I Do Not Write "Beach Reads"

I don't think I do, at least. Maybe "campfire reads" at times, but not "beach reads".

Anyway, the family went to the swimming pool last night. As will happen when I guy has been teaching for twelve years, I heard the tell-tale "Mr. Polson" from a former student (now a lifeguard at the pool).

"I'm reading your book," he said.

"Really? Which one?"

"Loathsome something. It's really good. Really good."

"Thanks," I said.

My former student moved on to his next station, and we proceed to do the "pool" thing--which means Max runs around in the shallow pool, Owen ditched us for some soccer camp friends, and I just let the cool water soothe my aching muscles. When my former student went on break (the lifeguards rotate every 10-15 minutes), I saw him walking to the break table with Loathsome, Dark and Deep under his arm.

Talk about a somewhat surreal moment. I think it was my first spotting of a book in the wild--at least outside of a bookstore. And at the swimming pool no less...

Awesome. Bizarre. A little bit of both.