I found my favourite book in a charity shop for £1.50 – I had no idea I hit the jackpot until I got home
A WOMAN who headed to the charity shop was left gobsmacked when she realised she had hit the jackpot.
Jamie Clark, 43, went to her local Goodwill and browsed the book section, and was left laughing as she realised she found a rare edition of her favourite book.
In a video, which she shared online, Jamie can be heard getting emotional as she documents her charity shop discovery.
Jamie, who is a writer herself, said: “I’m dying right now – $2 at Goodwill, and I know this is a big deal.”
She had found a first-edition, signed copy of The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks.
The cult-favourite book was just £1.50 in the store but the hidden treasure could be worth £300.
Prices for a signed first edition of this kind do vary, but one source puts it at up to $375 (£290).
“I wanted to hurry up and get home because my husband bought me this exact book, first edition, signed, The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks, two years ago.”
In the copy bought by her husband, there is a photo showing the author signing the books.
Jamie, who is from Maine, US, said her first copy of the book was an anniversary gift from her husband two years before, and he had paid several hundred dollars for it.
At the end of her video, she can be heard laughing and said: “I’m so excited.
“I’m keeping both of the books and now have a signed first edition for each of my daughters,” as seen on What’s The Jam.
The clip soon went viral on her TikTok account @jamiekennyclark with over 293k views and 39k likes.
People were in awe of Jamie’s luck.
One person wrote: “Goodwill Is TRIPPING. $2 for a used yogurt container and $2 for a signed 1st edition book.”
Laurel commented: “You put in the effort to carefully look, so you deserve this happy surprise.”
Top items to nab in charity shops
- Vintage Clothing and Accessories:
- Designer Labels: High-end brands like Chanel, Gucci, or Burberry can sometimes be found at a fraction of their retail price.
- Unique Vintage Pieces: Items from past decades that are no longer in production, offering both style and a sense of nostalgia.
- Antique Furniture:
- Solid Wood Pieces: Well-crafted furniture that has stood the test of time, often made from high-quality materials.
- Restoration Projects: Furniture that may need a little TLC but has the potential to be restored to its former glory.
- Books and Rare Editions:
- First Editions: Early prints of popular or classic books that can be worth a significant amount to collectors.
- Out-of-Print Books: Titles that are no longer available through regular retail channels.
“The way I gasped,” said Amber.
Heather added: “I’m about 90% sure my grandma has at least 5 copies just like this, signed with the same photo even from a book signing in New Bern, NC. I love your excitement.”
Another person commented: “This is so cool. You were meant to have both of these copies.”
“You put in the effort to carefully look, so you deserve this happy surprise,” claimed a sixth.