Some days the floating book shop is more fun than others. Such was the case this afternoon, even though I didn't make a lot of money. A woman introduced herself as Karen and said she'd seen the article about me in the Bay News. Her neighbor had also seen it and wondered if I wanted books he'd attempted to donate to the library and been turned down. I said yes and told her my schedule, which the article had gotten wrong. I had something to look forward to.
Soon Herbie, one of my most faithful regulars, stopped by. I know his taste and knew I didn't have anything for him. Then I spotted Simon, the 84-year-old veteran, who I hadn't seen in a few weeks, walking up East 13th, shopping cart in tow. He had a bunch of books for me. Herbie's eyes spread when he saw Sidney Sheldon's If Tomorrow Comes. He'd seen the film but never read the book. The three of us began discussing movies, a passion we share. Simon has been around since the early days of sound and saw all the early classics in the theater, not on television like Herbie and I. He is particularly fond of Jeanette McDonald and Nelson Eddy and Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. He mentioned that Dick Powell began as a singer, which I hadn't known, and that he introduced I Only Have Eyes for You in the 30's. I know the classic doo wop version by the Flamingos, which came up on the disc I was listening to in the car yesterday on my way home from the golf course. Simon broke into song several times and mentioned his mother told him she'd had him sing Yidishe Mama on the ship that brought them from England to America. He was two-and-a-half at the time and received a big ovation, his proud mom claimed. Priceless.
The conversation went on for at least an hour. Meanwhile, Eugene stopped by with the books Karen had promised. I was thrilled they were children's books, of which I was sold out. His youngest daughter is 24 now. His wife decided to clean house. I spotted a compilation of Nancy Drew mysteries and later showed it to Joan, who approached with her walker. She collects Drew books. I knew she wouldn't be able to resist buying it. I also broke from the conversation to show Mikhail/Mr. Almost a Russian translation of two Alistair MacLean novels, which he purchased. Unfortunately, Jeff, aka Political Man, showed up and immediately began a tirade about backward southerners, idiot Mormons, etc., etc.. Soon Simon left. To my disappointment, Herbie agreed with most of what Jeff was saying. They are seniors afraid of cuts Republicans might institute. As usual, I held my piece, even though I disagreed with 99% of what PM said. By the time he was done, it was time to pack up and head home.
I'm well-stocked for the rest of the week. Thanks, buyers and donors.
Visit Vic’s sites:
Vic’s Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic’s Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic’s Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic’s 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6 Vic’s
1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic’s Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
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