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11/25/2005: ""Spoiled" Book?"

Finished at last!

The construction on First Street, and on my doorstep is officially done!

Two days ago the construction crews finished fiddling with the wiring, and the streetlamps are working. I've got evening lighting to illuminate the block. Quite nice, really. But most importantly, the shop is once again accessible. There's parking available right on the street, directly in front of the shop. You don't have to walk around the corner, unless you want to, of course. So, all of you who have been avoiding the downtown area, come on back.

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A woman said something to me the other day which struck me as odd. She said she was buying books for the children of a wealthy friend, and she wasn't sure whether used books would be well-received.

Going beyond the idea of telling someone where you got the gift (something I almost never do), I was struck by the implications of that. Because someone has read a book before you, does that "spoil" it? Do some people assume a previously-read book is like a can of tuna fish with an expired date on it?

To my mind, all the best books are previously read ones. The lines on the spine detail how engrossed the previous reader was; the book bent backwards by a person intent on the next detail. Too, think of the multitudes of books passed on by family and friends; "Oh, you must read this!" Books swapped by friends at sports clubs, and read by a person panting on either stairmaster or stationary bike.

Are newly minted paperbacks the only ones passed on by the well-to-do? I think not. Many are the Armani suits and diamond necklaces which walk in; stacks of books purchased, or rare tomes snapped up in preparation for dressings of wrapping paper or colored bows. Just because one *can* buy all the books new, doesn't mean that one should. Pennies saved and pounds, etc, as the bromide goes.

So, as you're preparing to get your holiday presents ready, why not give a present that can be opened again and again: books are fine gifts, and here, you can get them at half-price! If you prefer online shopping, Book Oasis does that, too!

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REMINDER: The Holiday Sale will be December 16 & 17. ALL DAY, ALL BOOKS HALF OFF!