Book Confessions

Let’s get right to it, shall we?

Confession #1: I went shopping for a book by myself

The book haul from Barnes and Noble

I should never be left alone in a bookstore with a credit card and no chaperone. But yesterday, I went with good intentions for a specific purpose—to buy my daughter a birthday present. There is a particular book I want to purchase for her that was just published in paperback. I planned to find the book and go straight to the cashier. I promised myself not to look at or even pick up any other books along the way.

Well, things didn’t go quite as planned. I was greeted at the door with several signs that read “50% off hardback books.”

Shit.

But I kept walking past those tables and searched through the stacks. I couldn’t find that damn book for her anywhere. I looked in the social sciences, psychology, self-help, and essay collection sections. Yes, I could have asked the bookseller for their assistance, but what fun would that be?

After 30 minutes of looking, I worked my way back to the front of the store to leave. I passed by those signs again and of course, I looked. And, I may have accidentally come upon a few titles on sale that I would up buying. Sigh.

Also, did I mention I was shopping at a Barnes & Noble instead of an indie bookstore? In almost every book review I write, I implore all of you to support your local independent booksellers. They need our support for their own survival, and that’s no exaggeration.

And then, I caved.

I texted my good friend and frequent bookstore chaperone, Janis, to fess up to crime. I asked her, “Am I a fraud?!” She forgave me for my transgression and assured me that I wasn’t an imposter.

“You are a person who loves a good sale. I would never fault someone for that!”

Janis is such a good friend in many ways, especially when I need to justify my book-spending habits.

Confession #2: I’m cheating on my books.

After my busy December reading eight books to reach my Goodreads goal, I wanted to start the year off with something easy. My friend, Meryl, told me about “Things You Save in A Fire.” It’s definitely a good story, but the protagonist is pretty grumpy, and I was getting a little annoyed at her and how she was treating her mother. I’m only eight chapters in, and she seems like the kind of character who turns her life around and gets much happier. Or, she gets laid, who knows… But I had to put this book down for now.

So, I switched to nonfiction and am now reading “The Life Council: 10 Friends Every Woman Needs.” I love this self-help book and will likely finish it tonight. And then, I’ll go back to the novel.

But then the library texted me to say actor, author, and icon Henry Winkler is waiting for me at the pick-up window. The Fonz (or, more accurately, his best-selling memoir) is at the library. I’ve had it on hold for a while because I’ve been so excited to read his book. It is only 230 pages so I can sneak it in, right? Shh…don’t tell my other books.

As an aside, I once wrote a piece about the books I already own sitting on the shelf talking shit about me. They were jealous of the chosen books in my hands and sat silently protesting with no real plan or method of retribution. It was quite creative, but now I think they are all staring at me and seething. Sweet dreams, Elisa!

ANYWAY…

Confession #3: My Kindle Got Lonely

I told my writing coach, Rachel, I wanted to review craft books for her blog. I thought this would be a good way to produce new content for her website and social media pages. And, as a writer, I’d find some new sources of inspiration as well. She suggested I start with the gold standard of writing, “Becoming a Writer” by Dorothea Brande. So, I downloaded it for 99 cents on my Kindle.

And then, I downloaded two more books.

I know. I’M OUT OF CONTROL!

But that’s it. I’m done now. The shopping spree is over, except for one small problem.

I still need to buy that book for my daughter.

XO,

Elisa