Black Sheep Books

How do they do it?! Do the literary hounds of SSI simply have better taste then most? And take better, much more gentle care of their books? Does the gulf island air make them give up their mint condition hard copies freely?
Whatever Black Sheep Books is putting in the water — continue on, continue on.
My guess is there is more then SSI generosity in the mix but that doesn’t change the fact that this is perhaps my favorite used book store. Period. Why? Well first off, their staff picks section is a gold mine. Seriously. Every time I poke my head in the door I could easily take the entire four shelves of staff picks happily home with me.
Second — they are organizational wizards. Their expansive fiction section is alphabetized to perfection, poetry is broken down by region, photography by subject, hobbies by… well hobbies. This two story building is a prime example of the right way to use a label maker.
Thirdly — they have an excellent eye for rare and eccentric oldies. I will be honest, I am not the most astute when it comes to limited edition novellas but the section front and centre when you walk through the door boasts everything from full edition encyclopedias, to hard cover, leather bound copies of Gatsby, and on occasion, 50’s smut… hellooo peek of a garter! Behave you! It’s a playground of eye candy and definitely worth the shuffle through.
Lastly, the prices are fantastic. Sure, the aren’t the rock bottom prices you can find at some used book haunts but for the quality and condition of the books, it can’t be beat — a hard copy version of the complete Maus series? $ 20. Most novels — big or small — $ 6 – 8. Plus, if there’s something specific you seek they are absolutely excellent with making note and calling you… even if you happen to live in a completely different city.
This place is aces. Book worms take note and pop in when you run away to the island…