Welcome to The Nickel Jar Stacks! Reading copies of my favorite paperbacks bundled by author or theme.


This stack includes the first three books in the iconic Kenzie & Genarro series by Dennis Lehane (#4 is the better-known name Gone Baby Gone, but read these first!)

  1. A Drink Before the War (1994)
  2. Darkness, Take My Hand (1996)
  3. Sacred (1997)

These are all pre-loved paperbacks in Good or VG condition, intended as reading copies. Expect some edge wear, creasing or scuffing, small tears or chips, and maybe a few markings or a previous reader's name written inside. See photos. Perfect for reading in bed, at the beach, or on the couch with a drink of whatever you like at hand.


First edition hardcovers are great for collecting, but ultimately books were meant to be read, and there's nothing like a well-worn paperback for getting lost in a story.  Let's all follow Stephen King's advice and carry a paperback around to read during our daily down time instead of robotically pulling out our phones.


Shop Notes:
  • Please review pictures carefully as part of the description. I strive to document condition faithfully. All photos are of the actual books in hand.
  • I package all books carefully for shipping in a padded envelope or box, reinforced if needed.
  • Buyer pays for shipping. Media Mail is the default unless you choose otherwise.
  • I will cover additional shipping insurance for individual items with purchase price $100+
  • I'm happy to bundle shipping and offer a discount for combined purchases with other items from my shop, which I hope you will take a moment to browse!
  • I'm a fierce advocate of the right to read. Check out my Resistance Through Reading campaign in my 'Banned, Challenged, & Censored' shop category.

/* ssgST: excluded from sampling */