Grasping for the Wind

A Bookaholic Visits Goodwill

Goodwill is a highly underrated store. The wife and I made a trip there a couple of days ago because we needed to pick up some blankets (for cheap) for the new puppy soon to be entering our home.

I rarely visit Goodwill, because A. the rarely have anything I like and B. the stock is so constantly revolving that I feel to get the best deal I would need to go once a week, and I hate leaving the house unless strictly necessary.

Nonetheless, on this visit I walked away with not one, not two, but three books I've wanted to read but refused to pay full price for. Since these were anywhere form $2.50 to $1 in price (depending on hardback or paperback) I'd say that saving an average of $22.50 on a hardback and $13 on a paperback is quite a steal.

I walked away with:

Teacher Man by Frank McCourt in hardback

Night by Elie Wiesel in paperback (Oprah's book Club Edition)

The Telling by Ursula K. LeGuin in hardback

and

The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers in paperback (this one is for the wife an me both.)

The Wife walked away with:

A book by Terri Blackstock in paperback (Christian Fiction author)

A book of literature worksheets for the early grades based on famous books.

And at least two others I didn't look at closely enough to remember.

And yet, we got all this, plus four or five blankets for our dog for $27. Incredible.

No wonder the migrant workers who live nearby shop there. They know a good deal when they see one. I think I'll be following their shopping trends from now on. They know how to get a bargain.

While I was there, I also saw a classic science fiction double book by Jack Vance, which my favorite mag Black Gate, is always raving about. I didn't buy it cause I'm not into pulp books, but my friends who are might strike it rich in this most unlikely place.

At any rate, Goodwill is underrated by us white middle-class, daddy has lots of money folks. Although our children seem to be getting the message. The wife had students in Florida who would shop there and get name-brand clothes with the tags still on them at 80% or better discounts. It's amazing!

I highly recommend that any book lover on a shoestring visit their local Goodwill before hitting the local thrift or used book store. The prices are even cheaper at Goodwill than there, and rather than supporting a profit making business, a charity gets the most benefit. How could you miss?

Posted by John on March 23, 2007 03:19 PM | Posted to Business | Literature and Language | Personal Journal
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