A Wolf In Sheep's Clothing

I have to admit it. After my last post all heartfelt and concerned for the authors of the bargain section at the bookstore, I betrayed those hardworking writers.

I went to Chapter's today to stroll around (actually went to find a specific kind of book, they had three on the topic, do you think I found any of them???) and found myself in the Bargain Books section. Ah ha! I could purchase myself a thrifty $4.99 book and support some random author I've never heard of. I browsed the shelves, I picked up a few books and read the back or the inner jackets. A few sounded good. But alas, my bladder was full and I need to find the ladies room. I had every intent of returning to the Bargain Books section to decide on a book to purchase. (I've recently banned myself from shopping at Winner's/Homesense and the mall, so I need somewhere to spend my money!!)

I was derailed at the humour section. There I saw it. Are you there, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea. The book I've been wanting to read for many a month. I even attempted to locate it at the library, but it was always on loan to some other person who undoubtedly was splitting their sides at that very moment reading her prose.

Sigh. The internal conversation began. Do I buy it? Do I put it down? What about my new plan for the Bargain Books? Should I just shun them because I haven't heard a word about them? Do I want to toss all of my values aside for sake of humour????

Yes. Yes. Yes.

I peed. I purchased. I am about to read. I am a hypocrite.

(Bah, oh well, what can you expect?? Next time, next time I swear I'll go with the original plan.)

In the name of the written word

The past few times I have found myself at a Chapter's (because really, what other bookstore do I go to? Do I support the small independent bookstores? No...I'm a jerk!), a thought keeps occurring to me in the Bargain Books section.

Imagine how those authors who poured their heart and souls into their novels must feel to know their book is on clearance for $5.99.

Disappointment, self loathing, deflation, broken hearted. At least, that is how I would feel. I've always fancied that one day I'll write up a terrific book and it will have rave reviews and fan fare and all that joyous momentum. (Still haven't really figured out just what I'd write about. Let me tell you, though, it would be darn funny and what I call "exaggerated non-fiction." Don't worry, I won't mention you by your REAL name though...)

To my fellow book lovers, I have a challenge. Let's toss aside the latest and the greatest, the Giller Prizes and adorned authors. Let's seriously browse the Bargain Books section and find a treasure or two at discounted prices, and vindicate an author's blood, sweat and tears. Let's toss aside our library cards that we got in order to help us save money by not buying books and spend $5.99!! We can do it!!

(And then tell me what new author you've found and if they are worthwhile reading.)