Winkie

I like books.

No, really…I do.

Satire, adventure, sci-fi/fantasy, historical fiction, non-fiction, and anything off-the-wall original…

Like this one- Winkie. Just read the summary-

After suffering years of neglect by children who have grown and moved on, a tattered teddy bear named Winkie miraculously discovers the power of movement and runs away to the forest to begin a new life. Unfortunately, this particular forest has been pigeonholed as the hideout for a notorious terrorist, and militant FBI agents quickly surround Winkie with drawn weapons and whirling helicopters. Unsure quite what to make of the diminutive quadruped–Is he a Middle-Eastern midget or a bizarre genetic experiment?–the authorities nevertheless trot out their standard interrogation techniques while charging the little bear with unparalleled barbarism. In the surrealistic courtroom circus that follows, Winkie faces a gauntlet of bizarre witnesses from the trials of Socrates, Galileo, and Oscar Wilde–an ordeal he endures by retreating into memories of the early years that nurtured his awakening.

I’m pretty sure I want to read this. Nowish.

And where did I find this wonderfully strange book?

Borders.

You see, I love books…but I love bookstores even more.

I remember going into B. Daltons in the mall when I was 5 years old. It was always the first place I’d go to in the entire mall. I’d sit down in the kids section and look through all the different books before walking out with the latest from the Power Rangers series.

And ever since then, the story’s been the same, though the books have changed. Stores like B. Daltons, Borders, and Barnes & Noble pull me in like an insect to a bug zapper, but instead of a lethal dose of electricity, I get hours of enjoyment. I never seem to have enough time at a bookstore. There are so many books to look through, so many magazines to leaf through, so many CDs to listen to…the list goes on. Sure, I’m picky about my literature, but that’s the great thing…even the pickiest person will find something they like.

So the next time you’re feeling bored and need something to pass the time, drive over to a bookstore. Money or not, go in and look around. You’ll be glad you did.

Just watch your step…I’ll be the guy crouched in the aisle, face first into a book about a teddy bear terrorist.