The lovely Heather and Katie, paired myself up with Molly, from Blonde Out Loud. What is so great about these swaps is that I almost always meet someone new. Sometimes it turns out to be a flop and I don't necessarily click with that blogger, but Molly and I totally hit it off! We have so much in common, it's pretty surreal!
Molly and I chatted quite a bit through email and Twitter, and we learned that we're both about the same age, we have several of the same interests and she quickly caught on that my 30th was last week and she went above and beyond to make me feel special.
On top of buying me a book that was on my list of books that I've always wanted, she bought me one of HER favorites (how special?!) along with a postcard and Kate Spade canvas tote bag from.... THE STRAND!
The books Molly chose for me couldn't have been more perfect! She picked up Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson, which has been recommended by several friends and it's pretty safe to say it is one of James Patterson's more popular novels for women. It will by my first novel by him, and I cannot wait to read it! The second book she chose, is one of Molly's personal favorites, Angels by Marian Keyes. I know this author is a favorite among many readers that enjoy the same books as me, so I'm hoping I can get to it soon... Plus, I just love that it's one of her favorite books. What a sweet surprise!
What's your favorite bookstore? Have you been to any cool ones like The Strand?
I'd have to say my favorite practical bookstore is Half Price Books here in Des Moines (which is a chain) and then my favorite "fun" bookstore would be The Vault, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. It's an old bank!
15 comments:
i LOVE that kate spade bag!!!
Awww you're so sweet! I'm glad that you loved your special delivery!! You're my favorite swapper ever! I'm so glad that we *met* :)
Aw you two are perfect for each other!! Great picks!! :D The best bookstore I went to was in Southampton years ago...so old and quaint. I now just have Barnes and Noble. Even worse, I order online (free shipping!) I miss old bookstores. Have a great day Amber!!
Even though I live in - erm, near - New York City, I have to go with my hometown hero: Powell's Bookstore.
Powell's takes up an entire city block and is 4 stories. I don't think anyone has proven which store is bigger, Powell's or The Strand, but I've heard cases for both.
I've been in The Strand once and I didn't like the feel. It's kind of cramped and cluttered, but Powell's is neatly organized, with color-coded rooms. I'm sure you could find whatever you needed at the Strand (and I might just not have spent enough time there).
I just started reading that book and enjoy it so far. It's a fast read!
Powell's Books in Portland is by far the biggest book store I've ever been in! Lisa and I visited it RIGHT after running our marathon though so I was extremely sore and not sure I appreciated it as much as I normally would have ;)
We always hit up Half Price Books before we switched to the Kindle. I can't wait to hear what you think of these reads! And happy belated birthday. :)
Wow! Great gifts! I love Marian Keyes - she is such an easy, fun read! Boston used to have a store called Buck a Book that my grandma used to take me to, but I haven't been there in ages. I don't even know if it still exists! I usually buy books at Goodwill.
Oh my gosh The Strand sounds awesome! We have a used bookstore in Raleigh that I love but it doesn't sound like it is quite as spectacular as that! LOVE the cute bag!!
If you enjoy "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas" you'll have to pick up Patterson's "Sam's Letters to Jennifer"...it's my favorite!
Marian Keyes is one of my favourite authors - you'll love Angels!
This is pretty much the best swapping story I've ever read. It's great how you two clicked so much! Happy (belated) 30th!
Wow - she did an amazing job! How thoughtful of her. I hope you like Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas. It's such a great book!
I will echo what Amber said - Powell's was really cool, but we were too sore to appreciate it. I had to go sit down in the coffee shop area and I was paranoid I was going to fall asleep and get kicked out. There were signs posted about how sleeping was prohibited! I got some coffee and fought through, but I wasn't in a state of mind to enjoy it, so I must go back some day!
Oh how cool! Love that she got you something from The Strand! I've only been to NYC once and I didn't make it there. Definitely happening on my next trip!
Glad you are going to read Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas. I haven't read the other one you got but I think I read another by that author that was good :)
I love all bookstores- I could spend hours in them. I've never actually heard of The Strand- may have to check that out!
My favorite bookstore is Powell's in Portland, although I need to jump on a plane to get there! Love a good bookstore!
Post a Comment