Paul Ajosshi

Second Hand Bookstore Oddness

I’ve been trying to diminish the book mountain that takes up a considerable amount of our apartment. Reading books that should have been read a long time ago and then sending them on their way, whilst at the same time admitting to myself that there are certain books that I will not get round to reading and allowing them to pass on into the hands of others.

My main two locations for book donations have been the Beautiful Store and What the Book (the first being a good deed done, the second helping feed my terrible addiction to books on Korea and bizarre comics about Betrand Russell), but today I decided to take a few tomes down to the ramshackle second hand book shop near Noksapyeong station.

I’ve bought books from the pleasant lady and grumpy old man on many occasions over the years, but never brought in books of my own. Unsure of correct protocol, I dumped a bag full of books (which might have got me 15,000 won at What the Book) on the counter and was told if I wanted to exchange then I should pick out what I wanted. I asked what value I’d get for the books and the grumpy old man shrugged and said he didn’t know. I should just pick out some books and then he would judge for himself…

Ten minutes later I’d picked out 45,000 won’s worth of Korea related books and asked if that was ok. The grumpy old man said yes, the pleasant lady smiled and I went on my way. 

I think I may exchange more books at the ramshackle old book shop from now on…

365limerickproject said: What, exactly, are you doing? I’m an actor as well (and fight director)

We’re in the process of making a brand new interactive storytelling show based on one of our previous larger scale productions. It’s called Five Fools And You and it’s the tale of a crazy circus with a bossy Ringmaster and a shy new performer who refuses to speak.

I’ve been working with Latt Children’s Theatre (www.lattct.com) for the past decade and it’s always fun to put together a new show (though a tad stressful at times!).

Best response to all the MBC kerfuffle...