I haven't forgotten this blog but I've been busy and preoccupied and have not had time to do anything. There was the Propane Battle at home (I'll try to write about that on the SageBeasties blog soon), the holidays and family, and at the store--lots of work to do.
I've had people coming to sell books to the store and I have bought some of those. It takes a bit of time to go through these and then get them ready for the shelf here. I am also in the midst of the shelf shift in the novels which is progressing slowly.
I have some quick book reviews to write for here and perhaps one or two longer articles for Associated Content. I just need to make the time to do that. At least, when I get home today, I will have heat in my house for the first time in about 1 1/2 weeks, and that will be much more conducive for sitting at the computer and writing. So do keep coming back.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Quick Book Review
See previous post for my rant on the trade paperbacks. One came in last week; it had a picture of a Labrador Retriever dog on the cover, so of course I looked it over and decided to take it home to read, which I did this weekend.
This book is Lost and Found, Jacqueline Sheehan. I found the book to be a good read with interesting characters, one of which is the dog on the cover. All the people are believable, interesting and, while sometimes annoying in some ways, are people who are enjoyable to get to know--just like real life. All the characters, animal and human, are dealing with what life has dealt them and trying to live to their fullest.
I am not going to say anything about the plot, as that needs to unfold for each reader. It is a very smooth plot that unrolls in a most believable manner.
This book is one of those little, unexpected treasures that sometimes graces our lives.
This book is Lost and Found, Jacqueline Sheehan. I found the book to be a good read with interesting characters, one of which is the dog on the cover. All the people are believable, interesting and, while sometimes annoying in some ways, are people who are enjoyable to get to know--just like real life. All the characters, animal and human, are dealing with what life has dealt them and trying to live to their fullest.
I am not going to say anything about the plot, as that needs to unfold for each reader. It is a very smooth plot that unrolls in a most believable manner.
This book is one of those little, unexpected treasures that sometimes graces our lives.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Moving Books from One Place to Another Place
I'm moving books in the store again. The Novels section is too packed and I have already culled out a lot of non-sellers and more culling is not really the answer now. So, I got to looking around and thinking. Generally, moving books is not a simple thing as books elsewhere must be moved to make the necessary changes to move the books first planned to be moved. Hmmm, the children's books could be consolidated in a more efficient manner to open up a shelf. Then what could go on that shelf that would help the novels. How about...nah...what about this other.... nope... what if... yeah, that works.
Rearrange some of the children's books and open up that shelf as the first step, then move the foreign language books over to that shelf as well as the magic books, which opens up three shelves on the red-cloth table. Ah-ha, looking good now. Then move the trade paperbacks out of the novels onto the newly opened shelves under the red cloth section (which has mostly memoirs). And a brief pause here to tout the trade paperbacks. There are some excellent books published in this format. Many of these titles never are published as the mass market sized books. Yes, their new price is expensive, but they are only $5 in the store and you can use your trade-in credt on them to save another $2.50. If you were to take a real look at these books, you would find something worth reading, really.
Now with the trade paperbacks moved, comes the shelf shifting to make more space on each shelf. Shelf shifting is an art and takes some time to do. Meanwhile, in the back room, the Louis L'Amour duplicates need to be stored differently then they are. And the L'Amour books on the shelf need restocking. Thinking, pondering, then the action--redo the dups while restocking the shelf and open up space for novel duplicates that are on the floor under the novels shelves, then move some novels down to the floor. The ones on the floor will be one that rarely are browsed but sometimes asked for; they need to be kept in the store, but not taking up prime shelf space. They will get moved down to where there were duplicates which are now in the back room where the A'mour dups were.
It got done on Saturday, taking some longer then planned since the L'Amour on the shelf were in awful order. Looks like customers picked them up, read the back cover and then put them back randomly (yeah, blame the mess on the customers!). But it did get done--L'Amour restocked and the dups different and open space to move novel dups to.
Tuesday--back to the shelf shifting of the novels.
Just another day in the book store.
Rearrange some of the children's books and open up that shelf as the first step, then move the foreign language books over to that shelf as well as the magic books, which opens up three shelves on the red-cloth table. Ah-ha, looking good now. Then move the trade paperbacks out of the novels onto the newly opened shelves under the red cloth section (which has mostly memoirs). And a brief pause here to tout the trade paperbacks. There are some excellent books published in this format. Many of these titles never are published as the mass market sized books. Yes, their new price is expensive, but they are only $5 in the store and you can use your trade-in credt on them to save another $2.50. If you were to take a real look at these books, you would find something worth reading, really.
Now with the trade paperbacks moved, comes the shelf shifting to make more space on each shelf. Shelf shifting is an art and takes some time to do. Meanwhile, in the back room, the Louis L'Amour duplicates need to be stored differently then they are. And the L'Amour books on the shelf need restocking. Thinking, pondering, then the action--redo the dups while restocking the shelf and open up space for novel duplicates that are on the floor under the novels shelves, then move some novels down to the floor. The ones on the floor will be one that rarely are browsed but sometimes asked for; they need to be kept in the store, but not taking up prime shelf space. They will get moved down to where there were duplicates which are now in the back room where the A'mour dups were.
It got done on Saturday, taking some longer then planned since the L'Amour on the shelf were in awful order. Looks like customers picked them up, read the back cover and then put them back randomly (yeah, blame the mess on the customers!). But it did get done--L'Amour restocked and the dups different and open space to move novel dups to.
