Read Any Good Books Lately?

In search of my cutie-patooties perfect holiday gift, I recently sauntered into a bookstore.  It wasn’t large in comparison to some of the mega multi-tiered places that reside in “big” cities, looked manageable from the outside and I was desperate to find the present that would record at least a blip on his content-o-meter.

As I entered the hall of tomes, I felt the rush of exhilaration.  My heart palpitated, my step quickened, my nostrils greedily accepted the heady scent of fresh, unopened books.  My eyes spanned the interior, ravenously “eating” up titles.  Which direction do I advance in?  Where do I start?  My head was spinning.  The higher-ups in bookstore management must know this happens to many who enter and have conveniently placed coffee shops within the confines of this little bit of heaven – how opportune – to calm the avid booklover.  I don’t even need to alter my ecstasy to regroup and come up with a plan of attack; I can leisurely sip my hot chocolate (accommodating my two extra chocolate squirts) with whipped cream while dreaming about what is between all those covers.

I struck up a conversation with one of the clerks (could you imagine coming to work, everyday, to such a gratifying place?) enjoying her java and I couldn’t resist asking: “How many books are there in here?”  Posed this question many times, she methodically went through the facts: 2000 individual book titles, which does not include the 10 separate entries for, let’s say, Hamlet.  This does not take into account the rare books, large print books, used books, paperback books or books on tape. CD’s, limited editions, e-books, textbooks and special orders don’t make the cut in that number either.  Comic books, magazines, calendars, sheet music, cards and maps round out the inventory in this Mecca of paper.  And, without even the price of admission, I am soaking in all the erudition and insight that these books are willing to spew forth if opened, read and heeded.  There is something quite peaceful and comforting, yet powerful, sitting near this wealth of knowledge… and this is just a small store.

60,000 new book titles are published each and every year in the United States.  The Internet accounts for numerous e-books that are available but not tallied in the world of publishing.  Add these to the thousands of books currently in print, out of print, waiting or wanting to be printed and the thought overwhelms.  Even in good months when I am able to digest two pretty substantial novels, I am so far behind I will never catch up.  I am apparently in sensory overload and statistics are against me.

A jovial, helpful, older man, although retired says he felt a need to work in a bookstore – of which I am totally envious - guides me through the labyrinth to my destination in the travel section.  Here I find the stories that could fill my rumpy-diddles imagination and spawn exploits of his own.  I fill my arms with several titles that titillate and head towards the check out.  In a record 43 minutes with intermediate stops at the cookbooks, art books, kids books, bargain books, and coffee table books I make it to the cashier and lay down my treasures (including a few for myself and child) for payment.  No matter what the price, this is money well spent.

‘They’ say reading a great book can take you on an amazing journey… I wonder what ‘they’ would say about just looking and being in the presence of such goodness?

Cynthia A. McClelland, curious observer of the obvious with interpretations of the oddities of daily life. Mother, wife and lover of the furry, resides in the north Lake Tahoe area.

Cynthia A. McClelland © 2003-