Weather in the Tries: Monday (Today) will be 88, then 95, then five days of triple digits–low 100s. Fortunately, we usually have relatively low humidity. As long as the AQI is good, and it’s cooler out than in, I will open doors and turn on fans. So far, my a/c has come on very few times. It’s set at 80.
Joys of Dealing with Indie Bookstores:
As you undoubtedly know, I’m book poor. I’d rather buy books than groceries; however, I am fortunate in that I can afford both. More’s the pity for my waistline.
I also love supporting authors I know, especially poets. The loving partner of John Roche of Placitas, NM, Jules Nyquist of Jules’ Poetry Playhouse, had a reading at Bookworks Indie Book Store in Albuquerque the other night. I could hardly wait to join the festivities, via zoom, and when the long-awaited time came, I was there. And when Wyatt, of Bookworks, posted the link in chat, so I could order my very own copy of her new book, Atomic Paradise, I clicked.
Imagine my surprise the next morning when I got up and there was an email from Wyatt at Bookworks double-checking to be sure I had ordered the correct book, as I had ordered a different book, and he wanted to be sure I wanted that one v. Jules’ book. My response was, of course, immediate. I wanted Jules’ book.
What I didn’t pay attention to when ordering, because I was really paying attention to the reading, is that Wyatt, or someone, also posted the link to a related book. I clicked on the wrong link. Fortunately, I’d asked a question about getting my copy signed, and when I ordered the book I thanked Wyatt and the store for making the reading available via Zoom, and I looked forward to my signed copy.
Now, if I’d done that with one of the large bookstores, I’d have received the wrong book in the mail in two weeks. Now, thanks to Wyatt, I’ll receive the correct book.
Indie bookstores take care of their customers. I’ve dealt with them for years. I also deal with the big stores, too, but I’m willing to bet 95% of my books come from indie bookstores.
Use your Indie Bookstore. Yes, you can buy it for less from one of the larger stores, but the Indie Stores are owned by your neighbors. And, should you live in one of those cultural deserts without a local, Indie Bookstore, I recommend Bookworks in Albuquerque or Adventures Underground in Richland WA They have websites and know how to mail a book or a game, or anything else they have you want. Honest. Trust me.
I must also state our local Barnes & Noble Bookseller, is a great fan of local authors, and stock their books when possible, and will hold readings and signings when Covid again allows. The staff of our local B&N treat the customers more like an Indie store than a chain store. They’re marvelous.
Photo of the Week:
Status of The Bride’s Gate &c: They have sent the cover for my blessing. I blessed it. So am assuming I’ll be receiving the proof copies soon.
Netflix:
Got hooked on another K-Drama, Navillera (2021). Two things stand out in this movie: 1. The question of what makes you happy? 2. You’re never too old to pursue your dreams! Yes, the computer and search engines are wonderful; “Navillera means beautiful with some soft. In the Joseon Dynasty, they use the word when …watching traditional dance.” It was a one season show and I binged it. The 70-year-old man always wanted to be a ballerino and finally decided to take lessons. His dream was to dance, on stage, in Swan Lake. The arrogant kid was made his teacher. Oh, yeah, you can guess some of it, but I don’t remember ever crying as much in the last episodes as I did in this—I cried for sad, I cried for happy, I laughed out loud. One of the best series ever. It may be available in English, but I always watch movies/series in the language filmed in with English sub-titles. One of the most beautiful series I’ve ever seen. If it ever comes available for purchase, I want a copy. Trailer.
Books: Remember, when I finish a book, I review it, and post my review at Rainy Day Reads
Deaf Republic: Poems —by Ilya Kaminski. One of the best books of poetry I’ve ever read. Blew my socks off! Read my review.
Quotes of the Week:
“You see, bookshops are dreams built of wood and paper. They are time travel and escape and knowledge and power. They are, simply put, the best of places.” —Jen Campbell
“I have gone to [this bookshop] for years, always finding the one book I wanted—and then three more I hadn’t known I wanted.” —Mary Ann Shaffer
And there you have it, gentle readers. My week of excitement. I hope your week brought you as much joy as mine did me. Sammy Brave Dog and I wish you a great week coming. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and watch a new kind of movie, stretch your imagination a bit. 😉