Used bookstores are one of my most favorite things on the planet, and this past week my sister over at The Casual Philosopher brought me to a new one she found awhile ago.  If you knew the secret password, every book was half off.  Meaning some of these books were a mere 50 cents.  In the twenty first century.  It was fabulous.

ALREADY READ

Confessions of a Shopaholic — Sophie Kinsella —  Pretty self-explanatory plot.  The beginning of a series.  A tad formulaic but hugely hilarious.  Great beach read!

Sisterhood Everlasting — Ann Brashares — Continuation of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series.  SO.  FREAKING.  GOOD.  Look for a review to come!  (Or maybe I should just go ahead and call it a rant about why it’s so amazing.)

Along for the Ride — Sarah Dessen — Possibly my favorite Sarah Dessen ever.  Also speaking of Sarah Dessen, I’m so excited for her new release!  SQUEAL.

TO READ

Moloka’i — Alan Brennen — Same author as one of my favorites, Honolulu.  Historical fiction set in the Hawaiian islands, and if it’s anything like Honolulu, brilliantly written.

The Fiction Class — Susan Breen — About the teacher of a fiction writing class and her relationship with her mother.  Because who doesn’t like to read about writing?

A Thousand Splendid Suns — Khaled Hosseini — Same author as The Kite Runner.  Enough said.

There is so much chick lit in this book haul.  I am not ashamed.  I do like to think that I have good taste in chick lit, however.  I will pick up fluff books from the library, but if they don’t have great characters and a plot other than a romantic relationship, I’m dropping it.  Those are the main reasons I love, love, love the top three books.  All of those have very strong, very nuanced characters and plots that deal with topics other than romance.

The whole list also shows that I’m loyal to authors.  If a book has the name of a writer I love on it, chances are I’ll read it even if the summary doesn’t sound all that great.

All in all, this was a fabulous haul for spring break!  And don’t mind me while a brag for a second — all of these books only cost me $11.  Used books are a wondrous thing.

(Also, if you created the Book Haul phenomenon, please let me know so I can link back!  I know I’ve seen this done before but I could not for the life of me remember where.)

What makes you pick up a book — the author, the title, the cover art?  I want to know!