Surprisingly, I am less sure than this guy on Slate that independent bookstores are killing literacy.
A gentleman named Farhad Manjoo just posted a proudly contrarian article on Slate explaining why independent bookstores are not only irrelevent but maybe even harmful. I work at an independent bookstore, so that’s an argument I’d be very very curious to see made well. Honestly, I know the failings of small booksellers as well as anyone, and it’d be good to see them articulated. But that’s not what this essay was. Let’s look at it. All of it. In detail.
I’ll be interjecting my thoughts into the text of the essay itself. I know that’s a pretty ungenerous way to go about it, but as you’ll see, Mr. Manjoo is kind of an asshat, so I’m not feeling generous.
Couches
Park JeffersonPark Jefferson - Couches
I’ve been smoking out of boredom.
And I’ve been sleeping on the couch.
When you call I’ll be right here waiting just like every day.
I hope the west coast treats you well,
and I hope that someday you’ll realize
what I’ve realized.
Give it some time to play itself out,
you will be the last one that I tell that I still love you.
Promise me you’ll be good to yourself.
Promise me that you and I will talk.
About what you’ve done here.
I will not forgive you this time,
you and I will be forgotten just like
I told you we would.
