Each Monday the New York Times runs a column called “Metropolitan Diary”, comprised of reader-submitted vignettes about life in New York. These short pieces are usually humorous, and often include mention of tourists, cab rides and people-watching in Central Park.
This Monday, August 25, two items caught my eye, as they mention bookstores and libraries. I quote them here for your enjoyment:
Dear Diary,
The other day I was looking for crime novels by two Brooklyn writers and thought I’d check out the used-book store in Brooklyn Heights. A approached the bookseller behind the counter and asked, “Where are mysteries?”
He smiled beatifically and replied, “All around us.”
(submitted by Harry Kaplan)
Dear Diary,
A Monday afternoon in the crowded Children’s Room of the Brooklyn Public Library.
One girl, 5 or 6 years old, has presumably lost her playmate. She marches purposefully along the center aisle, peering down all the rows.
Finally she begins to holler, frowning with impatience:
“Stella! STELLA!”
Marlon Brando would be proud.
(submitted by Jessica Max Stein)
Do you have any real-life bookish anecdotes to share?
My city’s Children’s Hospital holds three book markets per year. I attend all of them, without fail, and always come away with scads of books. Every single time, I’m tempted by books I already own but feel like I really should buy whenever I see them. I mean, I’ve gotta show my love for them. Right? Right?
I gravitated towards the fantasy table at the last book market. A couple of women were already there. “Look!” one of them cried. “Charles de Lint!”
Her friend glanced at the book. “You already own that one.”
The first woman shoved the book into her pile. “But I have to buy it! He doesn’t know you love his books if you don’t buy them whenever you see them!”
I just grinned. Someone else who understood!
Lol Stella! Alas no real life bookish anecdotes.
Memory – yes, it’s like a secret life, isn’t it?! Thanks for sharing this one!
kegsoccer – that’s me too. Lots of funny/interesting things happen, but I can’t remember them at the time (and I can’t tell a joke to save my life, either! always putting the punch line out in front!)