I love book sales, you could even say addicted. The cheap frugal prices of ink covered pages induce an endorphin rush plunging me into another pile.
With booklist in hand, I’m an Ancient Warrior Homeschool Mom-hunting for elusive books that I know must exist if I merely look longer. The world fades as determination is steadfast.
A tap on my shoulder pulls me from my primal hunt. I stare into sweet blue eyes. A book fills my vision. A battle is about to be waged. The battle of the book begins.
There are two main scenarios on the battlefield.
Scenario One
Daughter: But, I love it.
Warrior Mom: It’s below your reading level.
Daughter: Pleeeeeaaasseee.
Warrior Mom: No.
Daughter: I can do a report on it.
Warrior Mom: We will leave now if that book does not go back.
Daughter: “Sighs” Book returns with much drama.
Tomes of books are entered again. Warrior Mom continues the hunt.
Scenario Two
Daughter: But, I love it.
Warrior Mom: I think we have it at home.
Daughter: Pleeeeeaaasseee.
Warrior Mom: I’m almost positive we do.
Daughter: No, we don’t. (Followed by big blue eyes pleading her cause.)
Warrior Mom: I’m sure, we do. (Self doubt invades. The tide of war shifts.)
Daughter: Pleeeeeaaasseee.
Warrior Mom: (Defeated) Ok.
Two exact copies of the book now occupy the same bookshelf.
Warrior Mom: “Sighs” with much drama.
Insert Screeching Noise of Book Skidding to a Halt
Scenario Two was happening all to often as our addiction to book sales increased. My memory couldn’t contain the vast volumes in our home, my hand was not about to write them down. A standoff occurred. I glared at two copies of the same book and declared the days of repetition were over!
I found a solution, no handwriting required-besides, I’d just lose the list if I did write everything down. My solution drastically changed the battlefield, ended the mere mention of battles and forever changed Scenario Two. I’m still working on Scenario One.
Scenario Two-Revised
Daughter: But, I love it.
Warrior Mom: I think we have it at home.
Daughter: Pleeeeeaaasseee.
Warrior Mom: I’m almost positive we do. Let’s check.
Daughter: No, we don’t. (Followed by big blue eyes pleading her cause.)
Warrior Mom: Yep, it’s home-on the Science shelf.
Daughter: Ok. Smiles brightly. (Book is promptly returned-end of battle).
How did we change the scenario?
The term “there is an app for that” solved our dilemma. Enter the Android App “Book Catalogue”. It meets my criteria: free, opensource, scan ISBN numbers directly from book, search if ISBN is not present (we love old books!), create a backup file and reminds me to make the backup file.
I can’t even begin to describe the number of times that I’ve risen my phone in the air declaring victory proving we had a book. However, I must confess, it is more fun when I get to do a “happy dance” when a new book has been revealed.
Simple organization has once again saved the day and my sanity.
How do you remember which books you have at home when you are out on a Book Hunt? I know there are many more resources than the solitary app I’ve found, share what you use and help others on their “Book Hunt”!