Book Shopping 3

I had another book shopping spree last September 4 (Thursday), my last one before I have a MAJOR book shopping spree at the Manila International Book Fair. As usual, it was not a part of my plan that day to buy new books. Here's how it happened.

I was still at work, checking my students' workbooks, when I remembered that the Bar Exam is just a few days away. I sent a text message to one of my childhood friend and classmate, Walter, who is an examinee this year. A few seconds later, my cell phone rang. It was Irene, another childhood friend and classmate of mine. I was surprised to see her name flashing on the screen because she was supposed to be in Singapore. I answered her call and found out that she is already back here in the Philippines since the last week of August. She was presently with Walter at that time in Starbucks, SM Fairview. She was at the mall to buy some thing for her sibling when she passed by Starbucks and saw Walter there, studying. So we agreed to meet that day at Starbucks.

I haven't left work yet when Irene sent me a text message telling me that she has to go home for a while to bring the food she bought for her sibling. She will just text me again as soon as she's done with the things she need to do. So I went home to leave my things then went to SM Fairview since I had nothing else to do. Walter was still reviewing for his exam in Starbucks when I arrived. We talked for about 30 minutes before I decided to stroll at the mall. I did not want to bother him that much since the exam was just a few days away. So I left Starbucks and strolled at the mall while waiting for Irene. Once again, I found myself walking towards the direction of Book Sale.

There were lots of new stocks for sale since my last visit. I felt very excited that I grabbed all the books that caught my fancy. But since I'm saving up for the book fair, I limited my purchase to these three books:

top to bottom: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton (softbound, P15.00); Shopgirl by Steve Martin (hardbound, first edition, P30.00);Flush by Carl Hiaasen (hardbound, first edition, P45.00)

After I paid for my purchases, I promised myself that I would not buy any books until the book fair opens on September 12. So far, I have remained true to that promise. Just a few more days before I could go book shopping once again.

I also had a great time that night catching up with Irene and Walter - who from time to time, joined Irene and I in our conversation. Irene and I were at the table just beside Walter's so that we would not disturb him that much. But I don't think we succeeded on that. Haha. The last time I saw Irene was last year at the wake of our friend and former classmate. On the other hand, the last time I saw Walter was just a month ago when I had my eyeglasses replaced. Hopefully I would see them again before the year ends.

Till my next book purchase!