No, I am not talking about that castle with the talking mouse, duck with no pants, and soaring pachyderm. The location I am referring to is H-E-B. What is HEB? It is a grocery store. I know what you are thinking, "This gal is waxing eloquent about a supermarket? Does this place sell a life?!" No, it does not sell a life, but it does sell Life. HEB is a Texas-based company that was started by the Butt family (yes, that is their name) in Kerrville, Texas in 1905. Since then, HEB has expanded across Texas and even into Mexico. They are committed to serving Texas, both with the food in the store and in the community with camps for lower income families and supporting local events.
But what is it that makes HEB so great? First of all is the HEB brand food. Usually when you buy store-brand products, they can be a little sketchy. But I have yet to find an HEB product that is not comparable or better than a national brand product. For instance, HEB recently began producing their own fresh pastas that include ravioli, tortellini, long pastas, and short pastas, along with sauces. The bakery also has begun to make their own breads, both loaf and artisan, as well as tortillas, all of which are in my shopping cart.
Another great thing about HEB is its produce. HEB strives to attain whatever in-state produce it can get its hands on. This not only helps the Texas farmers, but also means HEB customers can get fruit and veggies that have not spent a week on a semi being shipped from Florida or California. Every time I go this summer, I can get Texas peaches, blueberries, ruby grapefruits, and other produce. The meat and seafood department is also great, especially the butchers and fish mongers. They know what they sell, and will readily suggest ways of cooking, marinating, or grilling whatever it is you want to buy. This is how I ended up with some steelhead trout when I intended to get tilapia.
However, the best part about HEB has to be the people. The people who work at HEB are perhaps the best service people I have ever encountered. They greet you with a smile and are willing to stop what they are doing to help you look for oyster sauce or rice noodles. They are committed to quality. If you notice you put the wrong kind of croutons in your basket, they will run to replace it with the right kind. If you have a passel of children with you, they will grab an extra cart and shop with you if it helps you at all. Every single time they are done bagging my groceries they ask if I need help to the car. This is in no way insulting or degrading to me, they just want to make sure my shopping experience continues to be enjoyable after I exit. Even the security guys standing at the doors are great. They cheerily wave and say "Have a nice day" or "See you soon" when I leave.
I contend that no grocery store is worth going to if you cannot leave happier than when you came. And HEB does that for me. They have everything I want from Kashi cereal to bulk Brazil nuts, freestone peaches to stuffed portobello mushrooms, and they are committed to helping their customers out in whatever capacity. So, that is why I heart HEB.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Thursday, July 19, 2007
A Dinner of Tomato
My dinner last night. It was simple, unexpectedly good, and filling. This is not the first nor the last simple, good and filling dinner I have eaten. It simply exceeded all my taste expectations. What was it that I had that prompted me to write about it?
Soup. Yes, you are reading this correctly, I said soup. Soup in the middle of July...in Texas? Yes, hot soup in the middle of July in Texas. It can be done. I did it. The soup, to be specific, was Campbell's Select Gold Label Italian Tomato with Basil and Garlic. I have never been a fan of tomato soup. It has been salty, grainy, and a little bitter. But this tomato soup was rich, light, and a perfect balance of herbs and tomato. Each little box has two servings of one cup each, so you are by no means getting scrimped on how much you eat.
I paired the soup (paired sounds so chef-like and intentional) with some Cracked Pepper and Olive Oil Triscuits, my new favorite crunchy cracker of choice. These crackers are really good. The pepper creates a slightly spicy pop in the mouth and yields itself to feeling like you are eating a higher end cracker. Yes, there are such things as high-end crackers. I also had some smoked cheddar that I sliced and placed atop the Triscuits.
The soup, the crackers, the cheese. Every item complimented one another in flavor, texture and ease in creation. I am now a fan of the tomato soup, and am willing to try some other Campbell's Select Gold Label soups. If the others are as flavorful and rich as the tomato, I may have to institute a soup night every week.
Soup. Yes, you are reading this correctly, I said soup. Soup in the middle of July...in Texas? Yes, hot soup in the middle of July in Texas. It can be done. I did it. The soup, to be specific, was Campbell's Select Gold Label Italian Tomato with Basil and Garlic. I have never been a fan of tomato soup. It has been salty, grainy, and a little bitter. But this tomato soup was rich, light, and a perfect balance of herbs and tomato. Each little box has two servings of one cup each, so you are by no means getting scrimped on how much you eat.
