The Borders on Lake Ave., in Pasadena, CA seems to be a popular favorite in the L.A. area. I can totally understand why. It's a major bookworm vibe, and it's organized neatly. (Although I would argue that the phone incessantly rings without being picked up. I've, a many times, been tempted to assist the caller myself. Fortunately, calls I've made to the store have been prompt). There's also a Coffee Bean for any caffeine junkies if Seattle coffee inside the bookstore isn't your thing. I go there for the atmosphere and accessibility of books, which really doesn't require much advertising. But I'm here to circulate the summer clearance event. There are books for $3.99 located in the front of the store. Boxes are dedicated with clearance books, which all sell for the same price: $3.99. I usually disregard such dirt cheap deals because the books don't offer much substance, but it doesn't hurt to look. I was pleasantly surprised to find some interesting reads.I asked an employee there who informed me that the sale will be lasting for a couple weeks, and they restock the clearance books every two days. There's apparently a lot of books going on clearance, but there's not enough space to put everything out on the floor. So, they'll wait until more space is available. The replenishment will consist of new titles. If I have the correct schedule, the store just stocked some new clearance items on Friday, July 18, which means it's best to arrive on Sunday, July 21 for the new deals. As I type these words out, I'm starting to wonder why I'm divulging this information.
I purchased This is Your Brain on Music, which was a top seller on New York Times and a popular read. The original price is $15, and amazon sells it for $10.20. Another bargain about this special is that it isn't exempt to the return and exchange policy. Just as long as it's returned in original condition, which has to be new, returns and exchanges are honored just like any other books in the store. Just be aware that not every book for sale is sold in impeccable condition, which means a refund may be refused. I also found The Glass Castle: A Memoir. At one point I was interested in reading this book, but I don't feel comfortable contributing profit to a woman who has made it her life goal to unravel and publicize peoples' lives, many times, against their consent only to receive sympathy over the privacy of her lies that she wishes people will not scrutinize. It's her job to not give others that same courtesy. Although, I imagine the contents are sensational. This is probably the best time to buy her book, when it's the least profitable.
Borders Store
475 South Lake Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone: 626.304.9773
Fax: 626.304.9774
EDIT: As of Saturday, July 19, 2008, not all clearance items are marked down to $3.99. There were some audio books that sold for $5.99. None of which were familiar or interested me. Perhaps the lowest marked clearance items are first displayed to entice customers. As we become more open to the clearance items because of the low, low prices, they're probably introducing some higher priced items. So, hurry over to Borders because the dirt cheap deals get swooped up.
