So a few days ago, some other bloggers and I decided we need to recreate the book portion of BEA. This idea transformed into “No BEA? Books Anyway!” The idea is to take some of the money we’re saving by NOT being at BEA and take it to support authors, publishers, and booksellers, as well as promoting some books we’re very excited about. I got REALLY into the spirit of the event today. I went to Half Price Books, Barnes & Nobles, and Borders, since I had giftcards to all 3 stores. I ended up spending my giftcards plus some (although at HPB I only went $1.04 over my giftcard amount). I ended up buying way more than I planned, because Borders was having a bargain blow-out sale, all books with blue stickers were $1.00. Barnes and Nobles had some good books on super sale too. I didn’t buy books just for myself, though, I bought them for the whole family, including our little baby who is coming any day now.
For starters, the books I bought for hubby:
That would be:
There Are No Children Here by Alex Kotlowitz
The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell
Einstein by Walter Isaacson
He’s been looking at “Einstein” since it came out and it was $10 in hardback! He has also been wanting “The Tipping Point” recently and since he’s not a huge reader, I jump to buy books that he wants, because that means he’ll read them.
Then there are the books for/because of baby:
What we have here:
Ruth and Naomi by Jean Marzollo
Daniel and the Lions’ Den by Jean Marzollo
Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld
The Mixed-Up Chameleon by Eric Carle
Spot Goes to School by Eric Hill
Where’s Spot by Eric Hill
The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle
On Noah’s Ark by Jan Brett
Baby Nose to Baby Toes by Vicky Ceelen
Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron
Finally, the way too many books I bought for myself. You’ll notice that I have “Einstein” in this pile too, that’s because a) I wasn’t paying attention, and b) I want to read it too.
So other than “Einstein,” what we have here is:
Left pile:
The Book of Air and Shadows by Michael Gruber
In the Company of Courtesans by Sarah Dunant
Abraham by Bruce Feiler
1421: The Year China Discovered America by Gavin Menzies
Sex With Kings by Eleanor Herman
Right pile:
Roanoke by Margarent Lawrence
The World Before Her by Deborah Weisgall
Speak by Laurie Halse Andersen
Sala’s Gift by Ann Kirschner
The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan
Mistress of the Art of Death by Arianna Franklin
Forever Lily by Beth Nonte Russell
Rome 1960 by David Maraniss
A Voyage Long and Strange by Tony Horowitz
Burnt Shadows by Kamila Shamsie
Here are the books about which I’m most excited. Both of them have gotten a lot of buzz:
Did you buy anything for “No BEA? Books Anyway!”? If so, go and leave your link in the Mr. Linky on the original post. If buying books isn’t in the cards this weekend, you can still participate by highlighting some of the books you are most excited about right now.
You just bought a LOT of books from my own TBR pile, how funny! I have Burnt Shadows as well, I’m really looking forward to that one. Great choices, Jen!
Meghan’s last blog post..Review: Oakleaf Bearers, John Flanagan
That doesn’t really surprise me, we have fairly similar taste in books. Other than Burnt Shadows, what other books are from your TBR list?
What a great collection of books you got!!!
Bonnie’s last blog post..Giveaway: Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
I just packed up your four book grab bag. I could tell you what you’re getting, but I won’t.
Literate Housewife’s last blog post..Can’t Go to the BEA? I’ve Got Prizes for You!
You’re such a tease!
I also forgot to mention that my sister surprised me with a copy of Roanoke this week.
She said that I had to have it since I live there (well not exactly in that Roanoke, but you get the idea).
Literate Housewife’s last blog post..Can’t Go to the BEA? I’ve Got Prizes for You!
That’s amazing! You’ve got great titles and it sounds like you found terrific deals. I would love to know how much you ended up saving from their original price. Enjoy!
Wrighty’s last blog post..GIANT contest closing soon!
I would guess that I saved at least $200 from full price, if not more (counting my giftcards as what I paid, not what I saved), based on an average price of at least $15/book.
I’m in luck, my library is having a major book sale today! Now I just need to figure out how to sneak in all these books back to my apartment without my boyfriend finding out…
Nari – The Novel World’s last blog post..Pretties – Review
Okay I was good and didn’t go out today.
Jen you are going to love Duck Rabbit. Michael loves that book and we read it all the time. I also have speak in my TBR pile hoping to read it next weekend during the 48HBC
Cindy’s last blog post..Wrap up of last nights BEAtwittyparty
I love all those cute baby books you bought!! Have fun with all the reading goodies!
Staci’s last blog post..Guest Post with Author Julia Hoban and Giveaway!!
Wow, you did really well – what a lovely haul! I have Einstein sitting in my TBR and now I’m thinking I should really be getting to it. Sex with Kings – what a title!
Belle’s last blog post..What’s Up Saturday – May 30
What a haul!! “Duck! Rabbit!” is such a fun book to read out loud. I received “Burnt Shadows” in a twitter contest; I didn’t get it started in time for the Picador Book Club but what I have read is very lovely. “Sex with Kings” is really funny (sad, too, in a few bits) and if you like it you’ll have to follow up with “Sex with Queens.”
I linked my haul post up with Mr. Linky (no. 5 on the list but I’ve never used him before – do I need to comment on the original “No BEA? Books anyway!” post?)
Melissa’s last blog post..Missed the #BEATwittyparty?
What a great idea! Looks like you did pretty well.
Stephanie’s last blog post..Guest post by Judi Ryan Hendricks
Great books..and this is a great idea!
Toni’s last blog post..Mail Box Monday June 1st.
What a great idea! Your husband will love There are No Children Here. I have read it though twice. It is fabulous. Your shopping spree must have been wonderful. Great fun. Enjoy your purchases.
Wisteria’s last blog post..Review-Follow Me-Joanna Scott
Wowzer! You went all out! Fabulous for you. I have In the Company of Courtesans by Durant already in my TBR pile and bought Andersen’s Speak this weekend as part of my No BEA, Books Anyway purchases.
Michelle’s last blog post..Technorati
Forever Lily is next in my to be read pile. I will be looking forward to your review!
Wow — that is a fantastic haul!
Jess’s last blog post..Review — Thr3e
great haul of books! congrats…I’ve heard great buzz about Burnt Shadows too.
Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit)’s last blog post..Fodor’s New York City 2009 Guide
I’m trying to read one post from each blog I subscribe to in order to clear out my Reader. I just couldn’t resist this one! It looks like you’re trying to save the publishing industry. I actually bought a book at the airport on my way home from BEA!
With this many purchases it does seem like I’m trying to save the publishing industry all by myself, doesn’t it?