I started some of my Eid shopping early. Went to one of those big warehouses that have discount toys and books.
The toys don’t interest me much, but the books…
I picked up a classic Pride & Prejudice for that niece of mine who was struggling through Wuthering Heights.
And I picked up some books for my grandchildren! Baby books made of stiff cardboard for my little button who was born two weeks ago!
Other books for my three year old missy, and some boy concept books for the little man who just turned one.
And then I saw a book by D, an author I referred to as the ‘Anti-Linda Smith’.
It was selling for $2.00, how could I resist?
I felt more than a little schadenfreude to see it selling so cheap. It means it was remaindered. But the fact that it was in paperback, meant huge sales nevertheless and the fact that it was the only book of D’s there… well, she must be incredibly successful.
I wanted to hate it! I wanted to discover that her skill had slipped.
And I know I sound petty and childish. But I can’t help it.
Oh, how the memories came flooding back. Reading her work in raw form. The rhythm, the cadence, the word play!
She really is brilliant!
*sigh*
I could never write like her! I don’t write her kind of books.
But nevertheless, skill is skill. And her skill is amazing.
I’ll put that book with my stash of new baby gifts. I’m sure someone will love it!
6 Responses
Harlie
24|May|2010 1Hi Rukhsana! I attended a couple of your sessions at the AFCC. In Singapore, we give gifts of money for Eid, but I am starting to think books are a better idea! The whole money thing drives kids (and parents) crazy, and shouldn’t be the focus during Eid!
Rukhsana Khan
25|May|2010 2Hi Harlie,
I think the older kids definitely appreciate the money, but for years I’ve been giving younger kids books. The parents especially appreciate the books I give, and actually I think the kids do too.
They may not act like it on the day of Eid but they go back afterwards and read them, and tell me how much they like them.
Thing about books is that with the good ones people seldom throw them out. They’re investments for generations to come!
Not like toys that break and get discarded.
Sajidah
25|May|2010 3Now you’re intriguing me…who is this D??? 🙂
Rukhsana Khan
25|May|2010 4She’s a very talented but somewhat misguided (in my humble opinion) author.
Anonymous
26|May|2010 5One of my favourite things to do with my soon-to-be teen son is to go on a “book tour” – to take him to all the charity stores and second hand book shops. I am tight fisted when it comes to toys ( I just don’t have the money to spend on something that may only hold their interest for a day or even a week), but books are an investment. I usually only buy them for my oldest son, but when I do, I tell the kids that they are all for our baby, because they pass down. I am also ready to buy multiple second hand copies of a book we may already have, because we tend to be fools who lend out our books and don’t always get them back. Its one of the nice bonding things I can do that we both really look forward to.
Anonymous
26|May|2010 6Oops, Rukhana, that comment was from me, Atiyya. Hugs, and congratulations on another grandchild. Is it true that second generation offspring is a sweeter experience?
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