My grandpa told me to always check inside old books before you buy them

I thought he was just being careful, but last week I found a 1950s library copy of 'The Catcher in the Rye' at a yard sale in Bakersfield. I almost didn't look, but I flipped it open and a folded piece of paper fell out. It was a handwritten note, just a few lines, but it was a love letter from someone named James to someone named Clara, dated 1957. The seller saw me find it and immediately said the price was now fifty dollars, not five. He claimed 'ephemera' adds value. I argued, but he wouldn't budge. I left the book. Grandpa was right, you need to check first so you know what you're really getting into. Has anyone else had a seller try to change the price after you found something cool inside?

3 comments

3 Comments

caleb_price2mo ago

Wait, that actually happens? I always thought checking was just for fun, but that's a real bait and switch. Guess I'm opening every book from now on lol.

jordan9032mo ago

It's wild how many things are like that, caleb_price. Companies bank on us not checking the fine print or opening the box. You see it with software updates that take away features or food packaging that's half air. Makes you question everything you buy now.

the_sage2mo ago

My last phone update removed the split screen feature I used every day. Now I check the full change log before hitting install, and I've skipped the last two updates. They count on people just clicking accept without reading.