I paired the soup (paired sounds so chef-like and intentional) with some Cracked Pepper and Olive Oil Triscuits, my new favorite crunchy cracker of choice. These crackers are really good. The pepper creates a slightly spicy pop in the mouth and yields itself to feeling like you are eating a higher end cracker. Yes, there are such things as high-end crackers. I also had some smoked cheddar that I sliced and placed atop the Triscuits.
The soup, the crackers, the cheese. Every item complimented one another in flavor, texture and ease in creation. I am now a fan of the tomato soup, and am willing to try some other Campbell's Select Gold Label soups. If the others are as flavorful and rich as the tomato, I may have to institute a soup night every week.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
American History X
American History X is a terrifying movie to watch. Terrifying for is visuals of murder, familial relations, race relations, and hatred. Terrifying at how persuasive Edward Norton, as Derek Vinyard, is in his white supremacist speeches, rants, and actions; not because they are so extreme, which they are, but because as the viewer, you begin to understand where he is coming from. Terrifying in how this film speaks to some of the conditions of our country. No one can trust anyone, and those you do trust may turn on you or not be what they seem.
However, American History X is also a movie that must be seen. It shows the tension on both sides of the black/white racial conflict. It speaks to how, while the US has worked so hard to right this situation, the situation still remains. It shows how we as white Americans cannot fully comprehend the struggles minorities face in America. One of the things the film best succeeds in displaying is how these ideas and motives are born from the people who have influence in your life. Derek was taught to hate blacks through his father, and he then passed that same hatred onto his brother. It was only after Derek murdered two black men and was sent to prison that he began to see the flaws in the white supremacists. While they spoke of not dealing with people of other races, within the prison, those same people were the ones they made deals with. Additionally, Derek is befriended by a young black man who shows him through simple words and actions that hatred only begets hatred. This same point is driven home through one of Derek's former (black) teachers who keeps up with him in prison, challenging him to rethink his focus. One of the key questions this teacher poses to Derek is "Has anything you've done made your life better?"
This is a movie that is extremely hard to look at, listen to, and take in at times. But it is a movie that reminds of the hatred in this world and, more importantly, how people can change, and redemption can happen.
However, American History X is also a movie that must be seen. It shows the tension on both sides of the black/white racial conflict. It speaks to how, while the US has worked so hard to right this situation, the situation still remains. It shows how we as white Americans cannot fully comprehend the struggles minorities face in America. One of the things the film best succeeds in displaying is how these ideas and motives are born from the people who have influence in your life. Derek was taught to hate blacks through his father, and he then passed that same hatred onto his brother. It was only after Derek murdered two black men and was sent to prison that he began to see the flaws in the white supremacists. While they spoke of not dealing with people of other races, within the prison, those same people were the ones they made deals with. Additionally, Derek is befriended by a young black man who shows him through simple words and actions that hatred only begets hatred. This same point is driven home through one of Derek's former (black) teachers who keeps up with him in prison, challenging him to rethink his focus. One of the key questions this teacher poses to Derek is "Has anything you've done made your life better?"
This is a movie that is extremely hard to look at, listen to, and take in at times. But it is a movie that reminds of the hatred in this world and, more importantly, how people can change, and redemption can happen.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Blue Like Jazz
I began reading Blue Like Jazz over a year ago on a slow day at work. One of my coworkers had it on his shelf, I had heard crumbs of goodness about it, so thought I would give it a try. It was enrapturing. Unfortunately, my coworker friend soon left, and so too did the book. Fast forward to another slow day and another coworker's shelf of books. I saw the blue spine, picked up the book, and have been (re)reading it for the past month or so.
This is a soul book. Don Miller speaks so honestly about faith, Christianity, acceptance, singleness, and life. Honestly, I am finding this review difficult to write because the book is so personal. While this book is about Don's journey, I found myself relating and reflecting on my life repeatedly throughout the book. Don grew up in a fundamentalist church and, as he got into his 20s, began wondering what does it mean to be a Christian, love Christ and people, have Christ and people love you, and believe in God. At times, his honesty about Christians and Christianity was tough to swallow. Not because it was always controversial, but because it was truth, and the truth was not great. Christians, we, say we love everyone, and yet we judge the poor, different, and outcasts among us. We believe in a "health and wealth" gospel that teaches us that if you are not successful in the American sense, something is wrong in your life. And that is not true.
