If you have read this blog for any length of time, then you are aware of my slightly unhealthy obsession with life in the U.K. during WWII. I have a large collection of books on the subject (obviously), and I am always on the lookout for a new one. In this case, however, my husband gets the credit for the most recent addition to my shelves. He received an ad for Oxford’s War in some email or another. He immediately showed it to me. I thought it looked very interesting but it was also on the pricey side so I didn’t buy it. One day last week I picked up…

Every now and then there is a book sale at the library where I work. It is run by the Friends of the Library and stocked with donations from patrons. It has been a while since there has been a sale though the Book Nook has been open whenever a volunteer is there. I was happy to see that a recent Saturday I was working was a sale day. We were understaffed that day and all I managed to do was run in for literally five minutes and grab what I could. I think I did pretty well especially when you consider that you could fill a bag for three…

I did not intend to do much book shopping on this trip because it was a graduation gift for my daughter. While she likes to read and enjoys a good bookstore she is not as obsessive about it as I am. I planned to keep a tight rein on my book buying but my daughter knows how I am and actively encouraged me to visit a few book shops. She is definitely my favorite (and only) daughter. The photo above was taken inside Voltaire & Rousseau Bookshop. I have very mixed feelings about this place. As you can see, it is an absolute maze. I do enjoy a good treasure…

Blackwell’s is a bookshop located in Oxford in the U.K. They have been selling books since 1879 and I absolutely love them. The first and most obvious reason for my devotion is that they have a huge selection of books many of which I cannot find in bookshops here in the U.S. The second reason is that they offer free shipping to the U.S. How amazing is that? When I was in Scotland in April I spent some time browsing in a bookshop near our hotel. As usual, I found many books I wanted to buy. However, I had already crammed my suitcase to bursting with books I found in…

There are a few guaranteed ways to improve any day; drink more tea, eat some chocolate, or buy some books. Repeat as needed until happiness is achieved. I take these words to heart regularly. Last week I had a follow-up appointment with the surgeon and his office happened to be only 15 minutes away from Half Price Books. I knew what I needed to do and I did it. I had a lovely time browsing through the shelves. As an inveterate bargain hunter, I started in the clearance section. That is where I found the knitting magazine and the copy of Code Girls. My fascination with life during WWII continues…