Top Eleven Favorite Books of Classics Customers 2019

If you want to read what Classics customers say are their favorite books, here they are!

TOP PICKS

  • Another Country by James Baldwin
  • The Bible
  • Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Soulja
  • Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
  • Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson

HONORABLE MENTIONS

  • Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
  • Bookshop on Lafayette Street: stories and poems
  • Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
  • One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Marquez
  • Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
  • Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera

The Bookshop on Lafayette Street collection

Your favorite bookstore is now in book form! Ragged Sky Press has published The Bookshop on Lafayette Street: a collection of stories and poems. This collection has everything that you love about used bookstores: books, the sense of wonder and discovery, the cozy clutter, idiosyncratic book lovers, and the feeling that you are in a haven buttressed against the cruelties of the world

Written by a Pulitzer-Prize winning poet, a newspaper columnist, a playwright, a Dodge poet, a graffiti artist, a blogger, a bookstore owner and more!

Available on www.Amazon.com and through Ragged Sky Press. Or reach out to Eric Maywar at the eponymous Bookshop on Lafayette–Classics Bookstore.

See (and like!) on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ghGa3fI89rk

FRIENDSHIP AND SERENDIPITY IN A BOOKSTORE, guest blogger Marion Cohen

Every fourth Saturday I come here, from Philadelphia, to play Scrabble. After I take Septa to Trenton, Barbara – our well-known Classics fixture – picks me up and drives me the short mile. Classics is such a friendly place! Somebody always brings in Scrabble food, or we go to that little outdoor place around the corner and across the street. Sometimes, to start out, Barbara and I are the only ones here, but soon other friends arrive. Barbara knows their names; I don’t. Little by little, though, I’m beginning to recognize people and things about them. I know, e.g., that John is, like me, a writer and, like me, has written memoir. On “Scrabble day” Classics is like a little commune; it’s everybody’s home. I assume it’s that way all week.

There are going to be two serendipities in this post. The first involves how I came to know about Classics. Well, first I came to know Barbara. Meeting her was itself serendipitous. About eight years ago my friend Susan and I were playing our weekly Scrabble game – or two or three… — in Starbucks on 10th and Chestnut in, yes, Philadelphia. Along came two friendly strangers, interested in watching our game. By the next game, they had joined in. They also joined in the next week, and the next, and the next.

And so began our Scrabble group — Barbara, Bruce, Susan, and me — meeting at that same Starbucks. This went on for several years until life evolved and Barbara got involved with Classics. Now we join her there, for Scrabble. (Barbara and I also sometimes meet for thrift-shopping, usually in Trenton.)

And then something serendipitous happened for my life as a poet/writer! I’m a mathprof and also the author of several books, poetry and memoir (one book about my passion for math), published mostly by small presses. Like many poets/writers, I have almost as many unpublished books as published. And like many poets/writers, I’m always on the lookout for (A) places to do featured readings (as opposed to open mics) and (B) publishers for unpublished books.

It wasn’t long before Barbara invited me to do a featured reading at Classics. And I never dreamed that a small bookstore reading, in a town over an hour from where I live and where nobody but Barbara and Classics knows me, could lead to so much! After Barbara, and then Eric’s, invitation about two years ago I did one Classics reading, attended by about ten people (and sold more books than I often sell at readings). Then, about a year later, when a new chapbook of mine was released – Parables for a Rainy Day – I did another.

Eric, by the way, is one of the kindest poetry reading coordinators I have encountered. And I’ve encountered many, most of whom you have to email more than once, indeed more than twice, in order to get an answer to a reading query, and many of whom consent to schedule you and then forget about it, and many of whom actually do schedule you and then forget about it. Not Eric! Eric gets back to you right away – give him a day or two – with a reading date. So I, like many, very much appreciate Eric.

At my own second Classics reading about a year ago – again, in this small town that barely knows me – something happened that’s every writer’s dream. At that reading was an actual talent scout! Elizabeth – another familiar figure around Classics – runs a press called Red Dashboard and she was at the reading looking for authors. And then – again, every writer’s dream – she heard me read and invited me to submit a book manuscript – not a chapbook, mind you, but full-length. No reading fees! No fees of any kind! (So many presses, small and large, charge anything from five to twenty-five dollars to accompany the submission of a manuscript). Of course I sent Elizabeth a manuscript right away, probably as soon as I got home from the reading.

