The Next Generation

There are very few things that make me as happy as when kids come into the bookstore. And kids kids, not teenage kids. Teenagers suck the intelligence out of everything they touch like idiotic sponges. (Disclaimer: I'm sure there are smart teenagers out there someplace. Well hidden and biding there time before they blossom into humans and shed their post pubescent shell of ignorance and triviality)

But when KIDS come into the store.
Win.
Because they get so excited! Grown ups, while yes they love getting new books, love getting suggestions, love hunting the shelves for a new life changing tome, and love the society that bookstores bring into communities, I have NEVER seen an adult jump up and down when finding "The biggest dinosaur book ever!"

Not only that, kids go in HOPING to get a new book. Adults go in to get one. Yea they are hoping to find something new, but chances are, they are set on adding something to the stack next to their bed. Kids however are playing a shell game. Do I ask for this book? 20$ isn't a lot of the monies, right?...

"MOM! CAN I GET THIS PLEASE?!?!?!"

And then there's the answer. (The 10% chances the parent will cave in and give their child the gift of intelligence and literacy.)

CONVERSATION OVERHEARD IN BOOKSTORE:

"Mom look! I found the biggest dinosaur book ever!"
"You did?! That's awesome!"
"Can I get it?"
"Yes."
"...................... What?"
"I said you can get it."
".......BEST DAY EVER!!!!"


That is why kids > adults. There is no end to excitement at getting a new book. Doesn't matter what the book is, as long as it is book-ish.