In A Calmer Time and Place: Food For Your Mind on MARKET FRIDAY

I could literally lose my mind in a bookstore. And that would be a good thing.

But my favorite reason for loving bookstores is that I get to share my love of books with family members whom I know like books also.

My Trip to Half Priced Books

In a calmer time and place, which for me was only 4 months ago in mid December, 2019 before the world was upended by this current health crisis, I planned a visit to my favorite book store to acquire several more book series.

I was looking for another series of kid's books by author, James Patterson. After checking with the store clerk, I was advised they had in stock the ones I needed. So off to the store I went with my list. Several other miscellaneous items, such as educational toys, I was informed, were in stock.

You could feel the added stir in the air because the Christmas holiday was approaching. Shoppers with various sized packages were hurrying about.

I always begin my shopping early, usually arriving early at the bookstore.

I love to peruse all the areas in the store just to see what's newly arrived or any items placed on sale since my last visit.

Book Sell area.
I didn't bring any books with me this trip to trade, so I just asked the clerk if their sales and trades were brisk this time of year. I always receive the best quote for my books, mainly because I try to keep them in relatively good shape.

Kid's section.
This is one of my favorite section of the store. In this area, I look for new material for my granddaughter. Her latest item to play with is a Slime Kit. Sounds gross, but it's actually fun to see her follow the directions to create the perfect slime. I've purchased numerous kits here.

Young adult section.
I spend the most time in this section since my granddaughter is now 10. I've found amazing age-appropriate book series. During the Christmas holidays, I located the kids' mystery books by James Patterson on my list. Several series are written by Patterson in collaboration with other young adult authors that I made note of. I plan to return after I conduct more research.

I highlighted the series of kids' books by James Patterson in my previous post as part of my favorite "Top 3 Authors" and provided a photograph of the titles. I'll do so again here in case anyone is interested for their young adults:

^{Previously shown in my blog}

Adult section. For the adults, I usually purchase the bookstore gift cards. That way, they can choose books or any items themselves. I was juggling my books and phone, so my photograph of this section was a bit out of focus.

Music.
I love oldies music classics. And this bookstore has an amazing selection of 60s, 70, and 70s style albums and tapes.

Comic Books.
Another section of the store I could spend hours in is the Comics section. I have always loved to read comics. In fact, I purchased DC Comics' "Superman Gets Married" edition from here several years ago.

I thought I'd taken a picture of this section, but now I can't locate it among the others from the visit.

Holiday Cards.

The holiday cards section is another area I peruse. The boxed sets are reasonably priced. The store offers a wide selection.

Educational games, toys, and other items.
Finally, on my way to the checkout, I stop to view the shelf with items you may not find elsewhere at a reasonable price. Diaries, planners, games, and educational toys. These items make great stocking stuffers, and gifts for younger kids.

I pick up several bookmarks. The store has a wide variety to choose from. What I like most are the ones with common names. I love the personalized touch when choosing these as gifts. It's difficult to find the exact names sometimes, so I just grab every initial they have in stock.

I like to give books as holiday gift giving items to the young adults in my family. What better way to tell them you're interested in their development than for them to open up their gift from me and see a favorite age-appropriate book series or non-fiction book.

To be able to afford all the books I want to buy, I visit Half Priced Books at least 5 or 6 times a year.

Remembering my last trip to the bookstore in December feels like a lifetime ago. Today, if I lived in a lock down state, I wouldn't be able to drive there because it's considered non-essential activity. As it is now, I wouldn't be able to physically shop for books because the store is closed to patrons.

Half Prices Books in my area closed all its stores temporarily. Curbside pickup is available. Home delivery is available in some areas.

One of the simple pleasures in life for me has changed. But because of the following statistics:

April 16, 2020 - U.S. COVID-19 stats:
Cases - 670,000
Deaths - 33 000

I have no problem waiting whatever period of time is required in order to return to and shop safely again at my beloved Half Prices Books.