Holiday season is here, so let the gift giving begin!  If your list is as long as mine, I suggest you head to East Side Books for a stress-free shopping experience that will solve all your gift buying needs and leave you plenty of time for other holiday pursuits such as untangling the outdoor colored lights from the moving reindeer antlers.

In case you have yet to become a used bookstore convert, let me give you the top five reasons to shop East Side Books:

1. Buying gifts at East Side Books will save you money. That’s right.  Our low prices, an average of $8 for Adult Fiction, $6 for Young Adult Fiction, and as little as $1 for Children’s Books, are a bargain when compared to what you would pay for cheaply made knick knacks or plastic toys.  Our NonFiction prices vary depending on the book, and are remarkably inexpensive.  And I’ll let you in on a little secret, if you spend a few minutes perusing our shelves you are sure to find some gems for just a dollar or two hidden here and there. Even our Rare and Vintage Books are a steal.  You could spend $20.00 on a first edition cherished childhood favorite or on an acrylic scarf/hat set from Kmart.  You decide which would be more meaningful.

2. Buying used books is recycling. Used books are an easy way to participate in recycling.  Besides, there is something interesting about reading a used book and coming across a line that has been underlined or a grocery list that has been tucked between the pages.  Don’t even get me started on how cool handwritten flyleaf inscriptions are.  A used book has a history that makes it just a little bit more special.  The younger generation is leading the way in recycling awareness and participation.  Give your favorite kid a gently used book in an effort to do your part to recycle and watch your coolness meter climb.

3. Shopping at East Side Books is supporting a local business and local people. Shopping locally is more than a campaign of bumper stickers and logos. Let’s face it, when the economy starts to slip, small towns start to die.  Shopping locally, which puts money in the pockets of local people who in turn can spend that money locally, is essential to keeping our little oasis in the high desert afloat.  Yes, it is convenient to shop online in your p.j.s, but I encourage you to get dressed and come on down to East Side Books.  For the same price or less, you will find the perfect gift AND actually interact with friendly, interesting people.  Not only is shopping at East Side Books shopping locally, you are buying a USA product and supporting the publishing industry.  No products Made In China on our shelves.

4. East Side Books offers unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. Even though gift hunting can be time consuming–and it is tempting to drive to a mall and buy 14 back scratchers for all the males on your list and 10 bottles of fleur de stinky perfume for all the females–we all know that there is something special about opening a gift someone picked out just for you.  Eastside Books offers a wide variety of titles on all imaginable subjects.  We have an extensive vintage and rare book selection as well as first editions and books signed by the author. We carry sets of classic literature, and our poetry and play sections are well-stocked.  We have cookbooks, art books, biographies, and memoirs.  We carry nature books, Western and local history books, Christian books, and books to improve your mental and physical health.  We have books on hunting and fishing, rock climbing, and rock art.  We have travel guides, wedding guides, and guides on how to train your dog, horse, or garden.  Our books can teach how to quilt, sail, organize, raise rabbits, or identify shells, birds, and edible plants. You get the picture–the categories go on and on.  And that’s just the books.  We have CDs, DVDs, videos, and books on tape.  We have sheet music and comics.  We even sell cards, bookmarks, and bags.  And if you talk to Diane, you can buy some outstanding grassfed beef.  Who needs the mall when you have the diversity of East Side Books?

5. Shopping at East Side Books makes the world a better place. I agree with Christopher Morley:  “When you sell a man a book you don’t sell just twelve ounces of paper and ink and glue – you sell him a whole new life.  Love and friendship and humour and ships at sea by night – there’s all heaven and earth in a book, a real book.” When you give someone a book you give them a new adventure, an opportunity to discover a whole new way of looking at the world.  Books can open up your soul for examination, squeeze your heart, and set your on your way.  I don’t believe there are people who don’t like to read, I believe there are people who just haven’t found the right book.  Come into East Side Books and let us help you find the right book, the perfect gift for the people on your holiday list.  Buy a book, change a life.

Happy Holidays to you all!  May your season be bright, happy, and carefree.