In my area, patrons of Goodwill stores often receive smirks and upturned noses. I guess the middle and upper classes here find used goods beneath them, as well as the lower class. But there is always something useful to be found at a Goodwill store, if you look for it.
For years, I looked for a copy of “Pandora,” by Anne Rice, and never found it. (I didn't have Internet at the time.) I was tempted to let my local bookstore order it for me, as they have ordered a handful of books for me over the years, but something held me back. Finally, one day I saw a copy of “Pandora” in a Goodwill store, in relatively new condition. It only cost fifty cents.
I also found, in a different store, a copy of “Aztec Autumn,” by Gary Jennings for a buck. It's a sequel to the historical novel “Aztec.” I didn't even know there was a sequel until I walked through the book section of that store. That day, I also found the original “Clue” board game, a replica of the one I'd had as a kid, for a dollar and twenty-five.
It was at a Goodwill store that I found a hardcover special edition of the complete works of Washington Irving. One dollar. I couldn't believe my luck. It's old, of course, and the pages are yellowed somewhat, but to me, it has more magic that way. It makes my book shelves seem more like a true library, where every page, every mark of ink, is imbued with the essence of many who also love to read and learn.
I also found a small, palm-sized hardcover copy of Shakespeare's “As You Like It,” complete with an introduction and special notes on understanding the English of his day. This one had belonged previously to a student; she wrote many notes in the margins, and even formulated original comparisons between Shakespearean drama and Athenian theater. As a lover of Shakespeare and Athenian history, I felt as if I'd found a real treasure; and part of that was being able to read her notes and see her opinions. I'll always wonder why she decided to get rid of it by donating it to a Goodwill store. (It only cost thirty cents.)
And there was a copy of “Grendel,” a short novel that tells the story of Beowulf from Grendel's point of view. I hadn't even known such a thing existed. It's a great read, and a worthy companion to the epic poem. And I got it, in practically new condition, for thirty cents.
At yet another Goodwill store, I found a glass chess set. I've been a chess player all my life, but, coming from a working-class background, I only ever had the cheap, plastic sets that you can find at pharmacies. This thing was beautiful, every piece perfectly cut. New, it would run fifty bucks or so. I got this one for five.
Once, I found a cassette tape of Kitaro, the famous Japanese composer. We have no record store in my county, and I still didn't have Internet, so finding music such as this was nearly impossible. I learned about him and his music because I'm an animé fan, and he has composed for several animé films and series. I paid a mere quarter for this cassette (luckily, my old tape deck still works).
That's only a few of the treasures I've found at Goodwill stores. Of course, I can speak only with how I define “treasure.” But there's something there for anyone; and it is like a treasure hunt, for you never know what you might find. If there's nothing for you now, check back in a week or so; their stock changes depending on how often any given store receives its donations. And the money goes to help people who need it. How can you go wrong with that?
