Barbara J. Hamby

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Book Reports

Abe Books sent me an email today advertising books they offer for sale. Out of curiosity, I went to their site and entered my name as an author. A list of 26 items offered for sale came up. They are duplicates of four books: two I wrote and two anthologies I contributed to, one of which I edited. Most are used copies. There’s no money in those for me at all. The Elderberry Wine books that were produced through Clark College pay any royalties to the college. If any copies of my new books are sold at the outrageous prices listed, I might make a dollar or two, but the possibility seems remote, at best.

It is fun, however, to see where all these books turn up. Some are in the United Kingdom, some in various U.S. locations and elsewhere. Interestingly, one used copy of my poetry book is in a bookstore on Vashon Island. They report it is signed “To Lorraine.” I think I know who Lorraine is: an old friend who moved to Texas to be near her daughter. That may be how the book ended up on Vashon Island. Lorraine lived in Vancouver, WA before she moved away, however. The last I heard, dementia was pulling her away. She is a dear person who volunteered for many years as a CASA (court-appointed--I can’t remember the actual full name the acronym stands for, but she counseled and appeared with juveniles who had to appear in court for any reason).

I can’t help but wonder what happens to books that sit in shops and never sell. Recycling is one possibility. When the shops go out of business, where do the leftover books go?

If I have free time any time soon, I’ll go to another used book site and see what, if any, of my books they offer. It’s nice to think some of them might hang around after I’m gone.