Next week my kids will be out of school. It’s not the official start to summer but it’s close. I like to kick off the season a few ways. A bonfire in the backyard. Good barbecue. A trip to the bookstore for a massive amount of books to set near the hammock.
Really, it’s not summer for me unless I’ve got books for the beach bag, books to keep by the pool, and books by the loveseat for when the days are too hot to go outside. The trick in stocking all of my stashes is to get the genre mix just right. Sure I want to read romance—that’s a given. I need some historicals, some romantic suspense and maybe a few funky paranormals thrown in for fun.
But beyond that, I need a handful of other things. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a good biography, so I’d like to find something unique in that category. I always like to read about historical women from all walks of life in a variety of time periods. In the past, I’ve read about a lot of medieval women, but it would be nice to expand on that.
Next up, I need some non-fiction. A how to book on something like Tuscan cooking or choosing a good wine. I also like taking a mini vacation with a travelogue or a book about a famous building. Last year I read about Boldt Castle, a fun exercise that inspired the setting for GETTING LUCKY.
Lastly, I like something that I can pick up and put down in a hurry. A book full of famous quotes, maybe. Or a book of lists—most influential people of the twentieth century or 100 books to read before you die. This is perfect for a read over the breakfast table or for making conversation at the beach with the mom on the next towel over.
***So, tell me. Am I the only one who goes into the bookstore with a game plan, a book list and reading strategy guide? Do you tackle your book buying with predetermined guidelines? And for all you shelf-browsers out there… how do you know you’ve found what you’re looking for? Chat with Joanne on the boards for a chance to win your choice of her 2008 releases. Winner drawn at random from all posters on Saturday.***
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I have no plans when I step into a bookstore, and most often no list. I keep a running one in my head, but overall, it’s all about the adventure. My only preparation is to make sure the debit card is on me, then I’m good to go. I try to limit myself to no more than 5 books per visit, but nothing’s written in stone.
Most of my reads are romance, but occasionally a bio or non-fiction or some other genre will catch my attention. I really love reading bios about movie stars from the 40’s and 50’s because they were so much more mysterious and glamorous than the celebrities of today.
by Stacy ~
on June 13th, 2008 at 7:39 am
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I do browse and sometimes have a list so I dont forget what I am looking for. Sometimes browsing comes up with some new authors.
Toni Blake’s Letters to a Secret Lover and Jane Graves Tall Tales and Wedding Veils were GREAT! Also enjoyed very much Kate Angell’s Strike Zone. I am a contemp reader so cant help you out with the historicals.
by Pat L.
on June 13th, 2008 at 7:40 am
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I usually have a good idea of what I’m looking for when I go in the bookstore. I usually grab a couple mysteries, a good romance, a good mainstream, and a couple books for my son. Hardcovers I usually reserve at the library. Some books I’m looking forward to reading are: Girls in Trucks, The Girl Who Stopped Swimming, Bulls Island, and Death of a Rug Lord.
by Sandra
on June 13th, 2008 at 7:56 am
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Sometimes I have an idea of what I want when I go in a book store but most of the time I don’t so I do a lot of browsing which can be fun. :)
by wendy
on June 13th, 2008 at 8:57 am
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Most of the time I have a few books in mind but I always browse the shelves and pick up more than I planned to buy. 
by Crystal B.
on June 13th, 2008 at 9:10 am
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I keep a running list of TBR books, so I have a list handy when I go to the bookstore. The problem is that my list keeps getting longer and my reading can’t keep up! 
by cheryl c.
on June 13th, 2008 at 9:49 am
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It’s been a while since I would go to the bookstore, or the library, with regularity, but I always carry a little notebook with me, with a list of titles and authors I’m looking for. Lately, as the TBR mountain has grown out of control, I’ve taken to keep track of that in the same notebook, to avoid doubling on something (I hate doing that).
by azteclady
on June 13th, 2008 at 10:03 am
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Yep, I have my list, divided in two — one side is divided into months with that month’s releases and the other side is books that have been out already that I would like to get. I usually can only stick with the new month’s releases, but if the bookstore I walk into doesn’t have it yet or the like, I’ll go to the other side and try to see if they have any of those. The list is to remember what I want, but also to limit myself — just can’t afford to browse, basically. LOL
Lois
by Lois
on June 13th, 2008 at 10:06 am
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I have a list and try to stick to it, otherwise I have ended up buying duplicates and/or tooooooooooo many…
by Karen B
on June 13th, 2008 at 11:08 am
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No lists. I couldn’t stick to them anyway.
by Minna
on June 13th, 2008 at 11:30 am
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I can spend hours in bookstores, just browsing shelves and enjoying the feeling of new books! I usually try to tell myself I’m just looking, but… I come out with some romances, one or two thrillers and a biography. If I had a list I’d buy twice as many!
