Parisian Phoenix Publishing

I have mixed feelings about used book shops. They are often dusty and cause issues with my allergies. They are sometimes disorganized or have vague pricing policies. So, I don’t often stop at random used book shops.

But I have seen C. Simpson Used Books in Gilbert, Pa., on Route 209 many, many times because I have relatives nearby. I have noticed, since hanging out with more authors and publishers, that they host signings promoting local books and that they offer generous terms.

On social media, I noticed they were having a special sale on paranormal romance books the weekend of July 12-13. Buy 10 or more and pay $1 each.

So, why not?

My daughter and I drove the 22 miles to check it out.

The shopkeeper said good morning and reminded us of the sale and we meandered into the paranormal section. We found familiar names like Christine Feehan, Lynsay Sands and Laurel K. Hamilton and titles like Blood and Chocolate and Sex and the Single Vampire.

The shop was clean, well organized even when bursting at the seams, and clean. Most things were alphabetical. Categories were logical and defined. And the price of all books: $3.25. If you bring a book to donate, you get $1 shop credit. Straightforward and posted on the front window. Love that.

My personal favorite– the shop has chairs here and there. So while there is no cozy or formal hang-out/reading space, there are places to sit.