Second Hand
3 journalers for this copy...
Book Description
Richard sees treasure everywhere. In that old eight-track quadraphonic stereo, that pink granite bowling ball, or a Niagara Falls napkin holder. While most people scramble for the newest and the best, Richard searches for the odd and obsolete -- and sells it at his second-hand shop on the edge of Detroit.
Why does he do it? For Richard, junk is a way of life, a calling, and a passion. Until his comfortable second-hand life gets a first-hand jolt.
Richard's mother has died, and left behind a valuable house full of packed-away junk -- including some old photos that will change everything Richard thought about his parents. And then there's the hip, thrift-attired woman who comes into his store with more than junk on her mind.... Suddenly some very unexpected things are entering Richard's life, including some surprising revelations about love and loss -- and what's really important in life.
With an unerring blend of the comic and the poignant, Michael Zadoorian has written an unforgettable novel about knick-knacks, garage sales, romance, and the bonds we form with people and things -- the perfect story for anyone who has ever loved something second hand.
Richard sees treasure everywhere. In that old eight-track quadraphonic stereo, that pink granite bowling ball, or a Niagara Falls napkin holder. While most people scramble for the newest and the best, Richard searches for the odd and obsolete -- and sells it at his second-hand shop on the edge of Detroit.
Why does he do it? For Richard, junk is a way of life, a calling, and a passion. Until his comfortable second-hand life gets a first-hand jolt.
Richard's mother has died, and left behind a valuable house full of packed-away junk -- including some old photos that will change everything Richard thought about his parents. And then there's the hip, thrift-attired woman who comes into his store with more than junk on her mind.... Suddenly some very unexpected things are entering Richard's life, including some surprising revelations about love and loss -- and what's really important in life.
With an unerring blend of the comic and the poignant, Michael Zadoorian has written an unforgettable novel about knick-knacks, garage sales, romance, and the bonds we form with people and things -- the perfect story for anyone who has ever loved something second hand.
Received today thank you - looks like a great read.
Difficult to know how to describe this book, whilst I enjoyed it, it was quite difficult to read in parts. Richard is quite an odd sort of character, as is the girl he meets.
An interesting read.
An interesting read.
Sending to Starry who took it from the BCUK VBB.
Journal Entry 5 by Starry-Starry from Llandrindod Wells, Wales United Kingdom on Sunday, February 24, 2008
Arrived yesterday, thanks very much Camis. I was attracted to the story by the mention of old photographs, always a draw for me :o) Looking forward to reading it.
Journal Entry 6 by Starry-Starry from Llandrindod Wells, Wales United Kingdom on Thursday, June 25, 2009
I really enjoyed this book and while I agree with Camis that parts of it were really difficult to read, I thought the characters were great and Richard's philosophy on life was interesting to read. In some ways it reminded me of Douglas Coupland's work which can only be a good thing in my book :) I liked the little short sections with their own headings, making it easy to dip in and out of, and I liked the easy going style of the narrative. It made me laugh and it made me cry, perfect summer reading.