Best of BEA
Fabulous finds from BookExpo America (BEA)
by Susan L. Weis
The atmosphere in Los Angeles always lends an air of excitement to just about any situation, and this year’s BookExpoAmerica ( www.bookexpoamerica.com) was no exception. Once you’re inside the halls of the convention center, the show is the same as it is in any other city, but just being in LA makes it all just a bit more exciting, at least for this East Coast girl. After a visit to the famed Bodhi Tree bookstore ( www.bodhitree.com) in West Hollywood, and a chat with its legendary owner Stan Madsen, I was ready to face the show and seek out all the marvelous sidelines I could find. It’s not such an easy job to find the gift items amongst the stacks of books, scads of authors and publishers, and about 25,000 people, but I did discover a few gems that I hope will enhance your sideline purchases this year.
Stainless steel, food-grade, non-leeching 100% recyclable water bottle (16 oz.) in eight cool colors including my favorite, lime green. Custom labeling available.
Colortown Travel Wallet
Busquets 305/446-2552, www.busquets.comHip and colorful line of wallets (4" x 9" x 1"), organizers, briefcases, card holders, key cases, and much more, all made from recycled leather that is reconstituted by crushing, molding, and drying. In bright, bold colors and stylish neutrals.
Natural Stone Bookends
Garden Age Supply
866/534-1610
Created from river rocks in Indonesia, these beautiful, 10 lb. grey stone bookends have kanji symbols for healing, prosperity, courage, or tranquility. Can also be customized with your own words.
 Little Ganesh Micro JournalsPaperblanks 800/277-5887, www.paperblanks.com
Let Ganesh help you remove all obstacles to writing in your journal! Take notes on your life’s experiences with these adorable micro journals (2.625" x 3.625"), which fit easily in your pocket or bag. Available in four designs: Traveling, Dancing, Resting, or Contemplative.
 Dreaming of the East
Asiatainment 510/893-5266, www.asiatainment.comBeautiful and melodious music from China using ancient instruments to promote healing and stress reduction ($15 retail). No electronic pop or fusion—just the real thing. Generous with samples; nice packaging and a delightful sales rep. Susan Weis is proprietress of breathe books ( www.breathebooks.com/) in Baltimore, in business since 2004, and a contributor to New Age Retailer. |