If I read correctly, over 4 million volumes were available at this year’s big book sale. Books are organized in categories designated by a number. Fiction was sub-divided into genres but books were in random order. You have to grab what catches your eyes and decides later because you will never see the book again.
I didn’t drive a van into which I load up boxes of loots like some women did. I brought a duffel bag and that was more than suffice to carry these goodies:
Number 9 Dreams David Mitchell
After Dark Haruki Murakami*
Norwegian Wood Haruki Murakami*
Love Toni Morrison
Alternatives to Sex Stephen McCauley
The Other Side of the Bridge Mary Lawson*
Moloka’i Alan Brennert*
Zeitoun Dave Eggers*^
The Space Between Us: A Novel Thrity Umrigar*
The Madonnas of Leningrad: A Novel Debra Dean*
A Gate at the Stairs Lorrie Moore#*
The Glass Room Simon Mawer*
East of the Sun: A Novel Julia Gregson*
Crossing to Safety Wallace Earle Stegner*
The Painter from Shanghai: A Novel Jennifer Cody Epstein*
As I Lay Dying (Norton Critical Editions) William Faulkner
*New author to me
#Short-listed for Orange Prize 2010
^One City, One Book selection
Patience is rewarding. I never expected to find these books since I missed the exclusive preview for members of the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library on Tuesday.
Filed under: Books, Library, Living in the City, Personal Tagged: | Book Sale, Library, Personal
I’ve been craving a big book sale like the sounds of this one. I’ll be interested to see what you think of the Lorrie Moore book. I’m a big fan of hers, but … well, not so much of this one.
Enjoy your new books!
I haven’t heard of Lorrie Moore until she was shortlisted for Orange Prize. Despite the mixed reviews of her book, I would like to give it a try.
My thoughts on your loot!!
Number 9 Dreams David Mitchell – I wanted to read this!
After Dark Haruki Murakami – Read this, love this!
Norwegian Wood Haruki Murakami – I am dying to read this!
Love Toni Morrison – I want to read Toni Morrison…
Zeitoun Dave Eggers – I love this book!
Enjoy your loot!
After Dark is at the top of my pile because I have never read Haruki Murakami. Toni Morrison might very well be next because I haven’t read her this year. Zeitoun has been selected by the SF Public Library as the “One City, One Book” novel. It’s like a citywide book club that meets at the main library once a month.
Great! Re Murakami, After Dark was interesting. A bit contrived. The Wind Up Bird might be his best. BTW, I enjoy your posts! Thanks.
After Dark and Norwegian Wood are at the top of my list. I have to change the fact that I have never read After Murakami.
Crossing to Safety is one of my all-time favorites! Can’t wait to hear what you think of it. I’m also interested in The Space Between Us. I’ve been wanting to read Thrity Umriger. Great haul, Matt – enjoy.
I tend to me more generous and open-minded with books by authors whom I have never read at a book sale like this one. I read about Thrity Umriger on some book blogs and I want to give her a try.
Murakami’s good. I’ve read The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles and A Wild Sheep Chose. You found some good books, there.
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles seems to be wrapped up in magical realism. I would eventually get to it but I’m going to begin with After Dark.
I think you did great…4 Million???!!!!!! That is pure heaven for sure
Yes, everyone who came to the sale, especially the newcomers, would pause and wear the same facial expression: their mouths were the shape of an “O”.
I’m so disappointed that I missed the sale. I can’t believe there were over 4 million books for sale. What a wonderful way to raise money for the library system and you got such a wonderful bag of treasures.
For your info, the Friends of the SF Public Library also maintains a store (collection center) in the city. I believe it’s in the Mission. Although they don’t have 4 million books, but you will find some treasures there. The proceeds of Book Bay at Fort Mason also go to the public library.
Great picks! Love that you brought a duffel – smart thinking!
Duffel makes it easier to carry.
You’ve got some gems there. Murakami, Morrison and Unrigar alone are so very good.
These three authors are all my priority because I haven’t read any of them this year.
It’s great to see you mention Haruki Murakami here. Hope you like him as much as I do, he’s the author who changes my life.
It may be easier to start with Norwegian Wood as this makes him famous. After Dark is a bit too “dark” for me.
Been revisiting his works chronologically 2 months ago. I’m reading the Chinese version though, because I’m also from HK.
I loved Norwegian Wood (I’ve loved all of the Murakami that I’ve read – 3 or 4 so far).
Wow, you got such good stuff. You’ve not read Murakami? I thought you must have. Oh you are in for a treat! I loved Norwegian Wood. Enjoy all of your books.