Item 3 is The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. Alexie is not so much a part-time Indian as a full-time Indian who has spent part of his time away from the Reservation. He left the Reservation to attend high school, then college, where he showed his gifts as a poet and writer. This latest work, set on a Spokane Reservation, was published in 2007. It won a National Book Award for young people's literature. This copy is signed and dated shortly after publication by Alexie. $100.

Item 54 is Heaven on the Half Shell. The Story of the Northwest's Love Affair with the Oyster, by David Gordon, Nancy Blanton and Terry Nosho. I knew the slimy critters were popular in New England, but I thought Northwesterners had more sense that to actually eat these things. You can always learn something new from books. Published in 2001. $19.50.

Gene W. Baade may be reached at 425-271-6481 or bookwest@eskimo.com. The website is www.booksonthewest.com.