There are an abundance of quotable sections from the book, but here is one that reflects Don's forthrightness and transparent take on part of the Christian culture. (Taken from pg. 218)
"The problem with Christian culture is we think of love as a commodity. We use it like money...If somebody is doing something for us, offering us something, be it gifts, time, popularity, or what have you, we feel they have value, we feel they are worth something to us, and, perhaps, we feel they are priceless. I could see it so clearly, and I could feel it in the pages of my life. This was the thing that had smelled so rotten all these years. I used love like money. They church used love like money. With love, we withheld affirmation from the people who did not agree with us, but we lavishly financed the ones who did."
If you consider yourself a Christian, spiritual, searching, or are just looking for a thought-provoking read, get this book and a pen or highlighter. It is rich with truth, life, love, and even some humor.
This is a soul book. Don Miller speaks so honestly about faith, Christianity, acceptance, singleness, and life. Honestly, I am finding this review difficult to write because the book is so personal. While this book is about Don's journey, I found myself relating and reflecting on my life repeatedly throughout the book. Don grew up in a fundamentalist church and, as he got into his 20s, began wondering what does it mean to be a Christian, love Christ and people, have Christ and people love you, and believe in God. At times, his honesty about Christians and Christianity was tough to swallow. Not because it was always controversial, but because it was truth, and the truth was not great. Christians, we, say we love everyone, and yet we judge the poor, different, and outcasts among us. We believe in a "health and wealth" gospel that teaches us that if you are not successful in the American sense, something is wrong in your life. And that is not true.
There are an abundance of quotable sections from the book, but here is one that reflects Don's forthrightness and transparent take on part of the Christian culture. (Taken from pg. 218)
"The problem with Christian culture is we think of love as a commodity. We use it like money...If somebody is doing something for us, offering us something, be it gifts, time, popularity, or what have you, we feel they have value, we feel they are worth something to us, and, perhaps, we feel they are priceless. I could see it so clearly, and I could feel it in the pages of my life. This was the thing that had smelled so rotten all these years. I used love like money. They church used love like money. With love, we withheld affirmation from the people who did not agree with us, but we lavishly financed the ones who did."
If you consider yourself a Christian, spiritual, searching, or are just looking for a thought-provoking read, get this book and a pen or highlighter. It is rich with truth, life, love, and even some humor.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Pass it on
I have never seen a Broadway show, or even walked down Broadway for that matter. However, had I been in New York (or Hong Kong, New Zealand, Sydney, or London) when The History Boys came to town, I would have tried my hardest to see them. However, since that chance did not plan itself out ("f***king history" as some of the characters say), I decided that viewing the movie version of the play was the next best thing. No need to dress up or wait for intermission to go to the restroom, pretty good situation, I think.
The History Boys could be mentioned as a rite of passage, coming of age, lessons on life, the new Dead Poets Society film. But it deserves such better descriptors than just those. It is funny, dramatic, tongue-in-cheek, open, heart-wrenching and so much more. It revolves around eight public school boys who are all preparing for exams and interviews in hopes of getting into Oxford and other elite British colleges. Three teachers help them along the way, each with their differing styles, approaches, and emphases. And while each teacher seems somewhat contradictory to the other, some of the boys are able to find the balance between each of them.
Poetry and song is often quoted. The question, "what is history?" is wrestled over. The approaching exams and college interviews are so focused on it appears to the boys that college is the be all, end all for life. And yet, life happens in the interim. Some take risks, some work to the status quo, others act for others rather than themselves. All the meanwhile, the connect with history and thought and poetry. As Hector shared, "The best moments in reading are when you come across something - a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things - which you had thought special and particular to you. And now, here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met, someone even who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out, and taken yours."
The History Boys is not a great film. There are no shootouts, CGI effects or "boy meets girl" love stories. But it is a good one, a solid one. One that follows you, leaves you thinking and reflecting. So, as a close, I will allow Hector to speak on my behalf, "Pass the parcel. That's sometimes all you can do. Take it, feel it and pass it on. Not for me, not for you, but for someone, somewhere, one day. Pass it on, boys. That's the game I want you to learn. Pass it on."
The History Boys could be mentioned as a rite of passage, coming of age, lessons on life, the new Dead Poets Society film. But it deserves such better descriptors than just those. It is funny, dramatic, tongue-in-cheek, open, heart-wrenching and so much more. It revolves around eight public school boys who are all preparing for exams and interviews in hopes of getting into Oxford and other elite British colleges. Three teachers help them along the way, each with their differing styles, approaches, and emphases. And while each teacher seems somewhat contradictory to the other, some of the boys are able to find the balance between each of them.
Poetry and song is often quoted. The question, "what is history?" is wrestled over. The approaching exams and college interviews are so focused on it appears to the boys that college is the be all, end all for life. And yet, life happens in the interim. Some take risks, some work to the status quo, others act for others rather than themselves. All the meanwhile, the connect with history and thought and poetry. As Hector shared, "The best moments in reading are when you come across something - a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things - which you had thought special and particular to you. And now, here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met, someone even who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out, and taken yours."
The History Boys is not a great film. There are no shootouts, CGI effects or "boy meets girl" love stories. But it is a good one, a solid one. One that follows you, leaves you thinking and reflecting. So, as a close, I will allow Hector to speak on my behalf, "Pass the parcel. That's sometimes all you can do. Take it, feel it and pass it on. Not for me, not for you, but for someone, somewhere, one day. Pass it on, boys. That's the game I want you to learn. Pass it on."
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Barbecue Across America
I recently traveled northeast to to good state of North Carolina. (North Carolina cannot be called "great" because "great" is Texas.) Among my many goals while in North Carolina, more specifically Raleigh, was to taste this thing called "Carolina BBQ." Barbecue is bar-b-que is BBQ, right? Wrong. So very wrong. There are four agreed upon regions of US barbecue, and are broken up thusly:
Memphis - Pork ribs served either dry (straight from the smoker or grill) or wet (slathered in BBQ sauce).
Kansas City - Known less for the type of meat it highlights than the sticky sweet tomato-based sauce (KC Masterpiece, anyone?). Generally sauces are featured best on chicken or pork ribs.
Texas - Features smoked brisket, dry rub, smoker, and long and low cooking. The brisket is never sauced during the smoking/cooking process but may be served with sauce on the side when ready to eat.
Carolina - It is a Carolina BBQ joint if the menu featured pulled or shredded pork and a vinegar-based sauce. The pork is always slow roasted for the deep smoky flavor, then shredded (not sliced!) and possibly put on a bun before serving.
If you were to find four people who each grew up in one of these four regions and then asked them to choose which 'cue is best, don't hold your breath waiting for a decision. Being from Texas, I think that a good brisket, with its pink smoke ring and spicy crust of rub, is just about the best thing a person could savor. But, I am not so close-minded as to think all other BBQs are inferior. Just that Texas 'cue is a hair better. So, it was with this attitude I went to Ole Time Barbecue on the outskirts of Raleigh, North Carolina.
I do not think I have been to a place that better embodied "roadside cafe" than Ole Time Barbecue. It is literally on the side of the highway. A car could lose control and go crashing through the establishment at any moment. Which I think makes the eating experience all the more thrilling and unique. Upon entering, you seat yourself at any one of the 8 or so tables. Prominently showcased on the wall are pictures of family, awards they've won, the plaque saying they can seat no more than 49 people, and lots of down-home, Southern decor. I ordered water, much to the shock of my dinner companion who thinks the only drink that goes with Carolina 'cue is sweet tea. I am daring, but I also like my teeth in my mouth and sugar for dessert. I ordered the chopped BBQ pork plate with green beans and sweet potato sticks.
While waiting for the food to arrive, I devoured plenty of hush puppies. These hush puppies are divine. I know, I know, it is just fried dough, but that was some fantastic fried dough. Crunchy on the outside, pillowy on the inside. Not dry, not overly greasy, and not too heavy. The food arrived soon and looked pretty good. It came on a plate, which is uncommon with Texas 'cue, usually it is presented on some butcher paper. Green beans, mediocre. Sweet potato sticks, holy cow these are good! I do not know how or what they did to the esteemed sweet potato, but it was incredible. Like mashed sweet potato in the inside, crunchy shell on the outside. Yum, yum, yum.
It was time for me to try the pork. It did not look bad, sitting there shredded with little bits of what I assumed to be pepper seeds. I took a tentative bite.
I love brisket. I have mentioned this already, I know. Love brisket. And sausage. And smoked turkey. And chicken. Love it all. Love the sides (cole slaw, baked beans, and potato salad). Love the serving platter (paper). Love that you are allowed to get messy eating it. Love it all. But, my gracious, if pulled pork is not one of the best things this little mouth has tasted in a long while. I feel like I need to turn in my "Texan" card or something. I still love you brisket!
The pork was moist, perfectly flavored with vinegar and spices and rubs. It was simple. No need to add sauce, pepper, salt or anything. Simple and yet, I knew, this simple food took years for the owners of Ole Time Barbecue to master. I sat there in awe. However, I could not let my Carolinian dinner partner know my thoughts. I would not have heard the end of the Texas razzing. (Well, I guess you know now, huh? Oh well.)
That was a darn fine meal. But, at the table, there was a little bottle labeled "Texas Heat." So, even though Carolina 'cue got a point or few on the board, I have proof that Carolina still needs a little Texas.
Memphis - Pork ribs served either dry (straight from the smoker or grill) or wet (slathered in BBQ sauce).
Kansas City - Known less for the type of meat it highlights than the sticky sweet tomato-based sauce (KC Masterpiece, anyone?). Generally sauces are featured best on chicken or pork ribs.
Texas - Features smoked brisket, dry rub, smoker, and long and low cooking. The brisket is never sauced during the smoking/cooking process but may be served with sauce on the side when ready to eat.
Carolina - It is a Carolina BBQ joint if the menu featured pulled or shredded pork and a vinegar-based sauce. The pork is always slow roasted for the deep smoky flavor, then shredded (not sliced!) and possibly put on a bun before serving.
If you were to find four people who each grew up in one of these four regions and then asked them to choose which 'cue is best, don't hold your breath waiting for a decision. Being from Texas, I think that a good brisket, with its pink smoke ring and spicy crust of rub, is just about the best thing a person could savor. But, I am not so close-minded as to think all other BBQs are inferior. Just that Texas 'cue is a hair better. So, it was with this attitude I went to Ole Time Barbecue on the outskirts of Raleigh, North Carolina.
I do not think I have been to a place that better embodied "roadside cafe" than Ole Time Barbecue. It is literally on the side of the highway. A car could lose control and go crashing through the establishment at any moment. Which I think makes the eating experience all the more thrilling and unique. Upon entering, you seat yourself at any one of the 8 or so tables. Prominently showcased on the wall are pictures of family, awards they've won, the plaque saying they can seat no more than 49 people, and lots of down-home, Southern decor. I ordered water, much to the shock of my dinner companion who thinks the only drink that goes with Carolina 'cue is sweet tea. I am daring, but I also like my teeth in my mouth and sugar for dessert. I ordered the chopped BBQ pork plate with green beans and sweet potato sticks.
While waiting for the food to arrive, I devoured plenty of hush puppies. These hush puppies are divine. I know, I know, it is just fried dough, but that was some fantastic fried dough. Crunchy on the outside, pillowy on the inside. Not dry, not overly greasy, and not too heavy. The food arrived soon and looked pretty good. It came on a plate, which is uncommon with Texas 'cue, usually it is presented on some butcher paper. Green beans, mediocre. Sweet potato sticks, holy cow these are good! I do not know how or what they did to the esteemed sweet potato, but it was incredible. Like mashed sweet potato in the inside, crunchy shell on the outside. Yum, yum, yum.
It was time for me to try the pork. It did not look bad, sitting there shredded with little bits of what I assumed to be pepper seeds. I took a tentative bite.
I love brisket. I have mentioned this already, I know. Love brisket. And sausage. And smoked turkey. And chicken. Love it all. Love the sides (cole slaw, baked beans, and potato salad). Love the serving platter (paper). Love that you are allowed to get messy eating it. Love it all. But, my gracious, if pulled pork is not one of the best things this little mouth has tasted in a long while. I feel like I need to turn in my "Texan" card or something. I still love you brisket!
The pork was moist, perfectly flavored with vinegar and spices and rubs. It was simple. No need to add sauce, pepper, salt or anything. Simple and yet, I knew, this simple food took years for the owners of Ole Time Barbecue to master. I sat there in awe. However, I could not let my Carolinian dinner partner know my thoughts. I would not have heard the end of the Texas razzing. (Well, I guess you know now, huh? Oh well.)
That was a darn fine meal. But, at the table, there was a little bottle labeled "Texas Heat." So, even though Carolina 'cue got a point or few on the board, I have proof that Carolina still needs a little Texas.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
How I Spent my Memorial Day
For my Memorial Day celebration last week, I ventured out into public areas without any nudging or prompting from outside sources (mom, dad, friends, desperate need for food). Yes, little hermit crab/homebody/anti-social (pick your descriptor) me voluntarily went outside the four walls of her apartment on a weekend. And I liked it. However, me enjoying this journey was due in large part to where I was going to.
I have a great love of books. They are little friends - memories of classes I had, people I met, feminist professors I did not quite "get." Sadly, some of them had to be rid of. In the end I believe I got rid of books associated with college courses I did not enjoy or do well in. Alonzo's Texas History anyone? How about the second half of African history, which makes little sense without first taking part one. You would think that would be an obvious assumption, but not obvious enough for my junior-in-college brain. So, with my two bags of unwanted books, I ventured to what could be a happiest place on earth - Half Price Books.
Half Price Books is glorious. It is like an animal shelter for books, except the books never die and they don't chew up your baseboards or leave "presents" on your carpet. Each store is unique because each store's bookshelves are stocked with whatever books your neighbors read. Apparently my neighbors like cheap romance novels. I dropped my bags of unwanted books off at the resale desk and began the hunt for replacement books. I wanted to purchase some classic books; Dracula, The Jungle, Frankenstein, and a beautiful hardcover Jane Eyre that was about $7. Also at the store I found a book I came across at a bookstore in college but did not purchase at the time, My War Gone By, I Miss It So. I will not go into details about this book because I shall give my take on it at a later point in time.
One book I could not find, however, was A Perfect Red, which I have read reviews of and desperately wanted to read for the past nine months. And yet, this book was not to be found. This book is quickly becoming the Holy Grail of books for me. I cannot find it anywhere; not the library, not Half Price, not Barnes & Noble. "Why don't you just order it online, then?" you ask. Because. Because I have such high hopes that this book will be great that I refuse to take the easy way out. I want to work for this book, or at least not cave into buying it online until I have let everyone in my birthday and Christmas gift-giving circle that this would make an excellent gift for me. Hint, hint.
The Half Price people called my name over the intercom, it was time to see how much money I was going to get for my two bags of books. Grand total was about $12. Yes, $12 represented the hours of labor it took me to read Talons of the Eagle, African Perspectives, and other sleep-inducing writings. Well, it is $12 worth of books I don't have to haul around anymore. I slowly approached the check out line, trying to think if there were any more books I could possibly want at a discounted rate, plus an extra 20% off for Memorial Day sale. No, I was set with my five books. With my discount and $12 off for my resale books, grand total came to about $10. Yes, you are not reading that incorrectly, ten dollars for 5 books. Oh, Half Price, how magnificent you are.
I have a great love of books. They are little friends - memories of classes I had, people I met, feminist professors I did not quite "get." Sadly, some of them had to be rid of. In the end I believe I got rid of books associated with college courses I did not enjoy or do well in. Alonzo's Texas History anyone? How about the second half of African history, which makes little sense without first taking part one. You would think that would be an obvious assumption, but not obvious enough for my junior-in-college brain. So, with my two bags of unwanted books, I ventured to what could be a happiest place on earth - Half Price Books.
Half Price Books is glorious. It is like an animal shelter for books, except the books never die and they don't chew up your baseboards or leave "presents" on your carpet. Each store is unique because each store's bookshelves are stocked with whatever books your neighbors read. Apparently my neighbors like cheap romance novels. I dropped my bags of unwanted books off at the resale desk and began the hunt for replacement books. I wanted to purchase some classic books; Dracula, The Jungle, Frankenstein, and a beautiful hardcover Jane Eyre that was about $7. Also at the store I found a book I came across at a bookstore in college but did not purchase at the time, My War Gone By, I Miss It So. I will not go into details about this book because I shall give my take on it at a later point in time.
One book I could not find, however, was A Perfect Red, which I have read reviews of and desperately wanted to read for the past nine months. And yet, this book was not to be found. This book is quickly becoming the Holy Grail of books for me. I cannot find it anywhere; not the library, not Half Price, not Barnes & Noble. "Why don't you just order it online, then?" you ask. Because. Because I have such high hopes that this book will be great that I refuse to take the easy way out. I want to work for this book, or at least not cave into buying it online until I have let everyone in my birthday and Christmas gift-giving circle that this would make an excellent gift for me. Hint, hint.
The Half Price people called my name over the intercom, it was time to see how much money I was going to get for my two bags of books. Grand total was about $12. Yes, $12 represented the hours of labor it took me to read Talons of the Eagle, African Perspectives, and other sleep-inducing writings. Well, it is $12 worth of books I don't have to haul around anymore. I slowly approached the check out line, trying to think if there were any more books I could possibly want at a discounted rate, plus an extra 20% off for Memorial Day sale. No, I was set with my five books. With my discount and $12 off for my resale books, grand total came to about $10. Yes, you are not reading that incorrectly, ten dollars for 5 books. Oh, Half Price, how magnificent you are.
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