Paralyzed

No, the title of this post does not refer to David, who is feeling much better and has now been back at work for three days. It was how I felt today while shopping at Shaman Drum bookstore. Every year, my father-in-law gives me a rather large gift card at what is easily the best bookstore in Ann Arbor. When I was in grad school, it was quite easy to spend the whole thing quickly, as my professors ordered all the course books through Shaman Drum. But in the last few years my book needs have diminished and I no longer walk down State Street every day. I only finished spending last year's gift card after I had received the one for this year. When I went off to Seattle, I removed everything specific to Ann Arbor from my wallet, so I have been unable to indulge any book buying impulses that might have come along over the last few months. And then last weekend I heard from my friend Ken that Shaman Drum will be closing at the end of the month. I realized that it was now or never on the gift card. So I put it back into my wallet and made the trek to State Street after work. When I got there, however, I was completely at a loss. I knew that I could have anything in the store, not just on sale (35% off everything in the store) but also for free, and I had no idea what I wanted. Granted, about half the store' a regular inventory was already gone, so things that might have otherwise just jumped off the shelf and into my hands didn't have the chance to do so. It wasn't that I didn't want anything, just that I didn't want anything in particular, and it was hard to narrow down a whole bookstore to three books with no selection criteria. After nearly an hour of browsing, I did have my three books, but when I went to the counter to pay, I learned that I still had $35 on my card. I guess that means I'll be doing this all over again!

Comments

[Mom]

I'm sad to hear the bookstore is closing. It was someplace I enjoyed visiting in AA. If you're looking for a recommendation and they have it, Shanghai Girls is Lisa See's new book. It's about 2 sisters sold into marriage to two brothers in L.A. in 1937. I've just started it and so far am enjoying it.

[Sadia]

I recently loved The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs.

[Elizabeth]

If he gave you a plastic gift card from Shaman Drum, I'm pretty sure it is good at most independent bookstores around the country. So you could use the remaining amount someplace else, if you like.