That Used Book Smell

I just came back from browsing at The Strand (a huge used bookstore here in Manhattan), and on the way home I suddenly had a flashback to the unadulterated feeling of absolute excitement of walking into the tiny used bookstore my mom took me to as a kid.

Then I started thinking that most little boys probably had that same feeling towards playing sports. Next, my brain reminded me of all those times my dad took me to football or baseball games. I would actually bring a book and read during the game! How mortifying for my poor old man. I mean, I loved every aspect of the experience except the game itself...I loved the Jumbotron, the organ music, the junk food, but I didn't give a goddam about those guys on the field knocking each other around. I'm sure I'll be paid back tenfold by my own (future) kids.