by Lisa Gensheimer
Member since:
February 17, 2006

Finders Keepers: Garage Sale America

May 31, 2007 10:27 PM EDT (Updated: June 01, 2007 05:33 AM EDT)
views: 94 | comments: 27

I have a chronic case of disposophobia, or at least that’s how Bruce Littlefield would diagnose it.  I can’t bear to part with old photographs, worn out running shoes, and a frog collection I’ve had since college. My favorite store is Finders Keepers, or was, that is, until the local antique shop closed and I bought out half the inventory.

fileId:3096224744141618;size:inter;So when my copy of Littlefield’s Garage Sale America arrived in the mail, you can imagine where I put it—on top of a great big stack of books I have yet to read, some old, some new.

It wasn’t long before its cover cried out to me with its retro colors, bakelite radio, and funky leopard hat.

I scoured the photo-filled paperback for advice on everything from enamel-top tables to fishing lures and reeled in a lot more information than I bargained for, like tips on decorating, where to find some really hot wheels, and how to run a successful sale. I’m even learning to deal with my affliction, described in the book’s glossary as “Disposophobia: the fear of getting rid of stuff, no matter how worthless or how valuable.”

Some books may come and go, but Garage Sale America is definitely a keeper.

Read the transcript from Gather's live chat with Bruce Littlefield.

See my story,  Garage Sale Romance .
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Comments: 27

gaelyn k. May 31, 2007, 10:29pm EDT
Thanks for the book review.
Connie C. May 31, 2007, 10:30pm EDT
That was a great review. I am just about ready to publish my review also.
Lisa Gensheimer May 31, 2007, 10:36pm EDT
I'll look for it. Thanks Connie.

You're welcome, Gaelyn.
Stephanie C. May 31, 2007, 10:54pm EDT
Sounds great. Thanks for the information.
Lisa J May 31, 2007, 11:02pm EDT
Hmmm... I'll have to look for it. I know the perfect person to buy it for. :-)
Josette K. May 31, 2007, 11:37pm EDT
Just today, I was thinking I should use "Craig's List" to dispose of some of my stuff... I think I'll buy the book instead! ;-)
Apryl Just Apryl May 31, 2007, 11:52pm EDT
Now, I have to get the book. I collect frogs as well.
Mariana T. May 31, 2007, 11:56pm EDT
dear Lisa - I think this book has my name all over it and it's just what my book shelves need - thanks ever so much for this review. SAlud.
Shannon W Jun 1, 2007, 12:02am EDT
It sounds like a really interesting book. I have a hard time getting rid of stuff too. =O
Sonia M. Jun 1, 2007, 1:41am EDT
Lisa, how funny....I just published my review of Bruce's book this evening also!

My daughter Marion has had a frog collection since she was in grammar school!
donna h. Jun 1, 2007, 6:45am EDT
good review
Μόףףý ● ķ ~ Jun 1, 2007, 9:30am EDT
Thanks for the review. Mine is yet to come. Its a great book with awesome photo's!
Nana to Seven Cutiepies Jun 1, 2007, 10:11am EDT
I could use this book. Great review.
Lisa Gensheimer Jun 1, 2007, 6:30pm EDT
Thanks for commenting, everyone. This is a fun book to read--a real slice of Americana.
Bruce Littlefield Jun 2, 2007, 8:54am EDT
Thanks Lisa! I'm having so much fun talking to people about the book. GARAGE SALE AMERICA is a great conversation starter. I was on the bus yesterday in New York, heading to do a radio interview, and was reading my own book! This woman looked over my shoulder and saw a photo of Bakelite bracelets... "Look!" she said, thrusting her arm out. She had bangle after bangle of Bakelite. We chatted all the way across town about her first bracelet (given to her by her parents for her 10th birthday!) I didn't ask her age, but i'd guess that birthday was at least five decades ago. We had a delightful chat that spilled over to other people on the bus. By the time, I got across town... the whole bus was into it and talking about what they collect...

I love this stuff. Thanks everyone for reading GARAGE SALE AMERICA... Let me know your thoughts and about what YOU collect at www.garagesaleamerica.com.
Lisa Gensheimer Jun 3, 2007, 2:45pm EDT
Bruce, this is the kind of book that really gets people talking--and digging through their attics, barns and basements. Who knows what will turn up next?
Bruce Littlefield Jun 4, 2007, 11:49am EDT
i know! this weekend i only had an hour on saturday, but scored some primo fabu finds and only spent $15... even found some pieces that match my flatware... have fun! and happy hunting!
someone was asking about g- sales wish i could remember thanks for the story makes you think, i had thats the word hand every one of those x-mas Barbie doll's worth money my daughter moved out to try staying with her dad which did not work out & he took them & gave them to his yes much younger girlfriend she was old enough to be my daughter, such is life thanks good read.
David C. Jun 5, 2007, 8:07pm EDT
disposophobia, now that's a new term!
Lisa Gensheimer Jun 6, 2007, 8:31am EDT
Dianne, Your comment is just about the funniest thing I've read in weeks. The irony of your ex-husband snatching the barbie dolls for his much younger girlfriend is fodder for a story in itself. Hope you don't mind my finding the humor in it; I hope you did, too.
Lisa Gensheimer Jun 6, 2007, 8:35am EDT
Thanks, David. I find the same term applies to my copyediting. I labor over which words to save and which ones to keep.
Kathryn E. Jun 10, 2007, 11:45am EDT
I loved your story of Garage Sale Romance; I hate to tell you what our attic actually looks like, short of paper clips and rubber bands, between hubby and me ( he collects baseball cards and so on, Polish Plates, and such which he sells on ebay - college tuition!!!) we collect a lot of things. We've run out of room.

I will buy this book and SOON. To be put where my other books are, somewhere on top of the bookcase.
Karolyn Q. Jun 10, 2007, 5:26pm EDT
Thanks for the great review.
Lisa Gensheimer Jun 12, 2007, 1:57pm EDT
Kathryn and Karolyn, many thanks.

Kathryn--wish we could have cashed in our collections for college tuitions. We have just seen the last of our four children graduate, and --great news--our youngest daughter today signed a contract to teach third grade in inner-city Baltimore. She wants to change the world!
Deb O. Jun 13, 2007, 10:12pm EDT
Lisa, sounds like a good book. Our fine city has just passed an ordinance limiting each home address to only 3 yard or garage sales per summer season. It is amazing how this has caused such a loud stir in some neighborhoods. Selling our treasurers is an American way of life. But please don't step on the grass next door.
Lisa Gensheimer Jun 13, 2007, 10:51pm EDT
Deb, I have never heard of an ordinance like this! Maybe it could be a traffic issue? I've seen drivers try and nudge other cars out of the way as they move in for the best buys.
Kenn T. Jun 23, 2009, 7:23pm EDT

Just today it occoured to me that maybe I DONT need to keep paying for a storage facility to keep the "treasures, nicknacks, geegaws and ephemera" that I pay for month after month.  I think this book has found its time in my life.  Thanks.

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