At that time my books totaled 21, with the possibility (which did pan out) of finally placing the sequel memoir to Dirty Details: The Days and Nights of a Well Spouse (Temple University Press) being released by a small press, Unlimited Publishing. (That memoir is titled Still the End: Memoir of a Nursing Home Wife.) Of course, I was thrilled to have the sequel memoir published, but I still had many poems, both new and backlog, uncollected in books. So I was very happy when Elizabeth emailed me back, after a not very long wait, with an acceptance for my 23rd book (Lights I Have Loved).

Only at Classics has such a thing happened to me, or perhaps to anybody! In my almost-forty years as a serious writer, I’ve found publishers – and I always have to search anew – at book fairs, open mics, and mostly by hard-core sending out queries to people I never met and vice versa. Only at Classics does a book fall into my lap!

Find out more about Marion Cohen on her website:  http://www.marioncohen.net/

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10 Years in Trenton

In 2005, Classics Books came to Trenton, successfully recruited by the Trenton Downtown Association (TDA), when part of its mission was to recruit retail businesses.  Matt Bergheiser, then Executive Director of the TDA, led a burst of growth on South Warren.  In this time period, empty dirt lots and gutted buildings were turned into buildings that now house delis and the AT&T store and a yoga studio.  The Zagat’s rated Italian restaurant Settimo Cielo came to Front Street.  And Classics Books came to town.

Classics started as part of a TDA co-op on South Warren, expanded to take over the entire space and eventually moved to its current location, across from the hotel, at 4 West Lafayette.

In those ten years, Classics has dealt in metric tons of books–cookbooks, poetry, fiction, history, science, classic literature, art, science fiction, kids books.  It sold top-of-the-line first editions like The Cat in the Hat and leather bound Shaker histories.  It has hosted book clubs, and Peoples and Stories, and poetry open mics.  They supported authors–from neighborhood Shakespeares to Pultizer Prize winning Yusef Komunyakaa.  They printed the Trenton Review, hosted booksignings and sponsored the 2008 Trenton Book Fair.

In those ten years, they played Scrabble on 520 Friday nights–each night until midnight in the heart of Trenton.  They played Cards against Humanity, the Name Game and Civilization.  They knitted, and origamied, and discussed urban development.  They hosted the filming of music videos, mayoral hopeful meet and greets, jazz bands, rock bands and belly dancers.

In those ten years, they distributed over 25,000 books to Trenton kids free of charge, through the Books at Home program, because having books in your home has a dramatic effect on how long kids stay in school and how well they do.

In those ten years, people made good friends, found jobs, found publishers, supported local businesses, built a life, built a community.

Classics in ten years old in April.  To celebrate, one party didn’t seem like enough.

  • April 4 from 2 pm to 6 pm, poet Todd Evans, host of the Capital City Open Mic, will host a poetry marathon with poets and musicians from all over Mercer County featuring poets Janelle T. Harvey and Jay Knives.  FREE event.  50% off all poetry books.
  • April 10 from 6 pm to midnight, the Trenton Scrabble Club will have a Scrabble party with prizes for every winner.  All skill levels are welcome.  FREE event.  50% off all used and rare books.
  • April 11 from 12 noon to 2 pm, the Trenton Knit and Stitch will toast community and creativity.  FREE event.  50% off all craft books.
  • April 18 from 12 noon to 4 pm, the Trenton Party Games Coalition will break out Cards Against Humanity, Trivial Pursuit, Headbandz and the Name Game.  FREE event.  50% off all used board games.
  • May 1 and 2, the Capital City Book Fair will line the streets with up to 100 authors and bookstores from Classics Books on one end to Mill Hill Park on the other.  For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Capital-City-Book-Fair/450123515140208.

Happy 10th Birthday Classics!

Bookstore People: From the Night Kitchen

Bruce Bentzmann is a man of letters, in several sense of the word. His dream is to own a used bookstore where he doesn’t have to worry about the rent. He writes poetry, short stories and hand written letters to a number of friends. He writes essays for SnakeSkin Poetry which he has collected into a book called Selected Suburban Soliloquies (available at Classics).

Contrary to Classics orthodoxy, and the hard-charging bingoing of his wife Barbara Keogh, Bruce cannot stand playing Scrabble. His argument is that Scrabble is a game that disrespects words. He is bothered that a real working vocabulary isn’t as important as memorizing the list of words that are so esoteric that they are almost only used in on the Scrabble board—“qat,” “za,” “ourie.”

When you visit Classics you will find Bruce behind the counter, talking about anything that crosses his mind–from the latest book he is reading to fountain pens to fortune cookies.

