New Book. Sorta.

Last month, I was asked if I would partake in a Mother's Day theme reading at the Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library here in Edinburg. Because I normally partake in these readings, I said okay. At least this way I'm ensured a spot on the list as I'd be on the bill. Along with Richard Sanchez - whose short story you can read in Valleysong (read my review) - and a few other poets, we managed the reading successfully. The Johnny Economedes High School mariachi band - can I call it a band? not sure what the terminology is - started off the night. Richard followed next, then Guitar Galore - a group of talented music students who played classical music - then me. 

New faces and familiar faces filled the library meeting room. Mom won a raffle after my reading - am I good luck, or what? I read a few pieces, including the submitted words people who follow me on Tumblr. 

Before everything started, however, I sneaked off to the cafe where I found a copy of Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine. Including the soda, my purchase came out to only eighty-five cents. Great deal. Until next time, keep on hunting.

A Book Hunter's Christmas

I'm not a big Christmas fan. What I mean is, I'm not a big fan of the Christian concept of Christmas. That whole reason for the season crap. Not a big fan of it. But I come from a Catholic family and so I put up a front. Most of my family still thinks me as Catholic and I've more than once told them that I am not. Either way, I celebrate Christmas with them because it's the only time you get us together.

Now there's a misconception of book hunters. We love books and everyone expects us to want books for Christmas. This is true, but we also love other things. I got a new computer from my mother and a purple flannel shirt from Jyg. That's right, I said purple! (Love it, by the way.) I also didn't give books away for Christmas. Well, save one. I got Jyg a copy of Freud's letters.

The day before Christmas Eve, I went into a panic, realizing I didn't get my mother a single damn thing. I wasn't much in the holly jolly spirits this year because of the death of my old computer. Either way, I went on over to Hastings and snatched up a copy of To Wong Foo, on of her favorite movies starring the late great Patrick Swayze.

While there, I stumbled upon a copy of Philip Roth's The Plot Against America. How could I resist? The book was only $5.49 used. It looked unread as well.

Also, while there, I saw my friend JD who was having some problems looking for Russell Brand's book. Well, ladies and gentlemen, if all goes well. I have a new book to hunt for the New Year.

Happy Holidays from the Book Hunter.

Three Dollar Bag Book Sale Take 2 pt. II

Hunt: Looking to fill at least three bags with used, good books
Partner: Mother
Location: McAllen Library, 601 N. Main, McAllen, TX.
Success: 0
Cost: 0

I need to get my eyes checked. I don't know how many times I read that blasted special to The Monitor and I swear I saw that the sale was continuing today. Do the Friends' of McAllen Library have special powers?

Needless to say, we got there, the place was closed so we went elsewhere. However, I did wind up buying Ecce Homo by Nietzsche half priced ($3.76 with taxes) at Barnes & Noble so it wasn't a complete waste and I didn't return empty handed.