Book Puff by Debbie Bennett
When I read a book, I enter into a temporary relationship with the author. I give them my time – a small fraction of my life: hours and minutes. In return, the author promises to entertain me. Money may or may not exchange hands, and the entertainment may involve laughs, shivers and checking under the bed, but the basic promise remains. Time vs entertainment. If I like the book, I may enter into a longer relationship and buy all of the author’s books. But still there is a promise made. So I read the book. There’s a build-up of tension (I read mostly crime or thrillers these days). I get to know the characters. The author lets me sit on his shoulder and peer into his world. There’s an agreement that in return for an investment of my time, he will let me stay there and enjoy the view. I’m comfy and it’s looking good. The little % marker on my kindle climbs slowly. My brain is registering this, processing it in terms of what is, and what will happen in the plot. I’m expecting ...