As I mentioned earlier, I’ve been obsessed with my local independent bookstore and the last time I was there, I ended up buying stuff (as usual).
Tao Te Ching by Lao Tsu (25th Anniversary Edition, Vintage Books Edition [Random House])
I read a translation published by Barnes and Noble around five years ago, when I was into Chinese religion/philosophy. Tao Te Ching is the classic Chinese text that is fundamental to Daoism/Taoism. Since then, my interest in it has subsided a bit. It didn’t stop me, however, from picking up a copy of this when I saw it. It’s paired with black and white film photographs and the Chinese version done in calligraphy. I like to read it when I feel really calm.
A Literary Paris by Jamie Cox Robertson (Adams Media)
This combines my love for independent bookstores (where I bought it), reading and traveling. It has excerpts from famous works of literature (Hemingway, Collete, Sedaris and more) about Paris. It also contains quotes by famous authors about Paris and some historical background on the places that are described in the excerpt. Instant love! Plus, it’s a fabric covered hardcover, which makes it even better.
While Mortals Sleep by Kurt Vonnegut
It’s a collection of Vonnegut’s previously unpublished short stories. I bought this for my friend’s birthday because she’s a Vonnegut fan. I have no idea if she’s read this so hopefully she hasn’t! *crosses fingers*
I joked that I’ll probably end up going broke if I keep going to my local indie bookstore and buying books every time but my friend replied with “Isn’t that a good thing? You’re gaining knowledge”, to which I have to agree.
What books have you bought lately? Have you been to your local independent bookstore?
