The Wonder of a Used Bookstore…
Lost and Found…
A couple of days ago, I went to a used book store to write. I’ve been there before, but it’s been a very long time since my last visit. I knew exactly what I’d be walking into, but I have to admit, every time I do walk into that bookstore, I get a little sad. Okay, a lot sad. Even though a used book store (or any book store) is like a bookworm’s heroin, I am equally torn between excitement and sorrow.
There are so many books! Shelves upon shelves that line the walls, stacked inside and above bookcases, laying in piles on tables, stuffed into corners. It’s a bookworm’s heaven, and an author’s nightmare. These books have been traded in and discarded by people who don’t care for them, have outgrown them, or just have no place for them in their homes. But at one time in their life, if only for just one fleeting moment, they had loved (or maybe just liked) that book enough to buy it. There were even books with personal escryptions:
“To Linda, with all of my love.”
I found myself wondering what had happened to Linda. Had she not loved the man back? Did Linda pass away and her family donate or sell her books to the bookstore? There is a story there, I was sure of it, could feel it as I held that book. Maybe someone had even written about Linda’s life, and her own story had ended up with the same fate as the book I held in my hand, discarded by a loved one, or stranger. Either way, the idea of it was a little depressing.
I finally made my way back to a table to write, all the while thinking these were words that would end up in a book, and eventually that book would sit, lonely on a shelf in a used book store. Maybe there would would even be a personal inscription from me, or from someone else who purchases it for a loved one. Lost in a sea of other books, waiting for someone to notice it.
I don’t have much time to read anymore, not like I used to before marriage, kids, day job, part time job, and my own writing. If I did have the time, I’d probably spend most of it browsing through books at the used book store, for every one of those books deserve a good home, and eager hands to page through their wonders.
After I finished writing, I spent a little more time browsing the shelves, my eyes so wide. I had no clue how I’d find an author amidst what seemed at first chaos. How could my eyes ever stop to focus on one book? All of my favorite authors were there. Not to mention its non-fiction collection on Ancient Egypt, mythology, aliens, art, culture… So much to choose from! And then I realized there were little alcoves and sections marked with hand written signs on colored paper. Some sections looked as if there were no organization to the books on the shelves ,while others were arranged alphabetically.
My heart beat a rapid staccato in my chest as I slowly made my way around the shelves, eager to purchase a book, unsure which title to take home. I have precious little time to read anymore. It had to be the perfect one, something I could immerse myself in and truly enjoy. It felt as if I were at a fancy restaurant, the waiter hovering above me with pen in hand, waiting to take down my order, anything I wanted, no matter the price, but I had to make my decision in five seconds or I could have nothing. Gah!
I ended up leaving without a book at all, because I just couldn’t choose. I’ll go back this week and make sure I have enough time to really browse the shelves. I will probably have the same experience, a panic over what title to bring home. I won’t leave empty handed, though. I’ll feel guilty if I walk out without something.
XOXO, Niecey Roy
writing Sexy Smooches & Happily-Ever-Afters
Fender Bender Blues, a romantic comedy
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Available everywhere May 3, 2013
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“Classic cars, garden gnomes, and steamy romance? My kind of book!” ~Bestselling Author Kate Perry
“Reading Niecey Roy’s Fender Bender Blues is like eating Lays Potato chips. Once you start, you can’t stop! It’s just that good! For a new (non-fattening) addiction, read Niecey Roy!!! ~Robyn Peterman author of HOW HARD CAN IT BE?
“Fender Bender Blues is a rip-roarin’ good time from start to finish. Filled with handsome men, crazy friends, and love scenes to rev up your engines, you don’t want to miss this one!” ~Amie Louellen, author of Brodie’s Bride and Love Potion Me, Baby
Her life took a wrong turn. He’s driven by success. They didn’t count on crashing into love…
Rachel Bennett loved her job until the day she finds herself doubting her choices. Now she’s hunting for a new career, but starting over isn’t easy. Her plan is simple—no distractions until she finds her dream job. She didn’t plan on fate throwing her a curveball in the form of a fender bender with a sexy guy in an expensive suit.
Craig Larsen is a wealthy, successful business owner with a plan of his own: survive his current PR nightmare and stay away from his overly determined ex-girlfriend. His need for control and personal success is turned upside down when he meets Rach, a sassy redhead who can’t drive.
Soon they find themselves battling with Rach’s grumpy old neighbor, toilet-papering the trees of a high school nemesis, and fighting over the last slice of pizza. Can two very different people plus one fender bender equal a chance at forever?
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