goals

In The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop by Lewis Buzbee, chapter two opens with this sentence: "No child sets out to become a bookseller."

Mr. Buzbee has obviously never met Posy. Since she was six or seven (she's eleven now), her adult plan has been that she and I will own a bookshop together, and be authors and illustrators. I have never had a reason to dissuade her from this.

future bookshop owner Posy, age 5 1/2, at the library

I loved this book, but I can't really put my finger on a specific reason why. It wasn't about overcoming a major life challenge or surviving something catastrophic. It was just about this guy's life with books, specifically in bookstores, mixed in with a history of bookstores back to ancient times. The history had no citations at all so I have no idea if it's real or completely made up, but either way, it was fun to read. The whole thing just clicked with me.

I did notice that there was pretty much no mention of getting books from a library, which is honestly my main source of reading material. As much as I would love to blow every paycheck on books, books, and more books, my children insist on silly things like heat in the winter and food.

This was written in 2006, which was apparently right at the rise of e-books. His casual dismissal of electronic reading devices is now kind of amusing. Sorry, buddy, e-books did not die a quick and painless death. They're alive and well. But they have not eliminated hard copy books, for which I personally am very grateful! I actually hate e-books. I love skipping around to re-read favorite sections, or randomly opening at the middle and you can't do that with an e-book. Reading is also my break from using electronic devices, so why would I want to have all my books on one? I don't mind the heavier bag on an airplane.

This book was chatty and light and fun. Recommended.