Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year

 

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year" wrote the American Transcendentalist philosopher and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson in his book "Society and Solitude", first published in 1870.

The quote is found in chapter seven, "Works and Days" - Emerson's essay on how humans perceive and value their time in which he explores mindfulness and the importance of living in the moment.

Emerson's philosophy aligns with core mindfulness principles such as Radical Presence ("own the day"); Letting Go of the Past ("finish every day and be done with it"); Intentionality and Perception ("today is the best day"); and Connection to Nature and Spirit (nature exists in a constant "today").

These are perfect principles to bring into the Gregorian New Year of 2026!

Interested in reading more Emerson? Order new copies of "Society and Solitude" via Bluestocking Books on Bookshop.org.

Mary at Bluestocking Books thinks Emerson's mindfulness manifests perfectly in the ten "inalienable rights" listed in Daniel Pennac's "The Rights of the Reader" :

1. The right not to read.
2. The right to skip pages.
3. The right not to finish a book.
4. The right to re-read.
5. The right to read anything. (Including "bad novels" or genre fiction)
6. The right to "Bovary-ism," a textually transmitted disease (the right to want a life like in the books, or the right to escapism).
7. The right to read anywhere.
8. The right to peck here and there. (The right to browse or dip in).
9. The right to read out loud.
10. The right to be silent. (The right not to defend your tastes or explain your relationship with a book).

James Patterson Holiday Bonus Program

Bluestocking Books is thrilled to be one of the bookstore recipients of James Patterson's Holiday Bonus Program! Mr. Patterson pledged a total of $300,000 in $500 increments to 600 booksellers from the American Booksellers Association bookstores. 

Bluestocking Books is delighted to be in the company of all the recipients, especially our fellow booksellers in San Diego - Hey Books! and Mysterious Galaxy. Congrats to all the bookshops!

From all of us at Bluestocking Books to all of you - have a happy and healthy...

Hello Gift Giving Season

 

December is here. In sunny San Diego that means periwinkle and orange sunsets and scarf weather. 

Hillcrest has options to celebrate the arrival of the winter holidays! Enjoy a San Diego Fog Latte at Hazel and Jade to warm your heart. Shop for the creatives in your life at the Artist & Craftsman Supply. Connect with your spiritual side at Wonders of the Earth. And, of course, dip into literature here at Bluestocking Books! The bookstore is chock full of delights for the season, including gently used books in all genres; LIFE Magazines from the 1940s-1970s; and new reprints of classics and customer favorites. Our staff is prepared to assist you in finding just the right tomes for however you celebrate the season - Jolabokaflod, Solstice, Yule, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas. Place your orders before December 15 for best arrival times. We love fulfilling your requests, so bring ‘em on! Please inquire NOW so that we may procure the best copies in time for Santa’s Christmas Eve visit. Bluestocking Books also has gift wrapping available for a fee, greeting cards, antique Christmas and New Year postcards.

Shop Hillcrest For The Holidays

Would you like a chance at winning a shopping spree in Hillcrest? Along with our neighboring restaurants and other retail businesses, we are participating in Shop Hillcrest for the Holidays from Friday November 28 through Wednesday December 24. When you spend $15 or more (one ticket for one purchase per day) at Bluestocking Books you will be offered an opportunity-drawing ticket to fill out and submit for a prospect of winning a $2000 shopping spree in Hillcrest! Every participating business has treats for you to win. Find out more at Fabulous Hillcrest. Each participating business may have different entry qualifications, so do inquire when you visit those shops and restaurants. 

Taste ‘n’ Tinis

If you enjoy a tipple in the winter wonderland of brisk Hillcrest, Taste ‘n’ Tinis may be the event for you! Taste ‘n’ Tinis returns in 2025 on Thursday, December 11 from 5:30PM until 9:00PM. Local shops and restaurants will be designing and serving signature cocktails to sip while you shop. Participating Hillcrest restaurants will offer an array of signature dishes, specialty appetizers, and decadent desserts. Get tickets at Fabulous Hillcrest for this 21+ event.

 Holiday Hours

Bluestocking Books will be open on Wednesday, December 24th (Christmas Eve) between 11AM and 2PM for last minute shoppers. But here’s the thing - books produce an instant holiday and can be given because it’s Tuesday, because it’s sunny, because it’s overcast, and because your loved one needs a hug. Books can express “I See You”, “Thank You”, and “You’re Superl!” 

Bluestocking Books will be closed December 25 and December 31. As for Jan 1, 2025 - call when you wake up to see if we showed up!

Gumball Poetry

Bluestocking Books recently installed a Gumball Poetry dispenser featuring seven San Diego poets. Twenty-five cents - one lone quarter - will give you something to chew on (metaphorically-speaking). Enjoy some poet-treats when you visit the book shoppe!