by Eva S
on June 13th, 2008 at 11:45 am
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Spending a couple of hours in the bookstore just browsing and picking up some good books is like a mini vacation for me. I usually don’t have the time to do that so for the most part I have to know what I want and run in to get it.
by Maureen
on June 13th, 2008 at 11:52 am
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omg, Joanna, I never had a list like yours, but I think that’s a great idea
Most time, when I go to the bookstore, I have in mind what I want to get and just browse through the rest. I have some biographies and non-fiction in my tbr list… I think I’ll have to pull them out to make sure I read soon
by Ali
on June 13th, 2008 at 11:52 am
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Gee, when I go looking for books, my first choices are my fav authors… then when I browse,if something pops out at me and sounds interesting, I grab it! Gotta have books!!! 
by Colleen
on June 13th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
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I don’t have a plan such as yours; maybe I’ll have one book in mind and go look for that
particular one and while browsing I come across others.
by RobynL
on June 13th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
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Hi Joanne, my visits to the bookstore vary. Sometimes, I go with specific purpose, to get a certain book - and other sales, promotions, or new releases might catch my eye.
Other times, I go to the bookstore just because I love it, and browse. I may or may not buy something - but… usually I do. :)
by limecello
on June 13th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
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I only shop online because the nearest bookstore is more than a hour away. 
I’m constantly browsing through the different genres updating and adding to my Wish List.
by Susan
on June 13th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
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I start with a few books and authors in mind, but one of my favorite things to do is browse :) It’s such a treat to check out the stacks of fresh, new books and see what catches my eye, and it’s SO hard to resist buying a new one, or two, or six…
by fedora
on June 13th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
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I take a list of the books I want to the bookstore. Always seem to end up with a few more than were on the list.
by Estella
on June 13th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
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I have a list of books that I want to read or else I would forget them all. I am always adding to and crossing off of my list. The worst is when I forget my list at home and can’t remember any of the titles I have been dying to read. I do like to browse though, my favorite areas are the sale books. It is amazing what good reads you can find there.
by Rebekah
on June 13th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
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I always have at least one book I am going specifically to get. But somehow I always end up with more! What a hardship.
NOT!
by Angie-la
on June 13th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
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I love the book store. I can loose an afternoon in there no problem. I start out with my trusty list and try to stick to it pretty closely. But there is always impulse buys that help me find new authors.
by Paula
on June 13th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
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I hardly shop at bookstores anymore, but when I do go I don’t have a list. I like to browse at the titles and covers.
by Jane
on June 13th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
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It definitely varies. It really depends on how much time I have and if anyone else is with me lol. If it’s just me I can spend hours in a bookstore. Sometimes it’s run in and run out if I have a specific book(s) in mind. When I have the time I love to browse and then it’s anyone’s guess what or how much I’ll buy :mrgreen: I have a list of books that I own (two notebooks) and if I have that on me I tend to buy more because them I’m sure I don’t already own it.
by catslady
on June 13th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
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Well, I have my favorite authors and when their new books come out I rush out and buy them! I go on blogs a lot so when I see books mentioned that interest me, I write them down and check them out. Yes, I do make lists. As a matter of fact I have some written down on a piece of paper in my purse that I want to get.
Books that I have read lately that I really enjoyed are Jennifer Estep, Charlaine Harris and Michelle Bardsley which are paranormal romance books. They are great! I am currently reading Vicki Lewis Thompson’s NERD books. They are fantastic! I read a historical novel a while back by Markus Zusak called The Book Thief. That was really intriguing. I love to read fashion magazines, newspapers, the phone book (ha,ha! Love reading people’s names!) etc. I read everything!
by Melis L.
on June 13th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
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I have some ideas when I go to the bookstore but I like to browse and see what captures my eyes.
by Linda F
on June 13th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
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I usually have an idea of what books I’m going to pick up when I go into a book store. That usually never happens I always end up getting more than I intended on!
by Teresa W.
on June 13th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
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i plan ahead of time and go get it.
by kim h
on June 13th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
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I start out with a book list but then when I get there I find books that either catch my eye or that I have been wanting to read.
by Kimmy L
on June 13th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
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It’s sad but I usually run in and get what I know I want, and sometimes will pick up one or two more. When I go to the used book store, I make sure I have more time and my list of what I already own. I have bought way too many duplications by not being prepared.
by Lisa F.
on June 14th, 2008 at 9:20 am
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Glad to know I’m not alone in plotting a bookstore run . The thread winner is Maureen, who I also contacted privately. Maureen, just email a shipping address to joanne@joannerock.com. Thanks to all for visiting!
by Joanne Rock
on June 15th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
