Walking through the new arrivals section of barnes and noble, I realized I can't afford new books. Paul Auster's Travels in Scriptorium is 145 pages long, and $22. Our obsession with appearance has permeated the realm of ideas, words, writing. I'd be happy with standard 8.5 x 11 printer paper, stapled and sealed in an off-white folder, and shoved into the shelves right next to the overpriced, ostentatious volumes. I would even settle for a paperback.
I know there are many who have stated before me that the simultaneous release of paperback and hardcover books would be a great idea. It would allow the average American to afford a new release now and again, and I would be able to stay up to date with the current literary scene. But it's all about the buck my friends. I'd hate to be a pessimist, but I am, it's all about the cash.
Speaking of the cost of ideas, Orhan Pamuk, who I am currently reading, is living in a sort of exile in the US after feeling threatened in his homeland, Turkey. Pamuk felt threatened in Istanbul after the recent death of Hrant Dink, a Turkish journalist, who was shot for acknowledging the Armenian genocide. I feel saddened that Pamuk was forced to leave his home, but I can't help but appreciate his presence in this country.
I'd just like to welcome him to this land of ours, and encourage him to keep writing, and to keep thinking.

I feel for the guy, sure.
But you know how I feel about Turks.

Barnes & Noble is expensive, anyway. And I can't stand seeing that Sudoku shit all over the place.
» Bartholomew on 2007-02-19 05:25:50

i love buying books but they are very expensive and thanfully my company give us allowances every month to buy books.

i just wish my home country's library is as efficient as the country that i used to study.
» renaye on 2007-02-19 08:54:08

What types of books do you enjoy reading?
» kKAMa67 on 2007-02-20 02:09:56

Mate?
Where are you from? Down under? It is cool nonetheless.
» kKAMa67 on 2007-02-21 03:31:00

:( I'm going through the same, love books but can't afford them.... and library is so small in my town!!

:...(
» alexxasick on 2007-02-23 05:56:48

Books are indeed over-priced in my country. I guess it won't be a suprise if an average Malaysian reads almost none to 2 books a year. I prefer hardcover books because they're more managable as I love my books to look brand new.
» Nuttz on 2007-02-24 12:45:04

I like your site design.
» Causalien on 2007-02-24 06:03:18

Interesting mind you have here.
» Causalien on 2007-02-26 12:40:56

you should write a book.....
» ex-employee on 2007-03-10 03:58:33

Too true
Once upon a time I loved this cereal. Then they got "Fun new shapes!", and a jacked up price. All I want is the f*cking cereal, damnit! I don't care about your new cool shapes, or lack thereof -_-

I'm not much of a reader. I read when I have to, namely when my English teacher assigns another book review. I sort of randomly picked Fight Club, and I hope it comes in paperback. Why not go to the library? I scribble all kinds of junk on the pages, and I don't think Mrs. Librarian would enjoy that
» The-Muffin-Man on 2007-03-11 06:29:49

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