The Bookshop and the Barbarian

by Morgan Stang

I opened a book and in I strode. Now nobody can find me. I’ve left my chair, my house, my road, My town and my world behind me. I’m wearing the cloak, I’ve slipped on the ring, I’ve swallowed the magic potion. I’ve fought with a dragon, dined with a king And dived in a bottomless ocean. I opened a book and made some friends. I shared their tears and laughter And followed their road with its bumps and bends To the happily ever after. I finished my book and out I came. The cloak can no longer hide me. My chair and my house are just the same, But I have a book inside me. —Julia Donaldson, “I Opened a Book”

I cannot promise you a life of sunshine; I cannot promise riches, wealth or gold; I cannot promise you an easy pathway That leads away from change or growing old. But I can promise all my heart’s devotion A smile to chase away your tears of sorrow; A love that’s ever true and ever growing; A hand to hold in yours through each tomorrow. —Mark Twain, “These I Can Promise”

Lady Ramkin's bosom rose and fell like an empire. —Terry Pratchet...

Maribella was quite correct in her warning, and so you, dear reader, should take heed. Don't feed the ducks. (But if you must, go with cracked corn, birdseed, or oats.)

To Asteria's credit, she simply stood there stoically and dutifully held a trembling Maribella.

If you happen to live in a place or with people who don't celebrate things in general, then I advise you to try to leave that place and find new and better people the first chance you get.

After all, every time you read a book, you see the world from the eyes of another person, and that, of course, is the basis for all empathy.

Do you have a local bookshop in your town, perhaps? Have you been to it lately? I would give the advice to pay it a visit. Bookshops are magical places, after all, full of wonder and possibility. It would also make the bookshop owner very happy for you to visit, and put a smile on his or her face.