Tuesday--back to the shelf shifting of the novels.
Just another day in the book store.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Some Cat Books
The store has a nice selection of books about cats. These are some of them.
The Mind of the Cat by Gary Brodsky. From the dust jacket flap--"This book will bring you new insights into the complex personality of the mysterious, magnificent cat. Learn about the human-like emotions a cat feels and how it expresses them. Discover the many messages a cat conveys through purring. Understand the touching reason why cats "cruelly" play with their prey. You will discover how complex the cat is--at once aloof and dependent, domesticated and wild, wise and self-sufficient yet eternally juvenile. Enter and understand the exciting, no longer secret world of your cat."
How to Live with a Neurotic Cat, by Stephen Baker. From the dust jacket flap--"A recent census taken among cats shows that approximately 100% are neurotic. Of course cats are neurotic. As a human being, you have everything they want and refuse to share. You take up too much room in the bed, keep thge best food for yourself, don't offer them a seat at the ta le, and control the remote for the TV."
The Secret of Cooking for Cats, by Martin A. Gardner. "A witty and thoroughly detailed cookbook for people who truly love their cats."
The New Natural Cat, a complete guide for finicky owners, by Anitra Frazier. "Extremely practical, covers common and mundane problems in a unique way."
Catwatching, Why cats purr and everything else you ever wanted to know. by Desmond Morris
The Cat Owner's Problem Solver, practical and expert advice on caring for cats, by John & Caroline Bower.
Coddle Your Cat, how to pamper your kitty in style--practical projects to prove you care by Eve Devereux.
The Mind of the Cat by Gary Brodsky. From the dust jacket flap--"This book will bring you new insights into the complex personality of the mysterious, magnificent cat. Learn about the human-like emotions a cat feels and how it expresses them. Discover the many messages a cat conveys through purring. Understand the touching reason why cats "cruelly" play with their prey. You will discover how complex the cat is--at once aloof and dependent, domesticated and wild, wise and self-sufficient yet eternally juvenile. Enter and understand the exciting, no longer secret world of your cat."
How to Live with a Neurotic Cat, by Stephen Baker. From the dust jacket flap--"A recent census taken among cats shows that approximately 100% are neurotic. Of course cats are neurotic. As a human being, you have everything they want and refuse to share. You take up too much room in the bed, keep thge best food for yourself, don't offer them a seat at the ta le, and control the remote for the TV."
The Secret of Cooking for Cats, by Martin A. Gardner. "A witty and thoroughly detailed cookbook for people who truly love their cats."
The New Natural Cat, a complete guide for finicky owners, by Anitra Frazier. "Extremely practical, covers common and mundane problems in a unique way."
Catwatching, Why cats purr and everything else you ever wanted to know. by Desmond Morris
The Cat Owner's Problem Solver, practical and expert advice on caring for cats, by John & Caroline Bower.
Coddle Your Cat, how to pamper your kitty in style--practical projects to prove you care by Eve Devereux.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Historical Biographies
These are a few historical biographies that are currently in the store. They are easy reading, despite being nonfiction, and interesting.
Bonnie Prince Charlie by Carolly Erickson.
The Wives of Henry VIII, by Antonia Fraser
Marie Antoinette by Antonia Fraser
Charles the First by John Bowle
The First Elizabeth by Carolly Erickson
Eleanor of Aquitaine by Alison Weir
Bonnie Prince Charlie by Carolly Erickson.
The Wives of Henry VIII, by Antonia Fraser
Marie Antoinette by Antonia Fraser
Charles the First by John Bowle
The First Elizabeth by Carolly Erickson
Eleanor of Aquitaine by Alison Weir
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Two More Book Reviews
Associated Content finally got the rest of my articles published. Just click on the link in the top of the side bar to the right where it says "My Articles." There are two more book reviews.
Someone just brought me about 12 large boxes of books to look through for purchase for the store. I am so glad that he left them here rather then waiting on me to check them. I have no idea what is in there; hope it is some good surprises. I've been plodding through the boxes of mostly Civil War books that came in couple of weeks ago. Since there is no space for more Civil War books, I have those under the front counter for now. I am mulling over some ideas for rearranging shelves to make room.
Someone just brought me about 12 large boxes of books to look through for purchase for the store. I am so glad that he left them here rather then waiting on me to check them. I have no idea what is in there; hope it is some good surprises. I've been plodding through the boxes of mostly Civil War books that came in couple of weeks ago. Since there is no space for more Civil War books, I have those under the front counter for now. I am mulling over some ideas for rearranging shelves to make room.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Some Interesting Memoirs Currently in the Store
I’ve read all these books and enjoyed each one.
Honeymoon with My Brother, by Franz Wisner. Shortly before his wedding, the bride backed out and so Franz took his brother on the honeymoon. They then decided on a world wide tour. An interesting book with a different look at the various places they went. I started out not liking Franz much, but liked him much more as I continued through the book.
Garlic and Sapphires Comfort Me With Apples, by Ruth Reichl. Foodies know who she is. I did not but enjoyed the books a lot. She was Food Critic for the New York Times when these were written and the books tell of her adventures as a food critic. Who knew such interesting things happen when reviewing a restaurant?
Ecology of a Cracker Childhood, by Janisse Ray. The author grew up in a junkyard along U. S. Highway 1. From her isolated childhood grew a passion to save the nearly vanished longleaf pine ecosystem that once covered the South. She grew up poor but gained intangible riches along the way. A fascinating book.
