Secondhand bookstore updated

Dear fellow readers,

As I work to update my secondhand bookstore more regularly, do help me to pass the word round, eh? For those itching for a book to read, check it out. I recently bought a stack of books, to stock up for 2009. Yah, I have issues with spending on books. I need help. Heh. Yes, my dear, I have exceeded my budget. And I shall stop now. I promise. =)

So as a way to make up for it, I am trying to pass on some books to make space for the new.

I have heard many times that people find it hard to trust Ebay sellers. I know, I’ve been conned a few times too myself before I got “smarter”.  So, I assure you that I try to portray the book quality as accurately as possible.

Friends who need help to sell their books are also welcome to email me for help. We’ll work something out.

One of my favourite places

There’s nothing like this place. Two years ago when I was tutoring a student in KL, I had the pleasure of walking into the Berjaya Times Square outlet on a weekly basis.

During my final semester in my undergrad, I’d find solace in the Starbucks, inside the Curve outlet.

And now, my favourite outlet of all times, the one at The Gardens.

There’s nothing like it. I have frequented it so many times that I even have my favourite spot, where the temperature is just right – not too cold. Just right, like how I love it.

I love their concept of a bookstore and it really feels like home. Nothing like spending an hour or so there, after a stressful day. I literally curl up, and get lost in the book I’m reading. Occasionally, the selection of background music annoys CY so much so that he actually dislikes being there at times. But as for me, the many times that I’ve been there on my own, the music selection has been tasteful and enjoyable – to my fortune! =)

Sundays, to me, are best spent, reading here, with great company.

Buy buy buy…

I have officially spent my entire budget for books for 2009. Yep, with the tight scrutiny of my newly appointed financial controller, I am now limited to spending within a budget. And I have blown my budget for 2009 already. Well, I just need to finish reading what I’ve got. That should be enough to last me, I hope. You can do it, Serena!

On Wednesday, I went for the warehouse sale. Being a seasoned shopper, I knew well that in order to get the best deals, one should make every effort to go early. Common sense. And boy, am I glad I made the right choice. Right, Sister? *wink* 

I had a real surprise. Firstly, I got to get the books I’ve been wanting to get for a really really long time, and at very good prices.

Among the many great books I got, I am so glad I finally got my hands on Nelson Mandela’s biography. I am really looking forward to reading it.  

About to go home, I managed to have a quick girly chat with Sister. She is getting quite as fanatic as me when it comes to books. Nice. Just that we happen to have very different taste in books, so that’s such a pity. And then, second pleasant surprise came in the form of Hitz (Prado?) Cruisers who dropped by..and me being competitive in the name of fun, went home with my hands full of goodies! Yay! Well, it’s just been a while since I actually bothered to participate in these kinda stuff so it was jolly fun!

Oh yah, tips for people who are new to warehouse sales:

1. Wear as little clothing as possible. You’ll soak through your clothes no matter how nicely you dressed.

2. Bring some water. You have no idea how many times I nearly succumbed to the killer-breaths of many fellow book-lovers.

3. Bring tissue, for the sweat, as well as, just in case you need to use the loo and trust me, it ain’t a pretty one. Or for that person you saw spitting on the floor, right next to where your favourite book is located.

4. If you’re a little bit more hygiene-conscious like me, bring a hand sanitizer. The stuff are usually really dusty and if you rub your eyes (because of all the dust in the air), it can get pretty ugly.

5. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Read the synopsis. Have a quick feel of the book. I have made many bad buys in the past because I got the impression that the book was good, all because of the claims printed on the cover of the book. E.g. “National Bestseller!” or “#1 book in Times!”, yadda yadda.

Anyway, since I was buying for 2009, I am proud that I bought a variety of books, to last me through the seasons. I’m a happy camper!

Reading Spree

Haha, I think CY’s influence has rubbed off on me. I no longer crave shopping sprees as I used to. God brought a good man into my life…for my own sake! =P

I like this season. I am reading a lot. Maybe I am escaping some things I have to do…but maybe this quietness is necessary.

Anyways, to make room for more books and to avoid being a hoarder, I’ve decided to start an online second-hand bookstore. Nothing grand, really. Just me, trying to pass on some of my humble collection of books. Two reasons – I find that when I give away books for free (which I’ve done countless times), the new owner often doesn’t treasure it as much as I had hoped for. And secondly, I need some $$$ to get more books for myself. So if you’re a booklover and want to get second-books at really really low prices, do drop by: Cafe Booklovers. As time goes by, hopefully, I would have posted up a large collection of books. For now, it’s fiction. If I have time, I’ll post up some of my non-fiction. Just so you know, I’m only putting up books that I bought. I never give away books that were given as gifts.

As for me, let me get back to that lovely book I just started. Jodi Picoult. A new favourite author. Gift by my ex-colleagues. Huge smile of gratitude.