I patiently wait as she takes in the room. She swiveled, looks this way and that...then, "Oh my God, how many books do you own?"
In truth I reply, "Not sure."
Silence. Sweet Wife gives me the 'look.' She knows I'm about to go all smart ass.
Then, the day nurse said - and I'm serious..."You read all these?" Her words...really.
With full knowledge I'm still under the gaze of Sweet Wife, I said, "Yes Mame, I've read all of them, and more. I have a library in the other wing of the house."
Silence.
She looks at me, mouth wide open. I smiled. Sweet Wife smiled. We've heard it before, one of those been there done that moments.
The day nurse stands and walks over and places her hand on my head. After a moment or two I asked if she was checking my temperature.
"No, I just wanted to know if your head was gonna bust wide open."
I think I'll like her.
Stephen
I've had moments of culture shock with people who didn't read for pleasure, not even "if you only read one book this year".
ReplyDeleteIt sometimes seems if you watch closely you can see divergent evolution happening.
Now that is funny...you're good my friend.
DeleteHaha!!! I know that feeling, I read all the time, and people think I am weird.
ReplyDeleteThen, my dear Stephanie, you are in good company. If I ever lost my sight...I'd die. Books are my life. Well, a big part of it anyway.
DeleteNah, if you ever lost your sight, we'd switch you to audiobooks. Although if it comes to an ad-hoc gunblogger casting call to read a book for you, ah, the book that came on mp3 from the former crew of Vicious Circle might not be exactly the same as the print version.... ignore the attempts to correct the guns and physics....
DeleteThe difference between someone that reads and someone that does not is summed up by the grammatical construct of "You be kidding me".
ReplyDeleteExactly...thanks, North.
DeleteOMG - i just read all of this to jambaloney and he is not laughing as hard as i am - oh North - you are so on the money, buddy!
DeleteThat ... is funny. And "divergent evolution happening"?
ReplyDeleteCLASSIC.
Great line..thanks, Rev. Paul.
DeleteFirst off get well...Been prowling your blog for while, not sure I ever commented.
ReplyDeleteBooks are the bomb, I have books upon books as does Most Dearest Wife.
I cannot imagine not having a book or two or three going at once...
And with my kindle app on my ereader, my android phone..
heh...books...life would suxor without them...
We think alike, my new friend. Thank you for the nice comment. Stick around, hit the follower button. You are now among friends.
DeleteOpps, sorry bubba, I forgot you'd already become a follower...thanks again.
Deletecute. We get that, too. My husband's friends are all idiots (no really, they are). They ask him if I've read them all. He says, yeah, and the other 80% of her books in the attic (our house is small right now and the kids took over and the books had to move out for awhile). I can't imagine enjoying a kindle when it feels so right to read a book. But my parents have many times more books than I, and my mom loves her Kindle. I'm with Odysseus above, I can't imagine someone who doesn't read for pleasure. Oh, yes I can, they all watch American Idol and think Obama is wonderful. Sadly, our local used book store went out of business recently. Very sad.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it sad. So many truly can't read. Several of my favorite used bookstores have closed here too. I think we have one or two independent stores left open. Amazon and other online book sellers have kicked their butts. Kindles are great, try one.
DeleteYou a smart ass??? Never..;)
ReplyDeleteThat's what I said...
Deletedear sweet friend, i have been giggling throughout this post and all of the comments! i needed a good laugh so thank you very much for all of this!
ReplyDeleteyour friend,
kymber
(still giggling!)
You know, after reading the post I again started to laugh...when I wrote it didn't seem all that humorous.Thanks, Sweet kymber.
DeleteI can't imagine not reading. I can't imagine not studying for fun. I feel sorry for those who think that joy only comes out of a TV.
ReplyDeleteI agree. The result of such is the state of this nation.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteStupid fingers. Faster than my brain.
ReplyDeleteThat is the look I get. *That* look exactly. The saddest part is that a lot of my books are stored elsewhere lest they amass a counter-offensive and take over. Also, maybe hinting that reading a few books would limit the use of such phrases as "You be kidding me."
Isn't it fun though when you do get that look...had a guy tell me he was proud because he'd once read a book. I said, one? Yeap, took me a month. How long ago did you read this book. He said, when I was ten.
DeleteNow that's some funny stuff, I don't care who you be! ;o)
ReplyDeleteNice to have you back!
Shar
Shar, it's nice to big back...thanks.
DeleteGlad you're back in your home environs. Surrounded by books will lead to healing faster than being anywhere else. Get well quickly friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, David...sure feels good to be home.
ReplyDelete