 

Bruce Bentzmann

Print Books vs. EBooks–the Result

Three years ago, in 2011, I wrote a blog post about how independent bookstores were not going to be crushed by the eBook. Here’s the blog for proof. http://www.classicsusedbooks.com/?p=474

In the three years that passed, sales at independent bookstores (selling real physical books) grew about 8 percent a year for three years running while eBook sales have leveled off at about 33% off the market (outsold by both hard covers and paperbacks).

In that blog, I reasoned that cries of disaster were just Chicken Little alarms and listed the sorts of book lovers that would never leave real books for eBooks. Here’s that link again in case you forgot to check it out when I gave it to you in the first paragraph. http://www.classicsusedbooks.com/?p=474

In addition to the reasons I gave three years ago, here’s another reason eBooks have leveled off in their appeal. While they have some great things going for them (it’s easier to carry 150 books in digital format, for example), EBooks have turned out to be not as cheap as promised. First you aren’t going to buy a best seller for 99 cents. Second, the cost of the machine (and its upgrades) has to be factored into the cost. If you only read a handful of books a year, real books (especially used books) are far cheaper. If you read lots of books, you are more likely to fall into the categories of people who love physical books, like to browse books and like to belong to a community of readers—all people who love their real books.

Here’s some other people’s thoughts on the subject:

Print Books vs. E Books

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/06/ebooks-print-books-outsold_n_5940654.html

Independent stores vs. Amazon

http://www.slate.com/articles/business/the_edgy_optimist/2014/09/independent_bookstores_rising_they_can_t_compete_with_amazon_and_don_t_have.html

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How to Date a Werewolf, by Classics author Jessica Eppley

So you’ve met the man of your dreams! He’s loyal, he’s affectionate, and he’s an animal lover…well, I guess you’re the real animal lover here, because your boyfriend happens to be a little more inclined towards his wild side. Your boyfriend is a werewolf.

Don’t go running for the door just yet. It is possible to have a healthy relationship with a werewolf without that nagging fear that he’s going to devour you face the first every time he goes in for a smooch. Impossible you say? Not if you follow my ten easy to follow guidelines.

Communication is Key

(We’re not just barking at the moon here)

As with any relationship, communication is crucial. The best way to manage your mangy mate’s temperamental nature is to not be afraid to express your feelings while acknowledging his. Are you peeved at his snippy attitude in the days prior to the full moon? Well, allow him to vent his frustrations with understanding and a nonjudgmental attitude. Tossing him a chew toy is also effective.

Encourage Good Hygiene

(And monthly flea baths)

No one likes a dirty dog! Pamper your man-beast with a surprise spa date together! Seaweed wrap and manicure for you. Haircut and anal gland expression for him. You’ll both be relaxed and smell a heck of a lot better.

Go Out to Eat

(Not recommended for vegetarians)

So he takes you to your favorite restaurant every Friday? It’s time for you to return the favor! A candle lit venison dinner in a secluded forest under a full moon is a great way to get the romance back…and also prevents him from dragging bloody carcasses back to your apartment. Hope you like your steak rare!

Be Social

(No butt-sniffing…unless you’re into that)

Everyone needs a little random consideration, and your beastly beau is no exception. A casual phone call to the office in the middle of the day can perk up even the droopiest ears. Ask him what he wants for dinner, how his day is going, and if he wants the ball. He wants the ball doesn’t he? YES HE DOES!

Mark your Territory

(Keep the b*tches back!)

Being a werewolf boosts his appeal to the opposite sex, so make sure those doe-eyed damsels know he’s your devotee! You could leave a few belongings at his apartment sure, but a little bottle full of your eh-hem…natural perfume stealthily dribbled into the decorative plants at the outdoor café will make your ownership of him known to rivals. Just make sure the wait staff doesn’t see you.

Share his Interests

(Which is killing…lots of killing)

So you’ve never been into hunting, okay. He loves you anyway, but there’s no harm in trying something new. After all, he does wear clothing and bathe for you every now and then. Give a little, get a little. Just don’t wear pumps in the forest, and be sure your laundry detergent has a strong stain remover.

Me Time

(Don’t be afraid of your own lone wolf)

He’s a pack animal, so it’s not natural for him to be away from you. Unfortunately that makes him a little clingy. Express your need to have some alone time by spending your full moon nights soaking in a bubble bath with a good book. Make sure your doors have strong locks, preferably silver ones.

Assert your Dominance

(Be a she-wolf!)

Put him on his back and show him whose boss! No need to elaborate here.

Acknowledge his Human Side

(You know, before he was awesome)

Your lupine lover has a soft side too, his human side. Find the time to discuss his life before he was turned. Ask him how it happened, visit his old haunts with him, exact revenge upon the wolf that bit him, and so on.

