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Friday, December 9, 2011

Dear Carlos

Dear Carlos,

I just wanted you to know how much you warmed my heart the other night.  When you picked up my book and held it against your chest, your small arms barely able to encompass it, and steadfastly refused to let you parents buy you ANY other book in the store, well, I got a little teary.

You see, Carlos, above getting published and seeing your book in a store and all that, the real moment an author longs for is when a child picks up her book and won't let go.  Oh, I watched you walk so proudly when you parents finally caved* and let me sign one for you, like you were a little soldier of literacy, marching off to battle.

But Carlos, I am a little worried for you.  Soon, there will be fewer and fewer choices when you go to buy a book.  More books stores are closing and even though you can buy a book on-line, it's not the same as walking out of a store with a brand-new book, one you picked out for yourself.

You are probably like me, Carlos.  I mean, sometimes I read the blurb on-line when I go to the bookstore, I am convinced that I am going to buy a particular book...but then I get there and the book doesn't live up to what I thought it would be and meanwhile, I have fallen completely in love with another book.  I am the kind of reader that has to read the first couple of pages to know if it is right for me.  (I watched you do the same thing as you made your decision--thumbing through several books before choosing A Good Knight's Rest).


Anyway, I just wanted you to know that I will never forget that look on your face.  Ever.

Thank you, Carlos.

hrh

*Okay, so his parents weren't against the book, per se, but I think they were hoping for a cheaper option. I think.  If they hadn't bought it for him, I would have done it myself!  Oh, that smile!

10 comments:

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

My heart cockles (whatever they are) are completely warm and happy after reading this. Yay, you. Yay, Carlos, who went home with a good book. :D

Joanne R. Fritz said...

Yay for bookstores! Lovely story, Shelley.

Jemi Fraser said...

Fabulous story Shelley! What a thrill to see little Carlos so enthralled with your work! :)

Myrna Foster said...

Love! Thanks for sharing this, Shelley! :o)

Julie Dao said...

So glad Carlos got the book he wanted in the end :) I hope that all of us book-lovers still get the chance to walk into a bookstore and feel the feel and smell the smell of new books for years to come.

Catherine Denton said...

So, so sweet. And what a moment for you to observe. My hearts melting for little Carlos.

Old Kitty said...

Awwwwwwwwwwww! Hooorah for Carlos - how adorable!! I hope hope hope physical bookstores will still be around for Carlos' children and their children!

Take care
x

Christina Lee said...

Well this just gave me goosebumps! Wow, I would have bought it for him, too--b/c ya, that's what it's all about!

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

What a lovely story and letter from you, Shelley. :D I'm sure Carlos is going to treasure your book forever.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Shelley.

I love this.