Why I read controversial books
For conversation, to engage a stranger while waiting in line.
True story. Recently I needed my mental escape, so off I went to a real brick and mortar bookstore without the kids. While waiting to make my purchase, the woman in front of me suddenly plucked up a copy of Eat, Pray, Love displayed near the register and held it up to me.
“Have you read this, it’s really good.”
Yes, and my copy is autographed too. I almost told her I blogged about it, but stopped myself. I keep forgetting the majority of the population is not blog savvy.
God bless her, this woman still wanted to educate me.
“She lives around here you know, she even has a shop with imported goods.”
I knew that too. Then she moved up to the other end of the counter and that was the end of our conversation.
Interesting, isn’t it? A stranger in a bookshop, a place where people like to go to be alone, have mental space, would initiate a conversation about a spiritual book. God, faith, pursit of belief - it’s all in there.
I think if the line had been longer, we would’ve had a lovely discussion about the Lord, the Bible and living with the intent to be closer to God.
And that is why I read controversial books.
© 2008 Monica Brand | Paper Bridges
Tags: books, Christianity, Eat Pray Love, Elizabeth Gilbert, reading
6.12.08 at 3:01 pm
Mark Goodyear comments:
“the majority of the population is not blog savvy.” Boy, is that ever true. Last year at the BlogWorld conference, I told someone on the street I was there for a blog convention and they looked at me like I’d stumbled out of a Star Trek geek fest.
Also, I agree about the importance of reading controversial books. However, I read them because they challenge me.
Mark Goodyears last blog post..A late Spring cleaning of poetry
6.12.08 at 5:06 pm
Monica Brand comments:
yeah, that too. deep thoughts are always welcome after a book.
BlogWorld, huh? is that anything like Disney?
6.12.08 at 11:07 pm
spaghettipie comments:
I, too, enjoy reading controversial books. Partly because I like to know what it is that people are talking about and form my own opinion. Partly because, like Marcus, I like to be challenged.
It’s great that you can see those moments as opportunities!
spaghettipies last blog post..Confronting My Selfishness
6.13.08 at 12:23 am
Elizabeth...mommy...etc comments:
that is rather interesting…doesn’t often happen in this day and age. what i’m most impressed with is the # of bloggers who are Christians…it is such a blessing!!!!
Elizabeth…mommy…etcs last blog post..Making a Difference… {sticky}
6.13.08 at 8:40 am
Beck comments:
I’m always mentioning my blog to people who have no clue what a blog is, which always garners me the “you’re a big ol’ martian” look. Good thing I’m thick skinned!
Becks last blog post..Gardens at Night
6.13.08 at 8:55 am
Monica Brand comments:
I”m amazed that people go about their business without knowing what a blog is. Their lives must be so empty.
6.13.08 at 8:56 am
Monica Brand comments:
… and that last bit was totally a tease. just checking to make sure everyone understands my sarcastic wit.