I’m finishing out my week of celebrations with a movie marathon today, but let’s look back at my bookstore trip.

I had a great day! I just want to get that away right up front. Because of my financial situation, I hadn’t been to a bookstore in a few years and I was so incredibly overdue! I was worried, because I hadn’t slept at all the night before, but it all worked out.

My morning started out with our usual Friday grocery trip. I don’t usually spend a lot of time in the “Bargain Book” section of the grocery store, but made sure to check it out this time and found a Steven Rowley book that wasn’t on my radar, so that came out of my grocery budget (it was only $3).

Once we got home and put away the groceries, I left mom at home and my sister-in-law joined me on my bookshop adventures because she is a fellow reader (though our tastes are different). I had 4 bookshops that I wanted to visit and we got started around 11:30am-ish.

The first one, Read the Room, is in Sutherlin (the town next to mine) and had recently opened (or re-opened with new ownership).  The shop has a small new book selection and a huge used book selection. Everything was clean, neat, and well labeled, and most of the used books were in great condition. We talked to the owner a bit while we were there and it was pretty busy. I restrained myself and only picked out 2 fantasy books so that I would still have money for the other shops. My SIL picked out a few books for herself, plus the first book in a series I loved but didn’t own for me. We also each got a free bookmark. And there was a kid’s story time with a therapy dog scheduled for later in the afternoon. This was my favorite shop by far, and I will definitely be shopping here again.

Next my SIL bought me lunch at Red Robin in Roseburg, then we hit the next bookshop on the list. This was the only established shop that’s been around for years, While Away Books. They advertise that they carry new and used books, but I honestly didn’t see any new books while I was there, but I was quite overwhelmed. They have tons of used books, of varying qualities. Sections of the store were generically categorized, but I never really found a fantasy section. There are so many books here that they are overflowing the shelves and stacked all over the floor in front of the shelves as well. They were also busy, so I struggled a bit here (plus my back was starting to act up again as well). I did find a hardcover edition of book 3 in a recently completed Nora Roberts trilogy that I haven’t read in great condition, so I picked that up. It wasn’t my favorite stop of the day, but I will definitely go back when I have the focus to dig in to find the hidden gems.

The final 2 stops were both in Downtown Roseburg and only about a block apart, so we parked at the courthouse and walked over. I knew the first shop was going to be very boutique-y from their social media, and it was. Fox and Fable is about half books and half bookish gifts. They do not sell used books and have a small, curated collection of books. (I have more books on my shelves at home than they have on display). They do have bookish scents and soaps that smelled amazing. It was also very bright, very clean, and we were the only people in there. If I had a new book budget, I would have picked up a new release, but don’t, so this was the only shop I did not make a purchase in.

The last shop of the day was Yours Truly, a romance only bookshop. They sell predominantly new books, but do have a used book section. The store was mostly neat, though there were boxes and a vent hose sitting on the sofas. And there were other customers in the shop when we came in, but not busy. My back was really complaining, so I did sit next to the boxes while I looked at the used books. The selection is well organized and included everything from contemporary to romantasy to dark romance. Their used books are in almost new condition. I picked up a hard cover edition of the first book in the Nora Roberts trilogy mentioned above (so now I just need the middle book lol). If I had a bigger budget, I would have purchased a lot more here. My SIL also picked out something for herself here. If I ever have new book money again, I would definitely shop here.

At this point we were exhausted, I was in pain, and it was time to head home. All in all, it was a super successful trip! And once I got home, I promptly fell asleep and woke up about 8 hours later.