She Got Up Off The Couch, by Haven Kimmel. You would think that a childhood in a small Midwest town would be less then an interesting read, but you would be wrong. This book tells of her mother’s battle to be more then a couch potato and her efforts to go to collage and get a master’s degree and then to become a teacher. It is also the story of Kimmel’s own coming of age.
West with the Night, by Beryl Markham. The classic east Africa story, beautifully written. Is it all the truth?—does it matter? It is the truth as written by this woman who was one of the early women fliers, as well as horse-lover and child of a plantation owner. Lyrical and engaging, it will be hard to put down.
Honeymoon with My Brother, by Franz Wisner. Shortly before his wedding, the bride backed out and so Franz took his brother on the honeymoon. They then decided on a world wide tour. An interesting book with a different look at the various places they went. I started out not liking Franz much, but liked him much more as I continued through the book.
Garlic and Sapphires Comfort Me With Apples, by Ruth Reichl. Foodies know who she is. I did not but enjoyed the books a lot. She was Food Critic for the New York Times when these were written and the books tell of her adventures as a food critic. Who knew such interesting things happen when reviewing a restaurant?
Ecology of a Cracker Childhood, by Janisse Ray. The author grew up in a junkyard along U. S. Highway 1. From her isolated childhood grew a passion to save the nearly vanished longleaf pine ecosystem that once covered the South. She grew up poor but gained intangible riches along the way. A fascinating book.
She Got Up Off The Couch, by Haven Kimmel. You would think that a childhood in a small Midwest town would be less then an interesting read, but you would be wrong. This book tells of her mother’s battle to be more then a couch potato and her efforts to go to collage and get a master’s degree and then to become a teacher. It is also the story of Kimmel’s own coming of age.
West with the Night, by Beryl Markham. The classic east Africa story, beautifully written. Is it all the truth?—does it matter? It is the truth as written by this woman who was one of the early women fliers, as well as horse-lover and child of a plantation owner. Lyrical and engaging, it will be hard to put down.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Horse Books, Part 2
The Morgan Horse, Jeanne Mellin. 1961. The original printing of this classic. Lots of photos. A good reference for the breeder & owner.
For the Good of the Horse, by Mary Wanless. An excellent guide to complementary therapies for the horse as well as topics such as dentistry, gait analysis, nutrition, saddle fit, and more.
The Nature of the Horse, by Margaret Cabell Self. 1974 by the classic author of horse books. Subtitle is "The origin, instinctive behavior, patterns, physical, mental and emotional attributes of the horse and how these affect the way we ride, train and handle him." A must read.
The Complete Book of the Quarter Horse, by Nelson Nye. Nye is better known for his western fiction, but does a good job of writing about the Quarter Horse. Written in 1964, there is much good history here.
For the Good of the Horse, by Mary Wanless. An excellent guide to complementary therapies for the horse as well as topics such as dentistry, gait analysis, nutrition, saddle fit, and more.
The Nature of the Horse, by Margaret Cabell Self. 1974 by the classic author of horse books. Subtitle is "The origin, instinctive behavior, patterns, physical, mental and emotional attributes of the horse and how these affect the way we ride, train and handle him." A must read.
The Complete Book of the Quarter Horse, by Nelson Nye. Nye is better known for his western fiction, but does a good job of writing about the Quarter Horse. Written in 1964, there is much good history here.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Fern Michaels' The Sisterhood Series
Do a cut and paste and read my review here--
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1255084/book_reviewfern_michaels_sisterhood.html?cat=38
OR
click on the "My Articles" icon at top of side bar to the right.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1255084/book_reviewfern_michaels_sisterhood.html?cat=38
OR
click on the "My Articles" icon at top of side bar to the right.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Egypt Books
Currently, the store has a nice selection of books about Egypt. Please email (addy in side bar) for details on book conditions & prices.
--Dictionary of Egyptology, Brockhampton Reference. “a concise and informative A-Z of the dynasties, kings and queens, historic sites and archaeological objects of ancient Egypt, from the beginning of its civilization to its overturn by the Romans.”
--Wrapped for Eternity, the story of the Egyptian mummy, by Mildred Mastin Pace. “Here are the fascinating details of how the mummies were made, discovered, and used”
--The Search for the Gold of Tutankhamen, by Arnold C. Brackman. The Search—The Find—The Curse.
--Life Under the Pharaohs, by Leonard Cottrell. Illustrated. “How did the Ancient Egyptians live—those builders of colossal tombs and temples whose rich civilization reached such peaks of achievement over 3000 years ago?”
--The Culture of Ancient Egypt, by John A. Wilson. “a rich and interpretive biography of one of the greatest cultural periods in human experience.”
--Egypt of the Pharaohs, by Sir Alan Gardiner. A history of Egypt from the earliest times to the conquest of Alexander the Great in 332 BC.
--Egypt Before the Pharaohs, by Michael Hoffman. The story of the great archaeological discoveries of the last century that have given us our first coherent picture of the life and culture of prehistoric Egypt.
--Cleopatra by Emil Ludwig. “A masterful recreation of the life and times of antiquity’s greatest queen, whole love affairs with Caesar and Mark Antony changed the course of history.”
--Tutankhamun and the Valley of the Kings, by Otto Neubert. The story of King Tut’s Egypt.
