It Wouldn't Be New Year's Without Vampires

I used to read a lot of fantasy and science fiction novels, with the occasional vampire or horror book thrown in. But as my mom likes to point out: Garbage In = Garbage Out. It seemed that as the years passed, I had an increased sensitivity to anything scary, which usually resulted in nightmares. Over time, my interest has moved to mainstream fiction and I have worked hard to limit my exposure to the creepy stuff.

A few months ago, I was waiting while JR used the restroom at Marshall Fields (pre-Macy's conversion) and browsing the little bookshop on the lower level. In the staff picks section, I found a novel called Twilight, which was a young adult novel about a vampire. I made a mental note of it and eventually put it on my Amazon.com wish list a couple of months ago. My wish list helps me track all of the books I want to read.

Despite the fact that I am well stocked with books I haven't read yet, last week I got it into my head that I really wanted to read this book now. For some reason, the idea of cuddling up on the couch in my pajamas and reading a book about a vampire was irresistible. Maybe my psyche is rebelling against all of the "goodness" of the Christmas season?

Last Friday, JR and I had some time to kill before we went to the airport to retrieve Mom and I had a gift card that my BIL had given me for my birthday in February (I guess candy is not the only thing I hoard) so I drug JR to Barnes and Noble. They did not have the book.

I tried all weekend to tell myself that I did not need this book, but I would not be dissuaded. Yesterday, I stopped at a different B/N where they had the hardcover in stock. I didn't want to pay twice as much for the hardcover so I asked the clerk to find me a paperback. Although the computer indicate there were several in stock, and he spent about 15 minutes looking, he could not locate a copy for me.

Again, I tried to tell myself that I have plenty of other books to read, but when I stopped at North & Clybourne to see if The Container Store had any wrapping paper left (none to be had) the lure of Borders was too much to resist. Fortunately, they had a copy. So, although I wasn't able to use my gift card, at least I didn't spend the remainder of my evening hunting for a copy of this book. Really, I hope that it's worth it.

P.S. I had no idea this post would turn out to be this long! Must be the vampire magic!