Saturday, February 22, 2014

why we love social media

Social Media is a big deal in this day and age, not only is it a means for communication but is quickly becoming THE means for communication around the world. Not only does this mean you are sharing photos with your friends but also news, ideas, quotes, images, memes, gifs, jokes, events and many other exciting things. Here at the bookstore it works as all of those things are more.

My personal favorite part of social media in relation to books is the sharing of not onlt books to read, but the thoughts surrounding every bit of the book. Instantly I can read reviews, essays, even full blown thesis’s on an authors works. I can talk to many different people about books, about book selling, about book buying. I can meet scholars I would never have met otherwise. I can share with all of you wonderful booky people what I love about certain titles, how it helped me through a tough spot, the joy picking up a classic book from childhood cna bring. I get to share that with an infinite amount of people, in return and infinite amount of people can share with me.

Beyond books it offeres a chance to share art, quotes, home decor, and geeky t-shirts, because even though they are literary themed they are more than just a book shelf, a library, or a coffee mug.
What is beautiful about all of our social media is the fact that we can share many different things of beauty and interest. Many different formats, many different interactions and many different links to the world. Having those links to the world is very special to me and everyone that works in the bookstore, so that even if we never see your face in person, we know you cared, we had a moment, we shared pieces of human existence.

Because you care, we happy dance.
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HAPPY SHARING!
~Rebecca Robinson

Saturday, February 15, 2014

How To: survive college in a few simple reads

I am a senior at Colorado State University, set to graduate in December, a double History and Journalism major and totally overwhelmd by readings for every class. The good news is that there is always the option to step away from thick history texts and jump into more lighthearted fair. The books I have found over the last three years have been all over in their content and subject matter, but they all have helped me get through the stress that is being in University.
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith
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Totally not what you would expect a history buff to read, but as my current fiction this book rocks! It is well written, with beyond the whole vampire thing, few historical mess-ups. As long as you take it for fun, love a narration with flourishing characters, and need something different to enjoy, this is a book for you!
Bossypants by Tina Fey
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I did theater in high school so this had a natural draw for me, along with the whole 30 Rock thing oh and Saturday Night Live. Tina Fey is a hoot and a half, the whole book left you laughing from page to page, maybe I related to the stories more than the average 23-year-old (I tend to be more socially awkward than most), but it is not to be missed and will take the edge off of that D you got on that paper you bled your heart into.

The Signature of All Things, by Elizabeth Gilbert
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THIS fueled my love of history fires, though it is a fiction it is so well researched, written, pieced together and BEAUTIFUL that it deserves a place on this list. Read it, just read it, it helps with the whole escapism thing along with being very relaxing as you pretend you get to be in these places with the leading lady.
Siddhartha by Herman Hesse
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If you are really overwhelmed this is a great read to calm your soul and think at the same time. The book is short and mobile, and perfect for late night stresses or your bus ride, or lunch break between classes.

Of course there are many other beauties out there, and poetry should not be overlooked, I delve into my Rumi, Robert Burns, and Emily Dickinson volumes quite frequently.

What are the books that helped you get through college?
-Rebecca Robinson

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Geeky Garments

At the bookstore, all of us staff enjoy wearing favorite authors on our sleeves. Some of us have shirts, sweaters, tote bage, and buttons. The items have quotes and art reflecting a favorite snarky statement or beautiful cover art. And recently we have started to sell such items in our store. We have started selling different Out of Print shirts and tote bags. this is not only for the geeky employees but also so our dedicated customers can gladly sport a Very Hungry Caterpillar shirt in an adult size without feeling too much shame.
We all love the shirts! And we can order any from the company for a simple request, not to mention they're probably the nicest quality t-shirts I have ever owned or sold.
Of course this brings up more interest in, just what all is out there for literary geeks? Well dear reader this is what I found, an array of jouyous items on the interwebs for book geeks!
How about an F. Scott Fitzgerald magnet set?
F. Scott Fitzgerald magnet set
Or a William Shakespeare bracelet
battle of wits Shakespeare acrylic engraved bracelet
How about Hitchhiker's Guide Underwear?
Mostly Harmless Douglas Adams Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy womens ladies Underpants Underwear
This Hobbit inspired mug is pretty great!
I love you like a hobbit loves second breakfast coffee mug
Of course there is then a million and one Harry Potter items, but I was quite amused with this Polyjuice Flask!
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My personal favorite finding from today must be this Oscar Wilde Clutch.
Printed Romantic Oscar Wilde SMALL clutch in dupion and printed satin. Unique, designed by Baba Studio.
Do you have a favorite geek item you love to show off? Wear to parties? Pull out for parties?
Thanks for reading,
Rebecca Robinson