Valet Reader

Ok, I’m not actually going to be reviewing a bookstore in this post (hence the use of “quasi” in the title). Or at least a bookstore that just anyone can go to. As far as I’m concerned there are really only 6 or so people out there that have access to this particular “store” because it’s an incredibly private and secure collection. Books are not actually purchased there, instead they are just sort of taken or borrowed and often times replaced by new ones. In fact you could actually call it a library.

I’m talking about the one place where I can go, grab a book and walk out the door so long as my mother or father are not currently reading said book. Yes, I’m talking about my parents book collection in their house in San Diego. I’m willing to bet that some of you out there have bigger libraries or will claim to have “better” libraries at your homes, but I could care less. I’m not bragging here, I’m just letting you know where much of what I read comes from.

One thing that will make this library stand out though is the plethora of childrens books. Considering I am the youngest adult in my family and my parents have no grandchildren to date (at least that I am aware of) it would seem bizarre to have so many childrens books. But, if you had read my previous post, Post Mortem Book Store Review, you would understand. Now a days most of these books aren’t even out on the shelves they actually live in an underground storage room in the house in boxes and crates (pictures below).

Every time I go home, which isn’t all that often, I end up returning to SF with a bag that is considerably heavier than it was when I arrived in San Diego. You see, many times new books pop up that have been returned from other loanees or my siblings. I’ve found some real gems in there and occasionally books that I kind of hope to never see again. The really cool thing is that whenever I’m there and I don’t know what to “borrow” I can ask anyone that’s home to suggest something and more often than not they know exactly what book I should take and where the book is. Of course, nowadays my parents have pretty much stopped adding books to their library. Both my mother and father are privy to the library these days and of course mom has gone all high tech and also has the kindle. It’s all good though, that actually helps keep me in check and encourages me to create my own mini library. Did I mention this is my favorite “book store?” Cause it is.

Here’s a peek into my parents house (sorry guy’s I know I didn’t ask before doing this, but it’s pretty much too late now).

The Living room collection, yes those are some family pictures. Not pictured is the ancient dictionary on a dictionary stand which sits to the right.

One of the 2 book cases in my "sisters" room. She always claims it when we're home, I prefer the other room anyways.

Ah yes, just a few of the childrens books in my mothers office. There's cleary some other junk on those shelves too.

Couple more...

Plastic thingies o children books...

Um, boxes of assorted books (I doubt anyone really knows what books are in those).

Ok, so there are more books scattered all throughout the house but I was kind of tired of snapping pictures and really didn’t feel like climbing around the garage to take pictures of boxes. I hope you can understand. So, there you have it, my favorite book store.