--Ramses II, the Pharaoh and his Time. From a traveling exhibit.
--Ancient Egypt, 3000 years of splendor, by Warner Hutchinson. Many photos and drawings.
--What Life was Like on the banks of the Nile, Egypt 3053 BC to 30 BC. “chronicles the lifestyles and customs, the skills and technologies, the passions and beliefs of the men and women”
--The Pyramids and Sphinx. “traces the epic course of Egyptian civilization, from the first primitive settlements along the Nile to the triumphant era of the Old Kingdom pyramid builders.”
--Treasures of Tutankhamun. From exhibit.
--Daily Life in Ancient Egypt.
--The Treasures of Tutankhamun, by I. E. S. Edwards.
--Riddles of the Sphinx, by Paul Jordan. “tells the full story of the Great Sphinx of Giza”
--Conversations with Mummies, new light on the lives of ancient Egyptians, by Rosalie David & Rick Archbold.
--Secrets of the Great Pyramid, by Peter Tompkins.
--The American Discovery of Ancient Egypt.
--Pyramid by David Macaulay
--Egypt: Land of the Pharaohs.
--Dictionary of Egyptology, Brockhampton Reference. “a concise and informative A-Z of the dynasties, kings and queens, historic sites and archaeological objects of ancient Egypt, from the beginning of its civilization to its overturn by the Romans.”
--Wrapped for Eternity, the story of the Egyptian mummy, by Mildred Mastin Pace. “Here are the fascinating details of how the mummies were made, discovered, and used”
--The Search for the Gold of Tutankhamen, by Arnold C. Brackman. The Search—The Find—The Curse.
--Life Under the Pharaohs, by Leonard Cottrell. Illustrated. “How did the Ancient Egyptians live—those builders of colossal tombs and temples whose rich civilization reached such peaks of achievement over 3000 years ago?”
--The Culture of Ancient Egypt, by John A. Wilson. “a rich and interpretive biography of one of the greatest cultural periods in human experience.”
--Egypt of the Pharaohs, by Sir Alan Gardiner. A history of Egypt from the earliest times to the conquest of Alexander the Great in 332 BC.
--Egypt Before the Pharaohs, by Michael Hoffman. The story of the great archaeological discoveries of the last century that have given us our first coherent picture of the life and culture of prehistoric Egypt.
--Cleopatra by Emil Ludwig. “A masterful recreation of the life and times of antiquity’s greatest queen, whole love affairs with Caesar and Mark Antony changed the course of history.”
--Tutankhamun and the Valley of the Kings, by Otto Neubert. The story of King Tut’s Egypt.
--Ramses II, the Pharaoh and his Time. From a traveling exhibit.
--Ancient Egypt, 3000 years of splendor, by Warner Hutchinson. Many photos and drawings.
--What Life was Like on the banks of the Nile, Egypt 3053 BC to 30 BC. “chronicles the lifestyles and customs, the skills and technologies, the passions and beliefs of the men and women”
--The Pyramids and Sphinx. “traces the epic course of Egyptian civilization, from the first primitive settlements along the Nile to the triumphant era of the Old Kingdom pyramid builders.”
--Treasures of Tutankhamun. From exhibit.
--Daily Life in Ancient Egypt.
--The Treasures of Tutankhamun, by I. E. S. Edwards.
--Riddles of the Sphinx, by Paul Jordan. “tells the full story of the Great Sphinx of Giza”
--Conversations with Mummies, new light on the lives of ancient Egyptians, by Rosalie David & Rick Archbold.
--Secrets of the Great Pyramid, by Peter Tompkins.
--The American Discovery of Ancient Egypt.
--Pyramid by David Macaulay
--Egypt: Land of the Pharaohs.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Yikes!--More Books. Where to Put Them?
So, I answer the ringing store phone to hear about “a large bookcase of occult books I need to get rid of.” Further conversation makes it all sound worth my time to go take a look and a time is set. I load up my car with boxes and go. Yep, it sure is a large bookcase and it is surely packed with books—Edgar Cayce, meditation, reincarnation, yoga, Ernest Holmes, ESP, paranormal of all sorts, and other misc. No picking and choosing, I had to take them all. Eight large boxes later my car’s trunk and back seat are full of books and I head home. The books are currently in my tack room/book room. I have done a rough sort and weeded out the ones I can’t use for the store and they are in a box in the carport waiting to go away. It was during the rough sort that I realized that there is no room in the store for all these books. Oh-Oh….now what? Well, I have an idea or two to get some of them here but I really need to sort through the four large boxes in the back room of the store first and those books also have no place to go. Guess things are going to get interesting around here once again as I move books around to make some space for the new arrivals. Who needs gym membership? I just move boxes of books from one place to another!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Dog Books, Part 1
TTouch for Dogs, Video. From the jacket—“In just ten minutes a day, you can permanently change your dog’s behavior with the TTouch.”
All 87 Breed Dog Grooming for the beginner, written by a Panel of Grooming Authorities. Comprehensive book with introductory chapters on grooming in general, then a chapter for each breed.
I Love My Dog, But…, the Ultimate Guide to Managing your Dog’s Misbehavior, by Joy Tiz, M.S., J.D. A good little book for the dog owner who is having problems.
The Dog I.Q. Test, measure your dog’s brainpower and social skills and discover your strengths as an owner. A fun and most useful book.
