I have never been the “Let’s go to a bar to have drinks” person. For one, I don’t like the smell of white puffy smoke blowing in my face and I think it is ridiculous paying $10.00 for the same drink you can have at home for half of the cost. The bar thing doesn’t appeal for another important reason, I am not much of a drinker.
Instead my preferred choice of venue on a Friday night, Saturday night or Sunday night is the bookstore. I love the smell of new books and I like looking at all of the new hardcover books, flipping to the first page, reading the first couple of pages, and deeming if it is something that I want to read. I like to take my time perusing through all the shelves, peeking behind the corners, while holding my coffee cup. I retreat to a small corner, with a few books and alternatively take a sip and read through the goodies that I have picked up. It is not an everyone’s weekend night, but it is mine. I like entering into sections of the bookstore that I didn’t even consider, looking at worlds that I didn’t think existed.
I find refuge in a good book. I like first lines, like “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” and “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.“ I like the idea of living another character’s life, embracing their world, wondering where their story will take them. The single most important thing about reading is its power to convey ideas, thoughts, and worlds you may not have known about or even considered.
I am lucky that I have a spouse that shares the same passion for books. Over the years, when we have a chance to catch a date night, we have dinner, and head to our favorite bookstore. We walk in, separate, and say see you later. After about a hour, we come to look for one another, sharing what books we may have picked up. We have conversations about how a particular book is written, what moves us about certain passages and our anticipation of finding out how it will end.
I realize some of you may be rolling your eyes, probably saying, “How boring, they go to the bookstore on date night.” I respect that. I am saying the same thing, “How boring, they’re going to the same club, again?” Some of us get drunk on drinks, some of us get drunk on books.
Hey whatever makes you happy..it’s all about that right? Nice post Rudriben
Thanks Shrey! You are right, in the end it is always about happiness…
Rudri, we have so much in common. LOL. On our last date, Chris and I did just that: went to a bookstore. Your description of going to dinner then the bookstore where you separate to return later was exactly what we just did. I thought we were the only goofballs! Of course, I will say that I’m into perusing books more than Chris. He prefers to browse through the music section.
Enjoyed your post as always.
Thanks Heather for your comment. Glad you and Chris cherish this moment as much as we do!
Hi Rudri,
I really loved your post because I am the same way. My husband and I have spent many evenings doing the same thing and then sneaking an extra few minutes with a special coffee and a favorite book, pictures of travel destinations or magazines, perhaps.
It warms my heart to hear you and your hubby enjoy the same things we do.
See you soon!
Trish
Trish,
Glad to hear that great minds think alike :). See you soon!
Rudri
The smell of fresh coffee and fresh books is delightful in its own way. (Kudos to American consumerism though to make us associate the two together!!!). Once a month, me and Ruta spend a morning at B&N. We take turns reading to Malvika while the other gets time to look around. A nice book, a cozy bed, a rainy night and a cup of coffee. Bye bye Mr. Bartender!!!
Thanks for the comment Vinay. Visiting the bookstore is a great way for the family to bond. It is never to early to introduce books to a child.
Now I know where I get my love of books, bookstores, and everything in between…Thanks Rudri bhen!
You’re right…I did like this post! 🙂
Write on!
-Radhi