Wide open books

As a little kid I used to get punished with a few choice words: "if you don't behave we won't go to the bookstore."

It could have been that I enjoyed jumping into brave new worlds, exploring the trips and slumber parties of a pair of now pro-ani twins or wandering in a world full of red dragons, dark magic and beautiful princesses (for they are always beautiful). It could have just been my wonder at the hundreds of collective pages.

Some of the authors, of the beach novel variety, would churn out dozens of different new book at every other visit. Some would put a few choice words at a time culminating in an ouvre so grandiose that the critics would forego the traditional "...ravishing!!!...compelling!!!...X is a master..." for the more elaborate "A great writer than him has rarely lived."

In those pages, right along with the smell of must, dried ink and the occasional trail of publisher brand coffee were the stories of people. And those I loved.

I like to read people. And not through the metaphorical windows to the soul (the eyes) or through subtle nondescript behaviors but through the body and mental language that we so carelessly display for those with the right mindset. The words are always there but you have to see it. The MD's would call it the power of suggestion but I consider it my power of deduction.

It's elementary.

it's usually no longer than four words at a time with a lot of dirty pictures interspersed here and there. Sometimes you get lucky however and there's an interesting story to be told that extends beyond the usual baby daddy drama and high school tension that follows most people right up to when they turn 45. Everyone knows the midlife comes right after.

Some are generally sad, some are generally happy. You read the insecure and their story about neglect and quasi-abuse, sometimes self imposed. You might catch a bold and confident one and those make the most interesting reads. Look for the source, find the chink, find the strength and look at their side to find their pillars. Every one of them has them no matter how cool and independent they might appear. Wilde had a cook and a person to deliver groceries to him.

I'm still busy reading.