On the Trail with Your Canine Companion, Getting the most out of hiking and camping with your dog, by Cheryl S. Smith. This book covers it all for those who want to take their dog w/them.
You & Your Dog, a complete guide to the health, care & behavior of dogs, by David Taylor. A good book for novice owners and the more experienced both.
Training in No Time, an expert’s approach to effective dog training for hectic life styles, by Amy Ammen.
The Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies for Dogs & Cats, over 1,000 solutions to your pet’s problems—from top Vets, trainers, breeders and other animal experts. By the editors of Prevention Magazine Health Books.
Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats. 1995 edition.
All 87 Breed Dog Grooming for the beginner, written by a Panel of Grooming Authorities. Comprehensive book with introductory chapters on grooming in general, then a chapter for each breed.
I Love My Dog, But…, the Ultimate Guide to Managing your Dog’s Misbehavior, by Joy Tiz, M.S., J.D. A good little book for the dog owner who is having problems.
The Dog I.Q. Test, measure your dog’s brainpower and social skills and discover your strengths as an owner. A fun and most useful book.
On the Trail with Your Canine Companion, Getting the most out of hiking and camping with your dog, by Cheryl S. Smith. This book covers it all for those who want to take their dog w/them.
You & Your Dog, a complete guide to the health, care & behavior of dogs, by David Taylor. A good book for novice owners and the more experienced both.
Training in No Time, an expert’s approach to effective dog training for hectic life styles, by Amy Ammen.
The Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies for Dogs & Cats, over 1,000 solutions to your pet’s problems—from top Vets, trainers, breeders and other animal experts. By the editors of Prevention Magazine Health Books.
Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats. 1995 edition.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Does Work Go Home With Me?
And how exactly does one take home bookstore work?
Actually, a lot goes home with me. This is one wall of my tack room (a tack room contains horse equipment, such as bridles, saddles, halters, grooming equipment, etc.) which has been taken over by books. In the store, there will be one copy of a title on the shelf and a duplicate in the duplicate place. If there are further duplicates, they go home to storage in the tack room. These are two large book cases my handyman had lying around; he moved them here for me and put them up and then I filled them up. I have a system of inventory so I can take them to the store as needed. I sure don't need a gym membership; I do my weightlifting by moving boxes of book hither and yon.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Horse Books, Part 1
Quarter Horses, a story of two centuries by Robert M. Denhardt. Copyright 1967, Paperback edition, 1991. Written by the breed’s foremost historian, this book traces the QH from Colonial times to the middle of last century with stories of famous sires and early breeders. This book is a must for all QH fans.
Lyons on Horses, John Lyons’ proven conditioned-response training program. The book that started it all for Lyons, this comprehensive work covers many areas including round pen reasoning, saddling, trail riding, fear, and more.
Clicker Training for Your Horse by Alexandra Kurland. Signed by the author. This is the single best work for starting and advancing clicker training, written by the person who has helped many people with their horses.
TTouch for Horses, the A-Z book of unique training & health care techniques by Linda Tellington-Jones. A useful little book that can help both someone just starting w/TTouch and someone who is further along. Hard to find.
The Touch That Teaches, TEAM work w/Linda Tellington-Jones. A handy little pamphlet to help one get started.
TTOUCH for Horses, Video. Stands alone or goes w/the books above. This copy is still within its original shrink wrap.
Linda Tellington-Jones, TTouch for Dressage. Video. Very interesting and a good visual of what can be done.
Lyons on Horses, John Lyons’ proven conditioned-response training program. The book that started it all for Lyons, this comprehensive work covers many areas including round pen reasoning, saddling, trail riding, fear, and more.
Clicker Training for Your Horse by Alexandra Kurland. Signed by the author. This is the single best work for starting and advancing clicker training, written by the person who has helped many people with their horses.
TTouch for Horses, the A-Z book of unique training & health care techniques by Linda Tellington-Jones. A useful little book that can help both someone just starting w/TTouch and someone who is further along. Hard to find.
The Touch That Teaches, TEAM work w/Linda Tellington-Jones. A handy little pamphlet to help one get started.
TTOUCH for Horses, Video. Stands alone or goes w/the books above. This copy is still within its original shrink wrap.
Linda Tellington-Jones, TTouch for Dressage. Video. Very interesting and a good visual of what can be done.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
A Few Oldies-but-Goodies
This section has many good authors who were popular in their time and are still good reads today. Listed here are just a few:
Jeannette Angel—saga of early flight.
Taylor Caldwell—a superb storyteller whose books cover many eras and many places.
James Clavell—best known for his epic Shogun, his other books of Japan are equally compelling.
Lloyd Douglas—author of Magnificent Obsession, The Robe, The Big Fisherman, and many others.
Daphne du Maurier—Famous for her book, Rebecca, she wrote many other good ones.
Robert Elegant—Sweeping sagas of China.
Julie Ellis—Her books are epic romances of the turn of the century (early 1900’s).
Howard Fast—Prolific author of such books as The Immigrant’s Daughter, The Outsider, Max, and many more.
And that is only the first part of the alphabet. There are many more excellent reads in this section.
Jeannette Angel—saga of early flight.
Taylor Caldwell—a superb storyteller whose books cover many eras and many places.
James Clavell—best known for his epic Shogun, his other books of Japan are equally compelling.
Lloyd Douglas—author of Magnificent Obsession, The Robe, The Big Fisherman, and many others.