Release the Beast

(If you can’t tame him, join him!)

No woman should change just for a man, but if you’re so inclined towards the nocturnal lifestyle, allowing your boyfriend to bite you might be just the thing to kick this relationship into full blown pack-mode. You can have a lot of fun roaming the night side by side with your furry fling, just make sure he knows who’s alpha if you do.

The truly important things in any relationship, whether they’re paranormally prone or not, is trust, respect, and love. Keep these three things in mind when following the above advice. If you manage to get though the first few months without losing a body part, your wild animal should become your beloved pet in no time!

Jess Eppley is the author of the YA Fantasy series the Books of Siavon. The series includes The Ruby Child, The Tail of Murias and The Blood Moon. You can purchase her books at Classics Books or through her website at http://www.jessicaeppley.com/#.

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The Cat in the Hat in the Box in the Bookstore

When I first opened the bookstore, I was adamant that it was going to be a store for readers, not collectors. I was not going to sell first editions; I was going to sell books for people who liked to read, I was a man of the people not a curator, blah blah blah. Then somebody brought in a first edition of War of the Worlds and, feeling that piece of history in my hands, it took me about 30 seconds to throw out my rule and carry some collectable books.

One busy Saturday, I had a line at the register and a woman came in with a box of books to donate to the store. I invited her to wait a moment and I would let her know how much credit I could give her, but she said not to worry about it—she had just tried to sell these books at a garage sale and she just wanted to get rid of them. On the side of the box read “Old Kids Books $1 Each.”

About a week later, one of the New Hope floods came and I had to pack up every book in the story. Martines (a restaurant across the street) let me pile up books on her tables (I would eat at a restaurant like that!), friends and customers loaded up their vans and cars and we emptied the store.

We already had a second store in Trenton, and we decided to close up the New Hope store and deliver all the books to Trenton. We still hadn’t opened that box of kids’ books.

It took us months to settle in to the Trenton store, unpacking, sorting and shelving all the books from New Hope. It was maybe six months later I opened the box of books.

It included a first edition early Maurice Sendak A Hole is the Dig ($150) and a first edition Tasha Tudor ($800). But the mind blowing book was a first edition (200/200 on the price tab of the flap) of The Cat in the Hat. It was in perfect condition, no single mark or scuff, no price clip. It looked unread. List price? $7,000. (We eventually sold it wholesale to another bookstore for about $2,000).

What an amazing collection of books, which had sat unwanted in a box at a garage sale for $1.

There is something essentially human about used books.  Life may leave us a little battered and worn, but we still have the capacity to inspire, to teach, to entertain, to love and be loved.

And no matter how unwanted we may feel at times, how neglected and overlooked, all it takes is the right person to open our covers and recognize us for the treasure we are.

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The Annual Trenton Books at Home Program Fund Raiser

The Annual Trenton Books at Home Program Fund Raiser has arrived. The Books at Home Program provides free books to Trenton kids and donors like you have helped make that possible. In 2013, we distributed almost ten thousand dollars in books.We hope to beat that this year.Studies show that when kids have more books in their home, they do better in school—no matter how much they are struggling. You can see one such study from 2010 as published in Science Daily here http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100520213116.htm.

In 2013, Classics Books were able to distribute $9,871 worth of books to Trenton students through the Books at Home Program.

Books were handed out with the help of Carver Community Center, Kids R First Daycare, Catholic Charities, Camp Read, Planned Parenthood, the Reading for Success program, Mill Hill Child and Family Development, Passage Theatre after school program, and teachers at Robbins School, the Gregory School, Foundation Academy, Washington Elementary, Trenton High School West, TCHS, Stokes Elementary, Wilson, PJ Hill, and Hedgepath.

Current major supporters include Councilwoman Marge Caldwell-Wilson and Children’s Futures.

The Trenton Books at Home Program has been recognized by the Trenton Public Education Foundation and the Isles Sprit of Community Award.

How You Can Help
If you would like to donate, here are the details.

If you would like your donation to be tax deductable

Monetary donations can be made by mailing checks or money orders to Classics, 4 West Lafayette, Trenton NJ 08608. Make the check out to our partners at Children’s Futures, Inc, with “Classics Books at Home Program” in the subject line. Children’s Futures is a 501c3 non-profit and these donations are tax deductible.

If you would like an easy way to donate (that is NOT tax deductable), donate through GoFundMe here–http://www.gofundme.com/8ufqf0

Thank you for all your support!

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