Yup, you read that right. FOUR POUNDS. I couldn’t believe my luck.
I don’t have any book shops in my town, but I do have a number of charity shops, where there’s a treasure-trove of books just waiting to be rediscovered.
I decided to quickly pop into my favourite shop – just to see if they had anything new in – and couldn’t believe it when I saw a “3 books for £1” sale. I immediately starting browsing through the shelves, and ended up with 10 books, a DVD and a boxed Jane Austen collection – all for £4!
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
This is a beautiful leather-bound edition, published in New York by Avenel Books. There’s no ISBN or publish date, but after a quick search I think I can confirm that it was published in 1975.
Since studying Shakespeare at school, I haven’t really read any of his work since, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to get the complete collection. That way I can dip into any Shakespeare whenever I fancy (and save on precious bookshelf space!).
The Faber Book of Science (edited by John Carey)
I was initially drawn by the cover of this book, but when I saw that it was a collection of scientists’ writings I knew that I would have to have it.
I’ve always been fascinated by the way the world works, and I enjoy reading about science and psychology, as it enables me to learn more about the world. This collection, published in 1995, includes excerpts from Darwin, Richard Dawkins and Steve Jones to name just a few, covering an array of subjects from hunting spiders to back holes.
The Irvine Welsh Omnibus
Despite it being on my wishlist for years, I’ve never actually read Trainspotting. So When I saw this collection of Trainspotting, The Acid House and Marabou Stork Nightmares I took the opportunity to have all three.
This edition was published in 1997 by Jonathan Cape, Random House UK and features a bright, eye-catching cover.
Misery by Stephen King
I mean, would you have been able to resist this 1987 edition of Misery?
Butcher’s Crossing by John Williams
I first came across Williams earlier this year when I read Stoner: A Novel, and thought this would be a good opportunity to read more of his work. Published by Vintage (2014) it matches my Stoner book so I definitely couldn’t say no.
The quote on the back reads “Butcher’s Crossing paved the way for Cormac McCarthy” which excited me even more, because I really enjoyed The Road.
The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud
I studied Psychology when I was at sixth form, so I already know why Freud and his theories have a controversial history.
However, I thought I’d find it interesting to read his famous Interpretation of Dreams in full. So this too, got added to my basket.
Eve Green by Susan Fletcher
I’ve never heard of this book or author before, but my attention was caught by the metallic spine. The moving blurb about an eight-year-old sent to Wales after the death of her mother was what made me bring it home.
However, I have since discovered that this 2008 edition forms part of The Perennial Collection, a collection of prizewinners, bestsellers and modern classics – all with matching cover art. This is REALLY making mw what to buy the rest of the collection, but I really can’t afford to add any more books to my TBR pile right now.
No Country For Old Men by Cormac McCarthy
As I mentioned earlier, I really enjoyed The Road by Cormac McCarthy. I also really enjoyed the film adaption of No Country For Old Men.
It’s a no-brainer really.
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
I first heard of The Secret a while ago, and was immediately intrigued. It’s been on my wishlist for years, but this was my first opportunity to buy it. I know that it’s slightly controversial – some people think it’s life changing, some see it as a basic Laws of Attraction, but at 33-and-a-bit-pence I figured what the hell.
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Like many of you, I read this at school. I reckon re-reading it as an adult will be a completely different experience. Also this Penguin edition is seriously cute and it just NEEDED to be part of my collection.
Jane Austen Boxed Collection
Shout out to the guy behind the counter who counted this collection of six books as just one due to them being boxed – hero! The pages are also gold-edged and these books are in SUPER good condition 🙂