Daphne du Maurier—Famous for her book, Rebecca, she wrote many other good ones.
Robert Elegant—Sweeping sagas of China.
Julie Ellis—Her books are epic romances of the turn of the century (early 1900’s).
Howard Fast—Prolific author of such books as The Immigrant’s Daughter, The Outsider, Max, and many more.
And that is only the first part of the alphabet. There are many more excellent reads in this section.
Friday, November 21, 2008
A Few Spiritual Books
Not much time today, so this is a very short list of a few of the Spiritual books in the store.
The “I Am” Discourses, by The Ascended Master Saint Germain. Copyright 1935, 1940, this edition printed 1984. 361 pages. Good condition. Cover has wear & spotting. Clean. Binding good.
The Beginnings of the Sixth Root Race, by C. W. Leadbeater. A reprint in more convenient form of the final chapters of Man: Whence, How and Whither. The Theosophical Publishing House, 1971. 143 pages. Good Condition. Covers show light shelf wear. Clean. Binding tight.
Das Energi, by Paul Williams. 1973. 149 pages. Fair condition. Clean. Binding good. Covers have bends & wear. From back cover—“We are on the verge of the new age, a whole new world. Mankind’s consciousness, our mutual awareness, is going to make a quantum leap. Everything will change. You will never be the same. All this will happen just as soon as you’re ready.”
Many Lives, Many Masters, the true story of a prominent psychiatrist, his young patient, and the past-life therapy that changed both their lives. By Brian Weiss, MD. 1988. 219 pages. Gook Good condition. Binding tight. Clean. Some light wear to covers.
“YeAre Gods”, by Annalee Skarin. Philosophical Library. 1952. 343 pages. Fair condition. Binding tight. Clean. Covers show light wear. Yellow highlighting & underlining of some text.
Disciplines of the Holy Quest, by Flower A. Newhouse. Christward Publications. 1959. 196 pages. Book Good condition but has some highlighting & underlining on a few pages. Covers show only light wear.
The “I Am” Discourses, by The Ascended Master Saint Germain. Copyright 1935, 1940, this edition printed 1984. 361 pages. Good condition. Cover has wear & spotting. Clean. Binding good.
The Beginnings of the Sixth Root Race, by C. W. Leadbeater. A reprint in more convenient form of the final chapters of Man: Whence, How and Whither. The Theosophical Publishing House, 1971. 143 pages. Good Condition. Covers show light shelf wear. Clean. Binding tight.
Das Energi, by Paul Williams. 1973. 149 pages. Fair condition. Clean. Binding good. Covers have bends & wear. From back cover—“We are on the verge of the new age, a whole new world. Mankind’s consciousness, our mutual awareness, is going to make a quantum leap. Everything will change. You will never be the same. All this will happen just as soon as you’re ready.”
Many Lives, Many Masters, the true story of a prominent psychiatrist, his young patient, and the past-life therapy that changed both their lives. By Brian Weiss, MD. 1988. 219 pages. Gook Good condition. Binding tight. Clean. Some light wear to covers.
“YeAre Gods”, by Annalee Skarin. Philosophical Library. 1952. 343 pages. Fair condition. Binding tight. Clean. Covers show light wear. Yellow highlighting & underlining of some text.
Disciplines of the Holy Quest, by Flower A. Newhouse. Christward Publications. 1959. 196 pages. Book Good condition but has some highlighting & underlining on a few pages. Covers show only light wear.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
A Few of the Aircraft Books in the Store
All these books are available ordering by email. Shipping will be calculated for each order. Ask for book condition details, price, and any other information you require.
Soviet Air Power, An Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Warsaw Pact Air Forces Today by Bill Sweetman & Bill Gunston. A Salamander Book, 1978. From the DJ flap-- “This fascinating book provides an in-depth analysis of Soviet air power. It is divided into three parts:… . the third comprises a technical directory of their aircraft, profusely illustrated with color drawings, photographs and line diagrams. Unique features of the book are nineteen beautifully drawn color three-views of the most important aeroplanes, each annotated and reproduced on a double page spread, and two 8-page foldouts which illustrate five of the missile systems… .”
Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft 1969-1970, Sixtieth Anniversary Issue. Jane’s is the authority on aircraft. This is the best source for information on the aircraft of that time.
Golden Wings, a pictorial history of the United States Navy and Marine Corps in the Air, by Martin Caidin. 1960. From the DJ flap-- “Here for the first time is a pictorial history of the United States Navy and Marine Corps in the air. … from the earliest beginnings to Polaris and the supercarriers, … the result of a 3 year search for the best possible photographs.”
U.S. Air Power, Fighters, Bombers, Recon, Helicopters, and much more, by Bill Yenne. 1989. From the DJ flap--“…catches the speed and power of the world’s most sophisticated military jets and the agility and adaptability of our hard-working helicopters. … Dramatic, full-color photographs by aviation photographer George Hall show these aircraft at every possible angle.”
Airplanes from the Dawn of Flight to the Present Day, by Enzo Angelucci. Copyright 1971, 1982 edition pub. By Greenwich House. From the DJ Flap-- “For everyone interested in any and all aspects of aircraft, Airplanes is a compelling history of the wonderful flying machines—from the fragile wings fashioned for Icarus to the breathtaking and powerful spaceships… More than 900 military and civilian aircraft are illustrated in full color and black and white original drawings and diagrams…”
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Helicopters, by Michael J Taylor.1984. 150 color & 100 b/w illustrations.
