I've never been one for Valentines' Day. It's really not one of my favorite holidays. I'm not going to go into how we celebrate it because of a death, or that I've never had one work out well (even in 16 yrs of marriage--but those high school ones were the worst. Once I even got smacked in the face on Vday).
Instead, I'm going to bring something to your attention you may not know. Anyone who loves books and bookstores knows we lost Borders last year. Other stores, some that I only vaguely remember (like B. Dalton) have been long gone. Recently, this ARTICLE has been circulating the web. It talks about what we have left in actual, physical bookstores: Barnes and Noble and a few stubborn, well supported indie stores. (I love indie bookstores, but that's a post for another day)
The article got me thinking of a world without bookstores. What? Without a place to go, smell the beautiful, crisp new book smell and browse--BROWSE--for a new book to read? (I know we will have libraries for years to come, but that's not a new book smell--that's a well-loved book smell. I love it, but it's different)
My friend, Lisa Asanuma, started something. And I hope you let me continue it. Or even take it upon yourselves to share. She has proposed as many people as are willing walk into their local brick-and-mortar bookstore on Feb 14 and purchase at least one book. As she says, Books are for Lovers. You can check out her blog post HERE to read more about it.
I'm totally on board. How about you?
Sounds like we're on the same page with Valentine's Day and death.
ReplyDeleteI love your suggestion to go support a local brick and mortar store. There is only one in my town but I'll be there on the 14th, money in hand, to buy a book.
HOORAY!
ReplyDeleteMy hubby and I had already planned to have a romantic book-store and lunch date on Valentine's Day. We'll drive across the island to our favorite Barnes&Noble and buy each other books, then find a nice restaurant somewhere near by. And maybe talk to each other instead of read, but I can't guarantee that.
I think this is a FABULOUS idea. Every time another bookstore closes its doors, I think of the movie You've Got Mail. *sigh*. I'll take my littlest one over to Barnes & Noble and we'll find a book for us on Valentines Day.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I got both of my kids' teachers gift cards to B&N for Christmas. :-)
Thank you so much for posting this here, Cheri!
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