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

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8 thoughts on “Why I read controversial books

  1. “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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Pingback: Oprah Winfrey and the Christian | Paper Bridges

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