Second Flight Books

Despite having lived in the greater Lafayette area for mostly continuously from the age of five to 18, as well as a number of years as an adult, I’ve never even heard of this store, much to my regret and chagrin (although I did live virtually all those years just west of the westernmost edge of West Lafayette, so that probably explains it). I only happened upon it by chance as I was walking to the BMV (side note: avoid the west side BMV unless you want to wait in line outside in the sun for what seems like a eternity) but thanks to providence or mashallah of whatever your personal beliefs, I decided to make a quick stop in just to check it out (but I mean, who am I kidding, there’s no such thing as a quick stop in a bookstore at least in my case). I’ve been to much bigger used book stores but the quality of the selection (which is obviously a matter of personal taste but anyway) completely blew me away. In the speculative fiction section in particular, my preferred genre, practically every book I saw I would put on my short list for favorite book I’ve ever read. Like all the best books by truly genius authors. Of course that meant that I had already read a lot of that section, but that’s probably for the best since I still haven’t finished unpacking my books from not even my most recent move, but the move before that. I did pick up a few of nonfiction books, a couple on how to landscape your yard to attract the most birds (theoretically a gift but the kind that you give fully intending to borrow indefinitely) and one on the subject of Lagom (Swedish for moderation, or “not too little, not too much”, a key component of the Swedish outlook on life and also theoretical gift of the above variety). I literally had to force myself to leave before I emptied my bank account, although that would have taken quite a bit of work given the amazing prices (especially in light of the like-new quality of many of the books). It is a bit cramped, which is practically a requirement for a bookstore but not great for social distancing, but word is they’re moving locations (no idea where to) so keep that in mind and keep an eye out for it once it completes its third flight. I can’t recommend this place strongly enough. Just go there.