Originally written in February 2024
In celebration of my most recent birthday, I thought some time spent enjoying a pot of tea, time to write, and a good book would be a nice gift to myself. Being between reads, it was a good time to pick up something new. So, I headed to our local used bookstore Title Wave Books.
Located in the same shopping strips as Middle Way Café, Kaladi Bros, and Habitat Restore, it’s an easy place to spend a few hours shopping and browsing and then grabbing a hot drink or bite to eat afterwards.
Title Wave Books is an independent retailer selling new and used books, reading and writing accessories, calendars, music, candles, etc. There are all of the typical sections and genres plus an Alaska section. The store is bright, spacious, easy to navigate, and there’s room to browse without feeling crowded or pushed. There are also always plenty of people working to process, find, and help with purchasing books. I usually find a good variety of options with decent prices. My favorite sections to explore are literature, special editions, crafts & hobbies, records, and childrens.
On this particular visit, I was on the hunt for a nice hardback edition of a classic. I also hoped to find a hardback copy of Donna Tartt’s The Secret History, which I haven’t read but have heard good things.
When it comes to book buying, I’ve gone through different stages. I grew up in awe of all the books and titles on my parents’ shelves, so books have always been important objects in my life. I purged a lot of books before we moved to Anchorage and told myself I’d be selective about my purchases, mostly sticking to books I’ve read and loved in hardback editions that will last. Currently, I get most books from the library (a mix of digital and physical copies). So, buying a book is a bit of an occasion for me.
I started by picking out a sturdy tote bag for carrying books and writing tools to appointments and other locations. I chose an Edward Gorey design. I have been fascinated and drawn to Edward Gorey’s illustrations since I was a kid, and my parents would let me stay up late long enough to watch the opening credits of Mystery on PBS Masterpiece Theatre, then would immediately send me out of the room to get ready for bed while they watched their show.
Then I perused the literature section for awhile, finally deciding on two used copies of books by one of my birthday buddies, Mr. Charles Dickens. I’ve wanted a nice copy of A Christmas Carol to read at the winter holidays, and I also wanted a hardback version of The Pickwick Papers to replace the paperback copy I read in high school that was absolutely falling apart as I read it. I don’t read Dickens often, but whenever I do, I absolutely love it. His characters and commitments to telling hard truths inspire me. Unfortunately, they did not currently have a copy of The Secret History but said it came through often, which seemed like a good sign of its high demand.
After making my purchases, I drove to Summit Spice and Tea and sat in their tea room, which I had to myself for the full hour I was there. I ordered a pot of cinnamon rooibos (a caffeine free option that I wished had more of a spicy flavor) and a chocolate croissant. I read and wrote for about an hour before packing up to head home. It was a very cozy and pleasant way to spend my birthday.
Cozy in Alaska 