Soviet Air Power, An Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Warsaw Pact Air Forces Today by Bill Sweetman & Bill Gunston. A Salamander Book, 1978. From the DJ flap-- “This fascinating book provides an in-depth analysis of Soviet air power. It is divided into three parts:… . the third comprises a technical directory of their aircraft, profusely illustrated with color drawings, photographs and line diagrams. Unique features of the book are nineteen beautifully drawn color three-views of the most important aeroplanes, each annotated and reproduced on a double page spread, and two 8-page foldouts which illustrate five of the missile systems… .”
Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft 1969-1970, Sixtieth Anniversary Issue. Jane’s is the authority on aircraft. This is the best source for information on the aircraft of that time.
Golden Wings, a pictorial history of the United States Navy and Marine Corps in the Air, by Martin Caidin. 1960. From the DJ flap-- “Here for the first time is a pictorial history of the United States Navy and Marine Corps in the air. … from the earliest beginnings to Polaris and the supercarriers, … the result of a 3 year search for the best possible photographs.”
U.S. Air Power, Fighters, Bombers, Recon, Helicopters, and much more, by Bill Yenne. 1989. From the DJ flap--“…catches the speed and power of the world’s most sophisticated military jets and the agility and adaptability of our hard-working helicopters. … Dramatic, full-color photographs by aviation photographer George Hall show these aircraft at every possible angle.”
Airplanes from the Dawn of Flight to the Present Day, by Enzo Angelucci. Copyright 1971, 1982 edition pub. By Greenwich House. From the DJ Flap-- “For everyone interested in any and all aspects of aircraft, Airplanes is a compelling history of the wonderful flying machines—from the fragile wings fashioned for Icarus to the breathtaking and powerful spaceships… More than 900 military and civilian aircraft are illustrated in full color and black and white original drawings and diagrams…”
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Helicopters, by Michael J Taylor.1984. 150 color & 100 b/w illustrations.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Fire Bombers in Action--a cool book
This book just came into the store Friday. By Barry D. Smith, this Enthusiast Color Series, was published in 1995. The photography is spectacular, showing water scooping helicopters, planes dropping fire retardants, the fire bombers being loaded, and more great shots. The text gives information on the many aspects of aerial fire fighting. There is a lot of good stuff packed into this small book.
Here are four books currently in the store that are local histories for areas other then the locale of the bookstore itself. Please email or ask in the comments for book condition, price or other information.
This Was Wheat Farming, a Pictorial History of the Farms and Farmers of the Northwest Who Grow the Nation’s Bread, by Kirby Brumfield. 1968. Chapters include: Wheat’s History is Mankind’s History (Bread; Mechanical reapers ushers in new era); Wheat in the Northwest (Flour Mills; Acquiring land; Life was tough; Rained out; Wheat is king); The Lore of the Harvest (Binding & threshing; Heading & threshing; Threshing; Crewmen, Women in the harvest; Sweep power; Steam power); Heroes of the Harvest; Combined Harvester (32 Horsepower); Modern Harvest; Wheat growers association; Smut; Wheat past present & future.
There are many photos from the early days up to the present day of the book with plenty of horse drawn equipment a short section on the horses of the time. Also are photos of early steam engines and early tractors. The amazing photos of harvesting on the rolling & steep hills of eastern Oregon & Washington were a wonder to me as I did not know that area was so hilly (wheat farming needs flat land, right?—wrong!). Wonderful book.
Great Lakes Ships We Remember, a photo history of selected great lakes ships. Revised edition, 1992. Alphabetical listing of ships w/photo & description of each. Late 1800’s to present of book. Wonderful source material.
Our First Century, the Los Angeles Athletic Club, 1880-1980. Lots of photos. Well researched book also tells story of early Los Angeles showing all sorts of sports, from bicycling to running.
Southern California 100 years ago, 2 volumes. 1976. Drawings & articles from the time period. A fun compilation.
This Was Wheat Farming, a Pictorial History of the Farms and Farmers of the Northwest Who Grow the Nation’s Bread, by Kirby Brumfield. 1968. Chapters include: Wheat’s History is Mankind’s History (Bread; Mechanical reapers ushers in new era); Wheat in the Northwest (Flour Mills; Acquiring land; Life was tough; Rained out; Wheat is king); The Lore of the Harvest (Binding & threshing; Heading & threshing; Threshing; Crewmen, Women in the harvest; Sweep power; Steam power); Heroes of the Harvest; Combined Harvester (32 Horsepower); Modern Harvest; Wheat growers association; Smut; Wheat past present & future.
There are many photos from the early days up to the present day of the book with plenty of horse drawn equipment a short section on the horses of the time. Also are photos of early steam engines and early tractors. The amazing photos of harvesting on the rolling & steep hills of eastern Oregon & Washington were a wonder to me as I did not know that area was so hilly (wheat farming needs flat land, right?—wrong!). Wonderful book.
Great Lakes Ships We Remember, a photo history of selected great lakes ships. Revised edition, 1992. Alphabetical listing of ships w/photo & description of each. Late 1800’s to present of book. Wonderful source material.
Our First Century, the Los Angeles Athletic Club, 1880-1980. Lots of photos. Well researched book also tells story of early Los Angeles showing all sorts of sports, from bicycling to running.
