They wrote the book on autographs

So I've unwittingly begun a new collection: signed books.

My most recent addition can be seen here at right, Donald Trump's "Think Like A Billionaire."

As has already been expounded upon, I've been a big fan of The Donald for years, dating back to middle school. So when I came across this hand-signed book on QVC's Web site, I had to pounce.

The first time I saw it, this beauty went for $18 and change, down from its original QVC price of $21.67 ... I got it for "Limited Quantity Price" of $12.12, plus shipping and handling. Score!

Seriously, how could I possibly pass this one up? I couldn't!

Now, over the years, I've built up a nice collection of athletes' autographs, with at least a few hundred of jocks' signatures, mostly of baseball players. From Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle, to Michael Jordan and Cal Ripken Jr., I've made a concerted effort with that collection.

Literally, I have at least 100 signed baseballs, not to mention another couple hundred certified autographed baseball cards. But books? This one just happened by chance.

Sure, when QVC likewise hawked an autographed copy of Barry Williams' tale of "Growing Up Brady" back in 1999, I had to snatch that one up. (C'mon! It's my favorite live-action show of all time!)

Who else has Greg Brady's autograph?! Not many, right?

Then, over the years, I would interview athletes (like former NY Knick Walt "Clyde" Frazier" or former NY Yankee Jim Bouton or even Mick Foley of World Wrestling Entertainment fame, seen here at right) and I'd come away with a signature.

Don't get me wrong, I always buy the book ... no freebies here! Gotta maintain that journalistic integrity.

Then I'd attend a writers' convention and meet famous authors, all peddling their wears in the makeshirt bookstore.

Here, for example, is the copy of "The Perfect Storm" that Sebastian Junger signed for me after I plunked down my money. (He was a pretty cool guy, btw.)

And so on ... and so on ... and ...

So, yeah, now I have this growing collection of signed books. I've actually read all but a few of them, too. (Ya know, don't want to bend the pages or corners, thus diminishing the value!) Don't really know where I'm going with this ... just thought I'd share.

Just to throw in one last photo, here's the autograph from my copy of "The Rock Says..." signed by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. (Though I don' t know whether to file this one under "Athlete" or "Movie Star." I mean, pro wrestling isn't a genuine athletic competition. And did you see "The Game Plan?" Hmmm....)

For those of you interested in all types of books, be they signed or unsigned, check out the Poughkeesie Journal's "Get Lit" blog and check out what Alice and Jackie have to say. Tell them Sean sent ya!