“A Barnes and Noble Triumph”

 

            My faith in mankind tripled yesterday with the overflowing crowds at our new Barnes and Noble in Selma, at The Forum. Our Wednesday tradition of dinner out led us to one of our favorite spots, Papouli's Greek Grill. When we had difficulty finding a parking spot, I remembered that the book store’s Grand Opening was scheduled for June 12^th. We decided to walk over after dinner, not really anticipating just how large the crowd would be.

            Entering the bookstore, I couldn’t believe how many people milled around everywhere. Excited children pulled parents from one section to another while nonchalant teens browsed in clusters of three or four, attempting to carry an air of disinterest that evaporated as they moved through the store.

            People weren’t just window shopping. Lines snaked at each check-out station with the wait to make purchases taking about thirty minutes. Standing in line, joy filled me as I watched families stack book after book on the counters. Some added puzzles and Lego sets to their pile. For thirteen years, our area of San Antonio has longed for a bookstore. Yesterday, I witnessed the quenching of that thirst.

 

Copyright 2024 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman

 

“I Hate Harry Potter”

            There. I said it. Well, I put it in print! I know, I know. I’ve heard over and over again that something must be wrong with my taste because I don’t like the Harry Potter series. It’s not like I haven’t tried, either.

Printable Book Mark!

            When the first book came out, my students sang the praises of the manuscript. Seeing that most of them didn’t choose to read for pleasure, their enthusiasm lured me into the fantasy realm of J. K. Rowling. My personal rule about reading is simple: If I start a book, I finish the book. I’d set this goal when I was twelve, and never broke my record until Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. I gave it my best effort, but found the author’s style too redundant and trite. I know! Blaspheme! My peers loved the first and then second novel so much that they formed a club at our high school where students met after school to discuss the books; yet, I couldn’t make it through the first volume. I’d pick it up, read as much as I could in a sitting, and then set it aside. The more everyone raved about the books, the more I tried to find something to like. It was like eating okra. I know okra is good for me, but it makes me gag.

            When the first movie came out, my husband and son convinced me that I’d love it. I remember coming out of the theatre feeling disappointed. I couldn’t figure it out. I love fantasy pieces. I love donning my own garb to attend Renaissance fairs. I love dipping into pretend.  When the second movie in the series hit the movie theatres, I decided to stay home and watch television instead. I helped my son hunt down or make pieces of his costume for opening night, but I had no desire to find out the next installment of these characters.  Later, when I viewed the DVD release of the second film, I fell asleep!

            Over the years, I stopped telling people that I don’t like Harry Potter because it upset them so much. You’d think I’d attacked their political parties or religious beliefs! However, with the release of the final episode in the series, I’ve decided it’s time to come out of the closet. I know many of you will never view me the same after this revelation. I hope, though, that you won’t sever contact with me, and overlook this short-coming.

            And remember, I am a Trekkie.

Copyright 2011 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman