Best Books--Used '95

Best Books--Used

Bookman's
1930 E. Grant Road
3733 W. Ina Road

READERS' PICK: Supporting a serious book habit can be an expensive proposition these days. Hard-cover books can demand a full day's wage and the cheapo trade paperbacks that we used to pick up for a couple of bucks are practically a thing of the past. Libraries are great but you're honor-bound to return the books in roughly the same condition they were in when you checked them out. If you're like us and frequently find yourself underlining particularly brilliant or meaningful passages while engaged in reading a book, this poses a serious drawback. Bookman's is just the answer for those of us always in need of additional bookshelves. Book lovers of all kinds will have no problem finding something at Bookman's to suit them, and if you happen to be on a tight budget, you'll be relieved to know you can satisfy your urge to buy books without filing for bankruptcy. Bookman's is staggering in its size and variety of books. You can wander the bright orange stacks for hours perusing the titles, which range from literature to auto mechanics, psychology to ecology, cooking to camping. Whatever your area of interest, you're likely to find it reflected somewhere in Bookman's inventory. As an added enticement, Bookman's also boasts a substantial music section as well as videos and cartridges for home entertainment systems. So leave your savings account intact and drop by Bookman's.

STAFF PICK: Okay, Bookman's is right up the street, it's bigger, snazzier and brighter. But for many of us the quest for the perfect used book store ends at the Book Stop Used Books, 2504 N. Campbell Ave. Uh-huh, the book stops here. From the moment you walk through the door, you know you've found a haven from the crass, non-reading world: This is an inventory assembled by people who really love books. At the Book Stop we've happened on long-out-of-print books. While the Book Stop is clearly divided into different sections, finding books that might interest you can sometimes be a serendipitous experience. Some random pile may yield an out-of-place title that thrills, kind of like finding buried treasure. The smell of the Book Stop--of paper, print and bindings--is reminiscent of our grandmothers' attics. You know, the magical, mystical place where all the really cool stuff is always stored? The Book Stop exudes the same sense of something precious and mysterious.

CAT'S MEOW: Television sucks, buy books! So screams Bertrand's Books popular new T-shirt. This storefront shop at 120 E. Congress St. is spreading roots deep into downtown Tucson. Started in June 1994 by a group of mostly lawyers and lawyers-to-be from New Jersey, it's no wonder this small biz has big attitude. While an excellent source for general used books, this cat meows loudest when offered a morsel from its outrageous selection of science fiction and fantasy, including hard-to-find items. Ever wonder what cats are staring at? Space, of course. So spend a few pennies at Bertrand's, curl up in your favorite sunny spot and travel the cosmos. What a purr-fect way to spend the day.

1998 Winner: Bookman's
1997 Winner: Bookman's