My Nova Scotia Book Tour: Stop Five- The Odd Book

I'm excited to talk about my new summer project that is currently in progress. I’m calling it My Nova Scotia Book tour- my goal is to hit up as many independent book stores as possible this summer (and probably into fall)

There is only one rule: Purchase at least one book at each location.

Stop Five was one I was really looking forward too. When doing my preliminary research, The Odd Books website really showed what they were about. They focus on the old and the rare books, the oldest and rarest being featured on their home page. When I visited the site there was a Bible price out for $16,000!! I knew I was going to be in for a treat.

Photo credit goes to my partner Stephen. This was the first time he came along to a stop so I took advantage of the camera in his hand.

Located in Wolfville NS, the store had 2 levels of floor to ceiling literature featuring tons of local interest books and even more odd and old. Prices were ouchy (the technical term for way out of my budget haha) but my partner was with me and did some research online on the spot and he was able to verify they were priced at the going rate for the books they were. The old and the rare.

There was a book on edible wild flowers of Nova Scotia I would have loved to bring home but sadly due to the $50 price tag I left it there.

Even if you don’t collect old and rare books it was still an incredible experience, the history could be felt in the walls and there places to sit and leaf through those old books you know you shouldn’t buy. Pop it on your Valley trip to do list next time you’re out that way.

The owner was very sweet, I gushed over the collection and told him if the budget allowed I’d be leaving full handed- he very nicely advised that looking was free and I could look for as long as I wanted.

I left with one book (first time I’ve left with the minimum since I started this project) it’s a book on bootlegging alcohol during Prohibition in Atlantic Canada called The Rum Running Years. The stories are as true as they can get with a small disclosure from the author stating the stories were being told by men in their 80’s and 90’s so memories aren’t as sharp and some details may be lost to history.

This shop was truly a step back in time and really gave the feeling of old school business that I didn’t feel at the other stops. Even when this project is over I’ll look forward to walking through these shelves to discover another lost story.

My Nova Scotia Book Tour: Stop Four- Otis & Clementine

I'm excited to talk about my new summer project that is currently in progress. I’m calling it My Nova Scotia Book tour- my goal is to hit up as many independent book stores as possible this summer (and probably into fall)

There is only one rule: Purchase at least one book at each location.

(So far this has proven to be very easy)

Stop Four was a huge walk down memory lane for me, although it had a different name at the time- this used book store is walking distance to where I grew up so I frequented it quite often! I would spend countless hours and dollars at this store when I was younger.

Today it’s cleaned up a little bit, offers coffee and other little sips PLUS the owner fosters kittens that roam the store while you shop. As a cat lover this is just lovely. (If you are allergic to cats I recommend choosing another local book store)

One thing that I couldn’t help but notice was the fact that it’s the same large wooden book shelves I remember from being a kid.

The owner charges 1/2 the cover price of books which creates some savings but still one of the pricier book stores I’ve visited. There was a ton to choose from, the fiction was organized by author and then there was smaller section for genres and non-fiction.

The cashier was just a teen, he offered his assistance but wasn’t one for chatter. (I hit this stop the same day as ABC Books so it was a quiet shopping day lol)

Despite the pricier collection I still came home with some gems.

• 400 years in 365 Days: A Day by Day Calendar of Nova Scotia History.

• Der Fuehrer (translated) but the book was still stamped 1940’s and falling apart so I suspect it’s an original and will look great on the old book shelf.

• I am Malala- This has been on my list for SO LONG. Very happy to finally have it.

• The Witches of New York by Ami McKay. I think this will make a good October Read.

Now after the 4th stop momentum and conversation is starting to grow on social media, my list of places to stop seems to grow each time I check one off my list! (I LOVE IT). Power of social media can be a positive thing, I am hopeful I’ve inspired my readers to check out a local book store in their areas to keep their local economy strong.