One of my favorite young readers brought Salem's Lot back recently, and we we got to chatting.
Me: It's been a while since I read that one -- didn't they make crucifixes out of Popsicle sticks?
Her: Yeah, and other stuff, too.
Me: I had some issues with Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake books, but I always thought that in those ones, it was a cool twist that crucifixes didn't work for atheists.
Her: I'd just hold them off with my science book. BACK, VAMPIRE! I BELIEVE IN SCIENCE!!!
You know, I mock the Stephenie Meyer books left, right and sideways, but I have to give them credit: BEFORE those books, that same patron wasn't much of a reader -- and now she panics if she doesn't have AT LEAST two back-up books in her backpack at all times.
There IS hope for the future!
thank you!
Posted by: Jim Randolph | 18 May 2010 at 09:02 AM
I get precious few chances to have this sort of interaction working where I do, so I treasure it when it happens-got a guy turned on to tough guy lit from the first half of the 20th century (out of desperation-he was looking for Kerouac and ours was out/stolen, as was everyone similar) by recommending he read Hemingway's short stories. He came back for more so I put him on Hammett. Still, didn't say anything quite that amusing.
Posted by: Professormortis.wordpress.com | 18 May 2010 at 09:15 AM
As an atheist, I feel I must run out to buy a pocket science book! She sounds like a bright young woman.
Posted by: Melissa | 19 May 2010 at 09:58 AM