Blei’s Used Books at Passtimes

Posted on 27. Dec, 2008 by in Daily Dose of Door

I have more, so much more to say about a writer and his books. A lifetime spent accumulating one’s personal library. But for now, for the moment—I would just like to say that I have run out of room in my house. Books overflow the walls, spill on to the floors. It’s time to stem the flood…put a stop (somewhat) to all this. Time to downsize my library of hardback and trade-back books… fiction, nonfiction, poetry. All kinds of titles. All in good to like-new and brand new condition. Some, perhaps, underlined with notations. (So what? I like to buy used books that really show they were used). Other, in fact, may be stuffed with various yellowed clippings—reviews and articles about that particular book.

I have given much thought as to the proper ‘disposal’ of these works – a library of over 3,000 volumes. And this (for now) seems the best plan. Makes the most sense. And, no, I am not getting rid of everything. But I am getting rid of duplicate copies, of subjects, authors, areas of interest which, for whatever reason, no longer interest me. Certain writers whom I have read, re-read, possibly taught in my writing workshops… and feel now I won’t be visiting again in this lifetime. There are so many other ‘unread writers’ to devote my prime-time reading to.

So, I’m getting rid of all the works I have of…oh, let’s say Fredrick Exley, for example. Don DeLillo, another. Poets too, Short story writers. Essayists. Philosophers. Theology writers. I’m also ‘dwindling’ my shelves of particular areas if interest: Latin American writing; Eastern European writing; Irish literature; English literature; Russian literature; Art books; Feminist writing; German literature (Heinrich Bolls, for example); French, Italian, Asian, Scandinavian, Greek, etc..

Many of these works are already out of here and over there, available. Hopefully more (if this works) will be coming.
The plan is simply this: Steve and Marge Grutzmacher of Passtimes Books in Sister Bay, Wisconsin (the oldest independent bookstore in Door County, going on 30+ years) have graciously given me space to showcase Blei’s Used Books at very reasonable prices.

A certain percentage of each book sale will go to Passtimes Books (in support of the independent books store and all the Grutzmachers have done through the years to keep writers and books alive in Door County). The rest will go toward Cross+Roads Press (Ellison Bay) and its ongoing mission to publish ‘first books ‘ of new writers and occasional works by veteran writers too long out of print.. Cross+Roads Press, now in its 12th year, has just published its 31st book. (See www.norbertblei.com).

Passtimes Books is located at 10653 N. Bay Shore Drive in downtown Sister Bay. Phone 920.854.2127 and/or 888.741.6645 FAX: 920.854-9616, e-mail: books@dcwis.com.

Please stop in, check all the new books (“Local Authors,” as well). Look further back in the store (north wall) for BLEI’S USED BOOKS. Pick something up for yourself, a friend. TELL OTHERS ABOUT THIS. Help support the cause of BOOKS – an endangered intellectual pursuit in this day and age. (Call and order something as well.)

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