Time Tested Books - Sacramento, CA

Time Tested Books, Sacramento, CA

 

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To enjoy a visit to an independent bookstore is to thoroughly enjoy meeting a bookseller who is knowledgeable and gifted in what they've read and what they know.  Honestly, after visiting with store manager Finian I felt like I was in a VERY interesting grad school literature summer course.  I could've listened to him all day and if anyone would like to put on a summer seminar or event featuring a Don Quixote and Kafka scholar, Finian would be an excellent choice to be the speaker.  I was happy to be an audience of one when I visited Time Tested Books.

 

I am so fortunate that I was able to visit here because they only just recently opened with limited hours due to the pandemic.  They are taking baby steps and moving forward slowly erring on the side of caution.  They made it through their closure thanks to online orders and curbside service.  It has been a challenge but I'm so impressed because other than a few greeting cards, it's nothing but books here.  It definitely helps that owner Peter K. owns the building eliminating that expense for the business.   

Time Tested offers mostly used books, a few new, and a good inventory of vintage and collectibles.  They are not taking in used books for trade at this time, choosing to move slowly in their recovery.  However, when they do resume accepting books, be sure to call first before you bring any in.  The store is extremely well-organized and although they don't have their used books on a data base, Finian was able to take me to the exact location of four books I was looking for.  

Similarly, their events are on hold as they gauge progress with the pandemic.  Before closing they enjoyed an active events schedule of authors and occasionally music events.  The shelves in the center of the store are on wheels which allows for great flexibility creating an events space.  

This store has been in business since 1981 making it older than Finian.  It has been through rough waters and I see no reason why it can't make it to shore enjoying expanded hours, book trading, and live events.  Hang in there, Time Tested regulars, they'll be back.  After all, Time Tested Books has stood the test of time.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Bring Me Back, B.A. Paris.  If you haven't read anything by this author, I recommend you give her a try.  Especially if you're a fan of the psychological thriller.  Finn's girlfriend is the love of his life but she disappears suddenly at a rest stop with no explanation.  Finn also has anger issues.  Is Finn responsible for her disappearance and possible murder?  The ending has an unpredictable twist.  Recommended. 

CURRENTLY READING:  Hatchet, Gary Paulsen. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Freddy Goes To The North Pole, Walter Brooks.  Freddy And The Dragon, Walter Brooks.  Continuing The Good Life, Helen and Scott Nearing.  The Grass Harp, Truman Capote. 

 

View of the storefront. 

If you're bringing books in for trade, make sure you call first. 

 

Large front display window.

 

Got it!

 

 The beautiful view looking into the store from the front entrance. 

Looking to the left from the front entrance.  This is where you'll check out with your book buys. 

You can find bargains in almost every bookstore. 

Display table to the right, inside the front entrance. 

 

A few of the greeting cards available. 

 

If you want to browse these good-looking shelves head to the right side of the store. 

 

A well-organized and neat used book store. 

 

Partial view of the children's section. 

Cara Black fans should plan a visit. 

 

Almost all indies are willing to do this. 

 

Perfect for browsers who want to see above eye level. 

Honestly, this store is just a blur of books. 

 

Valuable section for those with impaired vision. 

 

Beautiful view of a long wall of books on the left side of the store. 

 

Just a few of the books by local authors. 

 

View looking across the back of the store. 

 

An excellent area to try out a few books. 

 

Check out the music on vinyl near the back of the store. 

Overview of the store looking from the back toward the front entrance. 

If you're vacationing with the family in the Sacramento area, this is a must buy.

Any Bancroft fans out there?  Here's your place. 

Make sure you ask about audio books. 

With Finian on the left, the fine store manager at Time Tested Books.  Thanks for a great visit.

Peter, the fine owner at Time Tested wasn't there when I arrived so I came back later to meet him.  Thanks for a great visit.