Book Me, Dan-O

Ranking a respectable second on the list of Exciting Fairs (above the county and below the Renaissance variety) is the humble book fair. Despite lacking the corn dogs and the turkey legs of the number-three and number-one fairs (respectively), a well-run book fair is an exceptional treat. And there are few run better than the Greater St. Louis Book Fair, which is currently nestled in the parking garage of the Westfield Shoppingtown West County (Manchester Road and I-270, Des Peres; 314-993-1995 or www.stlouisbookfair.org). Officially opened on Thursday, April 27, the GSLBF's last day of business is today (from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). And yes, there are still plenty of great books from which to choose. This ain't one of those fly-by-night book fairs stocked with renegade editions of Dr. Phil's Kama Sutra for the Older Mack — although if you can spot one of those in the pop-up edition, buy it for us and we'll pay you back — this is a staggering collection of books both young and old, rare and common, ordinary and extraordinary, and the tables are replenished daily. Admission is free, so get in there and get something good.
April 27-May 1