Re(a)d and Green

While watching my alma mater play football this weekend (Go Irish!), a "What Would You Fight For?" ad reminded me of a company that I do not think I have mentioned while writing here. Better World Books is an enterprise that started with an idea, some determination, and a desire to make a difference in the world. The goals were to save books from landfills (like my Auntie) and to support literacy around the world. If you take a look at the "Core Values," you will see that they are not too far removed from those at Zappos. (Better World Books does however get extra props for using the word "quirktastic" in their values.)

So, if you are looking for a new book, used book or an odd book, check them out. You will enjoy the carbon neutral shipping and the fact that in some small way, you are helping another enjoy the gift of something we love to do everyday.

Mail Stereotypes

Last night I arrived home to find a second package awaiting my attention. The first, delivered to the office, contained two future reads by Joshilyn Jackson while the second held my favorite cookie. The two will combine very nicely for a lazy reading weekend. Of course, with my current battle for a full night's rest, these two could combine very nicely for a three a.m. read, but this connection would be bad for the hips indeed.

I am moving through Handler's work fairly quickly. Each chapter is a short (see also her chapter entitled 'My Little Nugget') tale of an encounter of the closest kind. [This is the moment where I will not draw any parallels to my own life.]

So, moving right along...next in the queue, I will add gods in Alabama courtesy of GBC Paige. I do not plan to read the book jacket so that I will be pleasantly surprised when I learn this book is not about football, Bear Bryant, or peaches.

Thank you Grantland Rice

In just two short days, we will reach that marker that most of us believe truly represents the beginning of autumn and solidifies our relationships with our alma maters. We will find ourselves reading the sports sections a little more often and observing with keen interest which teams are victors and which manage the upset in those last few seconds. Nicknames emerge, and if we are lucky, legends will be born. Highlights, heartache, and hope will mark the next few weeks as sports fans embrace the college football season.

Sports editors turn focus to their turn of phrase and writers who follow the dreams of athletes will wax poetic on the smallest of details. Even if you are not a sports fan, it is a great time to read an editorial and see if the game comes to life, if just for a moment.