Why I read controversial books

By Monica Brand, 12 June, 2008, 8 Comments

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

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8 Responses {+}
  • Mark Goodyear

    “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

  • Monica Brand

    yeah, that too. deep thoughts are always welcome after a book.

    BlogWorld, huh? is that anything like Disney? ;)

  • spaghettipie

    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

  • Elizabeth...mommy...etc

    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}

  • Beck

    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

  • Monica Brand

    I”m amazed that people go about their business without knowing what a blog is. Their lives must be so empty.

  • Monica Brand

    … and that last bit was totally a tease. just checking to make sure everyone understands my sarcastic wit.

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