The ThriftBooks Blog

By Phillip Caprara • April 26, 2019

Working in a warehouse for one of the world's largest online book sellers, you see more books than you could have ever thought possible. Mixed in among all the beautiful volumes destined to be resold, are those poor, unfortunate, broken books usually consigned to recycling. But where others see books that have outlived their usefulness, I see an opportunity...

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By Emma Zaratian • April 22, 2019

Because we're gluttons for punishment, we thought we'd revisit five notable (and very different) dystopian novels that explore themes of environmental disaster. Just to pique our survivalist instincts this Earth Day.

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By Emma Zaratian • April 15, 2019

April 22 is Earth Day, which makes this week a great time to teach children the value of our amazing planet. To that end, we've compiled a list of fun eco-learning books for a wide range of ages, from preschool to elementary school. Of course, every day is an opportunity to nurture an appreciation for the world around us, so don't be surprised if these books become year-round family favorites.

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By Lou Godmer • April 12, 2019

This is a very quick and easy upcycling project to try, perfect for a novice crafter and with tons of creative opportunities for an advanced upcycler. These beautiful ornaments can dress up your desk or bookshelf, hang from the ceiling, or personalize your holiday tree. They make a wonderful personalized gift for the readers in your life!

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By Emma Zaratian • April 08, 2019

April is National Poetry Month, which means itls the ideal time to treat yourself to a new book of verses. But how to choose a collection you'll like? While itls common knowledge that Sylvia Plath could pen a novel just as well as a poem, we often overlook the fact that plenty novelists have also dabbled in the arts of meter and metaphor. Maybe your favorite author has waxed poetic and you just don't know it yet. Here are a few popular writers wholve skillfully pivoted between prose and poetry.

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By Emma Zaratian • April 01, 2019

Do you DIY? With China's recent ban on international recyclables, you might be thinking twice about what junk goes in the bin. Here are a few beginner-friendly ideas on how to repurpose old stuff you'd otherwise ditch. After all, waste not, want not and what not.

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By Beth Clark • March 20, 2019

Introverts, this week honors the uniquely quiet genius that is YOU…in all your awkward, misfit glory. The world may be overwhelmingly extroverted, but that only makes your innovative problem-solving abilities more valuable, so embrace your socially selective selves and celebrate your innate strengths. Extroverts, keep reading for some riveting facts about your enigmatic counterparts!

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By Beth Clark • March 14, 2019

Celebrate #NationalPiDay with 3.14 pieces of your favorite pie (à la mode, according to our recent poll), 3.14 slices of your favorite pizza (pie), 3.14 chapters of The Life of Pi, or by seeing how many decimal digits of Pi (π) you can memorize and say aloud. (FYI, there are over a trillion, so hydrate first.)

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By Beth Clark • March 06, 2019

Hedy Lamarr wasn't just an actress who made history, she was a brilliant woman who shaped the future with her inventions. US Patent 2,292,387 in particular…the technology that made cell phones, WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth, and more possible. Read on for more about the exceptional woman you'll want to thank the next time you get a text. (Unless it's from someone lame, but that's on them, not Hedy.)

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By Beth Clark • March 02, 2019

The Women's History Month theme this year is "Visionary Women: Champions of Peace & Nonviolence" but March celebrates all women, including the 8 below who are champions of peace, persistence, and empowerment. (And nonviolent unless you count J.K. Rowling's stinging Twitter clapbacks, but we're not).

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