The Michigan Daily/New Student Edition-Entertainment - Thursday, September 10, 1992 - Page 3 Can't beat the best A2 book browsing wide open and always with its bar- gain tables out front. These tables are a good place to watch for inex- pensive reference books and an- thologies you may need for class. You can also find other odds and ends, from children's books to clas- sics for anywhere from $2 to $10. Not only is Borders one of the biggest bookstores around in terms of numbers, but it also has an enor- mous variety of books. Borders claims that, "the original premise was to have as much depth as possi- ble, not just breadth." This book- store's size and success allows them to keep unusual and non-bestsellers UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS One thing you will have to get used to in Ann Arbor is finding smaller bookstores. They tend to be up and down flights of stairs and through ominous doorways. This can be a intimidating at first, not know- ing what you will find at the top, or behind the door. Don't be scared. Ann Arbor resident Cory Hinman takes a break from his job as clerk in a used bookstore and practices inking and copying. more often than not you will be pleasantly surprised at what you find. Hopefully you won't walk into someone's apartment. Not only is Shaman Drum Bookshop (313 S. State) up a flight of stairs, but its door is fairly ob- scure. I know seniors who still pass the entrance every time (no names, please). This store is easiest to find during the first week of the semester - the line often reaches out into the street. If you have books to buy here, it may be less stressful if you wait about a week into the semester. Shaman Drum is definitely the most unique of the "new books" bookstores on campus. It is a retail bookstore, but they also sell text- books for some of the liberal arts classes. For one reason or another (could it be ... better service?), some professors prefer to order their text- books from Shaman Drum. Because this store often carries a supply of texts exclusively, you may hear ru- mors that the books are more expen- sive. This really isn't true. The store only charges the cover price (less on the used copies), which is what you will pay anywhere else. Beyond textbook season, Shaman Drum, "specializes in scholarly titles in the humanities." They do carry some fiction, "mostly stuff over- looked by the mainstream" says em- ployee/creative writing instructor, Keith Taylor. Also, the poetry sec- tion is very good and may be of par- ticular interest to hopeful writers or poetry buffs. One of the hardest bookstores to define is After Words (219 S. Main). This shop sells, for the most part, new books. It's greatest claim to fame is inexpensive, new, hard- cover books. You can usually get a hardcover copy for what you would expect to pay for a paperback else- where. After Words also sells used and rare books. The selection here is not as large as many of the other shops in Ann Arbor, but the prices make it a fun place to browse. Ann Arbor has another peculiar "type" of bookstore; one you proba- bly won't need academically, but you may want spiritually. Com- monly called "New Age" book- stores, they specialize in spiritual and self-help subjects. New age mu- sic plays in the background to sooth you the moment you enter. You can find books about Taoism, Buddhism and Hinduism, books to relieve stress, interpret your dreams and books of daily meditations. These stores are usually a combi- nation book, card, and gift shop; ev- erything is unusual and interesting. Falling Water (213 S Main) carries, along with their spiritual books, some of the best, most recent litera- ture in fiction and poetry. They have unique sterling silver and crystal jewelry, candles, wind chimes and unusual musical instruments; many things to add to the serenity and beauty of your life. Crazy Wisdom (206 N. Fifth) is another New Age book store. It also carries many in- teresting "stuff" besides books. Among the assortment of crystals (mounted and loose) and medicine around to find what you need. Since used book shops buy books all year round, their stock is always chang- ing, and always uncertain. The used shops closest to campus are David's, Dawn Treader, and Books In General. All of these stores carry an exhaustive variety of books. The subjects range from literature to physics, from engineering to cook- books. They are especially useful to If Shakespeare or Stats are just blowing your mind, you can go to Dave's and find anything from The Archies to an X-rated comic. Surely, a copy of Butt-Biscuit can perspective. help put things back in bags, there is an incredible selection of incense and burners. Located near Kerrytown, this store's atmosphere is more bohemian than Falling Water's. If the strain of academics is really wearing you down, Dave's II. Comics & Collectibles (623 E. William) is a great place to get away. This store is connected to the Dave's Comics in Royal Oak. Together, they have access to over 1,000,000 books. They also carry posters and collectibles of comic book heroes (interesting decor for your dorm or apartment). If Shakespeare or Stats are just blow- ing your mind, you can go to Dave's and find anything from The Archies to an X-rated comic. Surely, a copy of Butt-Biscuit can help put things back in perspective. students looking for convenience (close to campus), variety, and low prices. Although they have their sim- ilarities, each one has a very distinct character. David's Books (622 E. Liberty St.) is one of the best known used book stores in Ann Arbor. It has be- come something of a landmark with its muraled building on the corner of State and Liberty. David's may overwhelm you, with its books stacked up to the ceiling. If you wander around it long enough you will probably figure out the "system." If you don't have time for this, just ask one of the employees for help; they are always glad to point you in the right direction. And if you run into a cat among the shelves, don't be alarmed, he lives there. Dawn Treader is Ann Arbor's schizophrenic book shop. It has two See BOOKS, Page 4 'PREVIOUSLY OWNED' The used bookstores in Ann Arbor cater to a wide variety of needs; from bargains for students, to treasures for the connoisseur. They have some similarities; they tend to smell like somebody's attic, they're dark, and have peculiar shelving sys- tems (like being in a library without a card catalog!). Fortunately there are usually nice, helpful employees to guide you through the maze of rooms and stacks - if you know what you need. If you are just browsing, leave a trail of bread crumbs. If you are trying to same money by finding as many of the books you need for class used; you need two things: Time and Patience. If you are really intent on buying the books used (and you aren't quick enough to get one of the few copies at the text- book stores) you may have to shop West Side Book Shop Used & rare books bought & sold Literary first editions, travel, Americana, art & illustrated books Large selection of quality used paperbacks Qualified Appraisals 113 W. Liberty 995-1891 ...... Member Antiquarian . Bookellers' Association of America 7% Kirby Gosnell checks out the caligraphy books at Kaleidescope, an Ann Arbor used book store. j THE MICHIGAN DAILY 764-0552 * ,A r '2;>Y If MMIMMMMM IMM~M V " ,'V / \ \ ' \~ COOKIES WELCOME STUDENTS! m--ON f > >4, ,--'Hey Students! =- We've got your ticket 1_00953 Matinee Rates _ * for shows before 6 p.m. I g * (including Sat., Sun. & holidays) 1 o I *Student Rates I (everyday-with student ID) I I * Great Concession Deals I { (includingifree pop refill & $.26 ,4N- AIO I Special Rates for .I