First, let me say sorry I haven't blogged in a while. Been busy with homework and work work and haven't had a chance. I have two books that I want to put up here to review, but I want to tell my sweet readers about bookstores...

I collect books. I've called all over the country trying to get copies of signed editions for favorite authors or actors who have become authors. I have a very small collection that includes Dean & Me by Jerry Lewis -- who doesn't personalize and only signs his books Jerry; My Life So Far by Jane Fonda -- who I got to meet and I thought was a nice person -- I have a cool Jane Fonda story, but let's save that for another time; and, one of my pride possessions is my signed copy of Lillian Gish's An Actors Life for Me.

Anyway, in gathering these books, I've talked to a lot of bookstores. Small ones, large ones, etc. Let me tell you the best way to get a signed copy of a book, if you can't appear at the signing. Call a small bookstore -- STAY AWAY FROM THE CHAINS (BARNES & NOBLE AND BORDERS). You can NEVER get a Barnes & Noble or a Borders to get a signed copy of a book for you. What they tell you is that they aren't set up for that.

Well, they should be. They're the big boys, the ones who are driving the small, quaint Mom and Pop bookstores out of business. But, their customer service leaves much to be desired. I think it is easier to get an ice cube in Hell than it is to get a signed book out of these two places.

So, this is my SHAME ON YOU blog. When you're looking for a signed book, stick with the small shops and, actually, try not to shop in the big stores anyway. I'd hate for all the good bookstores to go out of business so I'm left with the two stores who are pretty much useless to a collector.

When I have time, I'll write about some of the small shops with whom I've done business, so we can spread the word about the good stores.

If you've have a good experience with a bookstore, feel free to post it here.

Happy Readings!