Writing a book results in some hilariously awkward social interactions. For example, a random person will say, “Hey, I bought your book a while ago!” At this point, I reach into my Grab Bag of Superficial Small Talk options, which include:
- Talking about the front cover and how AWESOME it is, since my wife designed it.
- Making a self-deprecating comment about how the back cover may be the best part of the entire book.
- Facetiously discussing the financial setback that the buyer endured in shelling out 8 bucks for the publication.
And after the lighthearted laughter that inevitably follows, sometimes I’ll ask, “So have you READ the book?”
As the laughter gives way to nervous chuckles and some assorted choking sounds, the regretful person then will reach into his or her Grab Bag of Excuses, which may include:
- Our family parrot died, and you know how tough it is when you lose a bird that’s been such a huge part of your life.
- I’m more of an AudioBook person (this becomes REALLY awkward when I tell them there is also an AudioBook option available, narrated by Yours Truly).
- We’ve had relatives visiting…for the past 7 months.
And ultimately, I don’t really care that much. If you do end up reading my book, I bet you’ll laugh a little and learn some stuff about Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Disease. I hope you’ll be inspired to shift your own personal health paradigm from reactionary to preventive. I bet you’ll get a CAC and get your Lp(a) checked…and if you’re a clinician, I bet you start ordering those tests. And maybe you’ll even think more deeply about the eternal questions posed in the Grand Conclusion of the book (I won’t spoil it, just in case you do actually read it someday). But even though it’s pretty much the best I can do, it’s just a book.
But much more importantly, there are people who think that merely owning a Bible confers some sort of divine approval or eternal immunity. And yet, their speech and actions suggest they haven’t actually read the Bible at all. And if they have read it, they sure aren’t acting like it. They are more like the Pharisees in the New Testament who would wear phylacteries (leather boxes with various Scriptures) as accoutrements…while completely ignoring the content. And if you think Jesus was impressed by the Rabbis and Pharisees, read Matthew 23.
It’s good to own books. It’s even better to read them.
It’s good to read books. It’s even better when that Book changes your life😊