Southern California 100 years ago, 2 volumes. 1976. Drawings & articles from the time period. A fun compilation.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Boxes of Books
Shortly before closing yesterday, a truck backed up to the rear door & the 2 women offloaded 5 huge boxes of books. I only had time for a fast look, enough to know I wanted to buy them, but I did see some good ones, including a bunch of Civil War books that are still in their shrink-wrap plastic. These promising boxes of books are almost enough to have me going down the hill just to get into them on a day the store is closed. Almost--but not quite. I'll stay home with the horses & cats and the books will be waiting for me Tuesday morning.
Quick Tour
As time goes by, I will be listing books in various groupings here in the store. But for today, here is a quick tour of the store.
Native American—a large selection of many types of books dealing w/tribes country wide
Military & Aircraft—a large WW2 section, a large WW1 section and a large Civil War section, as well as various books on different weapons and aircraft (also a section on civil aircraft)
Art—many books on the different facets of art
Biographies and autobiographies—hardback and paperback
Performing Arts—movies and TV
Animals—domestic (horses, dogs, cats, small pets, etc) and wild.
Science—astronomy, minerals & rocks, and many other topics.
History—US and World
Health—allopathic, alternative, anatomy, exercise & yoga, and more.
Music—how to play, sheet music, stars, more.
Crafts—sewing, quilting, most everything.
Do It Yourself & Interior Design & Woodworking—carpentry, home improvement, electrics, more.
Boats & Ships—a small section.
Cookbooks—all sorts and currently on serious discount.
Christian Religion—Bibles and more.
Spirituality—other religions, pagan, new age, more.
Western—history & lore.
Poetry and Literature—includes Classics & Almost Classics.
War & Sea—paperback war stories both fiction & non-fiction and sea stories.
Fiction—Romance, Novels, Adventure/Suspense, Mystery, Sci Fi & Fantasy, Horror—paperback both mass market & trade, some hardback.
“The Brown Shelves”—an esoteric selection of books, sometimes difficult to categorize but fun, wonderful, audacious, marvelous, amazing, entertaining, and just plain good reading.
Native American—a large selection of many types of books dealing w/tribes country wide
Military & Aircraft—a large WW2 section, a large WW1 section and a large Civil War section, as well as various books on different weapons and aircraft (also a section on civil aircraft)
Art—many books on the different facets of art
Biographies and autobiographies—hardback and paperback
Performing Arts—movies and TV
Animals—domestic (horses, dogs, cats, small pets, etc) and wild.
Science—astronomy, minerals & rocks, and many other topics.
History—US and World
Health—allopathic, alternative, anatomy, exercise & yoga, and more.
Music—how to play, sheet music, stars, more.
Crafts—sewing, quilting, most everything.
Do It Yourself & Interior Design & Woodworking—carpentry, home improvement, electrics, more.
Boats & Ships—a small section.
Cookbooks—all sorts and currently on serious discount.
Christian Religion—Bibles and more.
Spirituality—other religions, pagan, new age, more.
Western—history & lore.
Poetry and Literature—includes Classics & Almost Classics.
War & Sea—paperback war stories both fiction & non-fiction and sea stories.
Fiction—Romance, Novels, Adventure/Suspense, Mystery, Sci Fi & Fantasy, Horror—paperback both mass market & trade, some hardback.
“The Brown Shelves”—an esoteric selection of books, sometimes difficult to categorize but fun, wonderful, audacious, marvelous, amazing, entertaining, and just plain good reading.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Welcome to the Curt’s Bookstore blog, a place to see what the store has in stock, to join discussions, to read reviews, and just to have fun. I will attempt to put up a blog everyday. However, sometimes I just won’t be able to do so due to time constraints.
Comments and questions are welcome and will be answered as quickly as possible. If you are looking for a specific book, please ask about it.
An often asked question at the store is “how long has the store been here?” This space in the shopping center has been a bookstore since the shopping center was opened in 1980 and has gone through various owners and names. In 1992, the previous owners bought the store and got permission from the original Curt to use the name. I started working for them in 1998 and bought the store in late 2005 when they retired. The store became mine on January 1, 2006.
Before that, I worked for a branch of the county library system. Before that, I worked at the university library at Cal Poly Pomona, California. Before that, I worked for Stewart’s Orchids doing most everything that needed to be done. Before that I was a student at Cal Poly and worked as student assistant in the library. Before that I worked for credit for one class period in High School and 8th grade in the library. And before that, I was an avid reader and local patron of the local library. So, yep, I have been a book fiend all my life.
Comments and questions are welcome and will be answered as quickly as possible. If you are looking for a specific book, please ask about it.
An often asked question at the store is “how long has the store been here?” This space in the shopping center has been a bookstore since the shopping center was opened in 1980 and has gone through various owners and names. In 1992, the previous owners bought the store and got permission from the original Curt to use the name. I started working for them in 1998 and bought the store in late 2005 when they retired. The store became mine on January 1, 2006.
Before that, I worked for a branch of the county library system. Before that, I worked at the university library at Cal Poly Pomona, California. Before that, I worked for Stewart’s Orchids doing most everything that needed to be done. Before that I was a student at Cal Poly and worked as student assistant in the library. Before that I worked for credit for one class period in High School and 8th grade in the library. And before that, I was an avid reader and local patron of the local library. So, yep, I have been a book fiend all my life.
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