I was in the store pricing remainders Friday night and, oh! the book geek pleasures! Of course, we often see a title and think so-and-so would love that, but that night I had folks in mind for almost every title.

Part of my pleasure was simply sensory: good jacket designs, nice paper (not so common), weighty illustrated volumes that you need.

We usually refer to remainders as sale books. They are new books, but really priced to move because they are publishers’ overstock. I’m talking a 24.95 hardcover for 6.99.* A book scheduled for paperback might be remaindered, one that got great reviews and was reprinted (then returned by the chains), and even brand new warehouse inventory if a publisher changes distributors or locations.

You gotta buy remainders when you see them. If you hesitate, they may be gone next time. Book geeks know that they are treasures. It is a great way to build a home library–especially for grad students, teachers, families (great picture books and chapter books for kids in hardcover). Remainders are perfect for the cash-impaired, gift-giving and bibliotherapy. No 12-step program required.

And, happily, I did not see any remaindered titles by friends.

*Just looked this title up on Amazon–their hardcover discounted price is 19.46 and the paperback 10.85. Humph.