Jamie Clark was overwhelmed with emotion after finding a signed first-edition copy of her favourite book in a charity shop for £1.50 – significantly less than its true value
We all love a charity shop bargain – no more so than one woman who stumbled upon of a signed first-edition copy of her favourite novel.
Jamie Clark was browsing the shop’s book section when she came across a copy of cult classic, The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. At $2 (approx. £1.50), it would’ve been rude to refuse. In a video she shared online that has since had almost 300,000 views, Jamie can be heard becoming emotional as she documents her stunning discovery.
Prices for a signed first-edition of this kind vary, but one reportedly sold for $375 (£290) in the US in recent times. Jamie – a writer herself – admitted: “I’m dying right now – $2 at Goodwill, and I know this is a big deal. 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, revealed her original 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 exclaiming: “I’m so excited. I’m keeping both of the books and now have a signed first edition for each of my daughters.”
Viewers of the clip couldn’t believe Jamie’s luck either, as one commented: “Goodwill Is TRIPPING. $2 for a used yogurt container and $2 for a signed 1st edition book.” A second penned: “You put in the effort to carefully look, so you deserve this happy surprise.”
“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,” added a third. Whilst a fourth commented: “This is so cool. You were meant to have both of these copies.”
