Job Discussion Forums

[teflmonkey]

I've never been able to get a really clear picture on what the English language bookstores in Taiwan are like as far as selection goes. Where does it fit in the scale between an airport kiosk and Amazon.com?

I ask because I have to compact everything I own into two 50lb bags and a carryon (damn you, new baggage regulations!), with few options to leave anything in the States (I'm nowhere near my family and I don't know where I'll be going when I return). I'm very particular about some of my books, if not necessarily to read them again, but to have them around.

I'll bet obscure books are almost out of the question, but am I looking at a shelf with Danielle Steele and Clive Cussler, or can I find the newest Thomas Friedman book, too?

[TaoyuanSteve]

I'd avoid bringing all but your most treasured books. Books add up to a lot of weight fast and you don't want to cart those around in luggage, to say nothing of the cost if you go over the weight limit for checked luggage.

The North of Taiwan has plenty of options for books, including the massive Page One bookstore in Taipei 101 and the nearby Chengpin (Eslite) flagship store. You can't always get everything, but then there's mail order. I'd say liquidate or donate all but your most valuable, irreplaceable books before leaving.