wonderful, relaxing day and I am so happy that I could participate in this worthwhile event. My bookish adventures, however, are not over yet. This week begins the Scholastic Book Warehouse sale, which for our area runs from May 6 - May 21. This is such fun as all the leftover books that have been available at fundraisers across the country are now housed in the local warehouse and sold at a significant discount. I go every year and always find some great bargains. I usually go with an eye for books that I might want to teach in the future. This year, however, thanks to all the wonderful YA reviews on your blogs, I will also go with an eye for books that I would like to add to my personal library.

So how about you? Did you have an opportunity to participate in the Buy Indie event? If so, what did you decide to buy? I am always looking for more great titles to add to my ever-increasing TBR list.