Some people think reading books is a thing of the past. Well, let me bring you bibliophiles some good news. Random House, the publisher of my book Single Dad’s Survival Guide, just cut the ribbon on an expanded distribution center. Someone is still reading!
While in Batesville, Mississippi this summer, I was speaking to the attendant who worked the night desk. I was on my way early to get some photos in morning light. As I checked out, the attendant and I engaged in conversation which eventually turned to the question “What do you do?”
I am never quite sure how to answer the question. Do I teach martial arts? Do I work in the church as a pastor? Do I teach in Albania? Am I a speaker?
Am I a poet? “Well,” I began “I do a lot of stuff. But I am an author. Do you read?”
“Do you read/” is a question I ask as unfortunately, more and more I offer someone a copy of one of my books and I hear. “Thanks, I don’t really read much anymore.” Generally, the comment is followed by some offering of an explanation. But I get it. There’s a lot of information available. It’s tough to have it all.
However, the attendant made my day. His face lit up “Oh, yeah. Nothing like a book. Getting that book in your hand and opening it for the first time. The crack of the spine. The smell of the pages.” He held his hands out like offering a prayer, then opened his palms and took a deep breath, reliving the opening of a new book. Shook himself back to reality “Nothing like it.”
It’s true. A book is a love affair. It is information, but it is an intimate experience. Not just words on a screen. Touch, feel, smell, caress. It’s a book. It has weight. It has life. Buy a book and feel the paper, the cover, the joy.
Yes! His sharing with me was an inspiration. I write for those who read. I write for the joy of writing. I write.
Amazon.com: Mike Klumpp: books, biography, latest update
A couple of links if you want to read a book! Thanks for dropping in at Go Ask Pops.
Mike "Pops" Klumpp 
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