Buying Books? Dee Reads Is!

Buying Books?

Are you like me?  Always looking to beg, borrow, or buy more books! Notice I didn't say steal, LOL?  If so, you know there are literally hundreds of places; websites, social media, public libraries and "old school" bookstores to get new reads.  One of my favorites, happens to be Half Price Books.  Are you familiar with Half Price?  If you are from Texas you've likely seen one in passing, if not actually visited there.  But . . . did you know that the largest Half Price Books in Texas is located in Dallas?  I've known this and longed to visit for a couple of years.  My son, and recent contributor to the blog, Cody made that happen for me.    

Last month I visited Wichita Falls, TX where Cody lives. This, too, was a long-planned and awaited trip.  We had four days worth of activities including; working out, seeing Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at COSM, Dallas, visiting a small local bookstore and Half Price Books.  It was all entertaining, with COSM and Half Price Books running neck and neck for the best two events.  For the blog, I'll concentrate on the bookstore, but be sure to check out COSM.  It's well worth the visit!

Being the biggest in the state, Half Price Books has an enormous number of books in every possible category - some rare, others more common.  If you've been on the hunt for a unique volume or a scarcer book to complete a series read this may be the store for you.  It was totally that for me - on both counts.  

Quite a few years ago, I read and thoroughly enjoyed David Baldacci's Long Road to Mercy.  The main character, Atlee Pine, became a fast favorite and "friend" of mine.  As an FBI agent,  her career is akin to mine in law enforcement.  Her assignment, to the rim of the Grand Canyon, intrigued me and gave me pause for thought about hiking the canyon.  For now, I'll read the rest in the series, which I found at Half Price  Books for, you guessed it, half the price of most other retailers.  

The second goal was to find an older book that I recall from my teenage years, Helter Skelter.  Probably not age appropriate, but I read this horror story of reality several times during my youth.  In fact, so many and with such a strangle-hold on the cover the book literally fell apart.  The cover came loose from the spine and pages began to fall from the binding.  It was from my mother's shelves, but I'm reasonably sure she didn't know I was reading such a violent, true story.  Whatever happened to that copy?  I don't know.  As part of planning for upcoming blogs, I went looking for a hardback copy recently and felt the pricing was just too high for me.  Truth be told, I'm kind  of a skin flint when it comes to buying books, but I was lucky enough to find a copy at HPB!  Coincidence - it was in just as bad a shape as the copy I just described. So be looking for an upcoming blog on true crime.  Helter Skelter may make an appearance.  

In addition to finding some of the books I'd been on a manhunt for, this store is beyond any others, even those under the same umbrella.  It is so well-organized you can find a long-hoped-for book with ease.  If you need help there is an abundant staff happily willing to lend a hand.   

There is no hurry or pressure to do your business and leave.  I could have spent many enjoyable hours there.  There truly is something for every reader including some rare books, first editions, signed copies, and works with beautiful covers. If your search goes long and you need to refuel your engine, there's an attached coffee shop offering all manner of coffee, teas, pastries, and sandwiches.  

	Half Price Books Flagship 5803 East Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX

If you are in the Dallas area or are planning a trip there,  make Half Price Books one of your stops.  You won't be disappointed.  I'm already thinking about taking my brother soon, very soon.