How to get a book delivered in Oahu fast?

September 5, 2008 6:04 PM

How to get a gift book delivered in Oahu fast?

My mum's unexpectedly in hospital in Oahu for a week, and she would love if I would get her a copy of this book to read because she is out of her mind with boredom already. It's one I recommended to her before that she remembers now that she wanted to read. Apparently there are only trashy picture magazines to read there. I've ordered books for her from Amazon before and they take forever. When I look for oahu books on google, I get, of course, books about Oahu. I'd love to get this book for her. Anyone have any bright ideas how to expedite such purchase and delivery? It's unfortunate this hospital is up on a mountain somewhere as well. I don't have the exact location this moment as it seems to have multiple branches.

posted by Listener to shopping (19 comments total)

When you ordered in the past, did you pay for next day delivery? I'd do that.

The other option is to put the hospital address into google maps and find the nearest bookstore, call and ask if they have the book and if they'll deliver to the hospital. You might catch a nice clerk who will do it personally.
posted by sharkfu at 6:20 PM on September 5

I didn't even realize one-day was available for Hawaii, but now going through the steps, unfortunately as it's Friday, I see they are now estimating delivery on the 9th, and that is really no good, timing wise. So far I have not found it at bookstores there, but thank you for reply.
posted by Listener at 6:43 PM on September 5

Check the googlemaps of bookstore locations in www.metafilter.com/74610/ (sorry, can't link on this). There's bound to be a border's or indie store that has it.
posted by rtha at 6:49 PM on September 5

Thanks, that found me one more book store, but they don't have the book, plus they'd take three days to deliver any book they do have. Still, thanks for the lead.
posted by Listener at 7:14 PM on September 5

Would a library copy work? The Hawaii State Public Library seems to have a copy, although that "no item information" makes me a little nervous. If they do have it, is there anyone local who could pick it up and run it over to her?

I don't know if you know anyone with access to a university library, but according to WorldCat the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Chaminade University, and the Hawaii campus of Brigham Young all have copies.
posted by craichead at 8:30 PM on September 5

Im a student at UH Manoa. I could probably find it and take it there to her if you are really stuck. I can't promise before Monday, but I can try. You will need to find out for sure which hospital it is.
posted by osloheart at 8:50 PM on September 5

I am also in Hawaii, on Oahu. If you can find a local retailer, I can probably deliver the book this weekend.
posted by pzarquon at 9:33 PM on September 5

Borders shows 'Probably In Stock' for one Honolulu store, 'Out Of Stock' for the others. I sent an inquiry to see if it's actually available. If it is, I'll comment again and see if we can arrange this. I'll need to know where the book is going and for whom!
posted by pzarquon at 9:46 PM on September 5

That Borders in Honolulu is still open. Call them (808.591.8995) and get a seller to check the shelf. From there you should be able to purchase it over the phone and arrange for it to be sent to her. I'd recommend next day shipping, but they use Fed-Ex for that and it can get wonky on the weekends. Best probably to have them send it out USPS tomorrow morning; it should arrive by Monday.

Also, make sure you have them check the hold shelf. They may have set it aside as per pzarquon's request.
posted by carsonb at 11:00 PM on September 5

I should emphasize that it's much, much better to do this over the phone with Borders, rather than over the Internet.
posted by carsonb at 11:01 PM on September 5

Unfortunately, I've been away and missed the chance to act on these wonderful responses today. Have to start again in the morning. Got the hospital location confirmed, though. I hadn't called Borders because they had an Internet inventory mistake, but I will call them in the morning. Pzarquon, the hospital's what seems to be what I'd call right downtown, near Ward Avenue and King Street, if that means anything to you. I'm not sure why you're willing to do this -- just want to make an old lady happy? Or if you want to beat Fed-Ex at their game? Please send me an email or otherwise let me know. It'd be so neat to get this to her.
posted by Listener at 11:45 PM on September 5

Oops. Too excited here.
> they had an Internet inventory -- and it was my mistake not calling them instead of relying on that.

But I've phoned them now, after remembering about time zones (duh), and the book is on hold until closing time tomorrow, and I can pay for it by card once I know it can get delivered. They said they only mail to federal detention centers, but the store is .9 mile from the hospital. Thanks, so far, everyone.
posted by Listener at 11:54 PM on September 5

That's a little odd that they don't ship from the store, but considering it's an island in the middle of the Pacific I suppose that's understandable. If the kind AskMeFites of Oahu can't come through for you delivery-wise, there's always courier services. Borders should allow you to, again, pay over the phone, then have the book held behind the registers until the courier comes to pick it up.
posted by carsonb at 12:07 AM on September 6

We've connected. Book's waiting. Mom will have something to read by midday tomorrow!
posted by pzarquon at 12:15 AM on September 6

Thanks, carsonb, I will follow that up if need be. You guys have made my day already. I've had a tough week. This is fun. :)
posted by Listener at 12:16 AM on September 6

CREEPY!

Just kidding. Glad it's working out. Best to your mom, and hopes for a better next week.
posted by carsonb at 12:19 AM on September 6

Yes, I've paid for the book, and excited about what happens next. Thanks, pzarquon!
posted by Listener at 12:40 AM on September 6

My mum was just beaming when I called her. She was just amazed and very touched. Thanks, everyone and especially pzarquon and carsonb!
posted by Listener at 2:49 PM on September 6

The power of MeFi is strong! I'm glad it worked out and hope your mom is better soon.
posted by craichead at 4:23 PM on September 6