I went to my local Chapters today to pick up the newly
released (in mass market paperback) Star Wars:
Kenobi. I know what you’re thinking: “Aren’t you the guy who just wrote an
essay on why old books are better and buying from used book stores is a good
way to support local economy.” Well yes. I also buy new books. Sue me.
Since I still had some wiggle room left in my monthly
book budget, I also wanted to pick up another paperback. Choosing which other
book to buy was, as always, a difficult decision. I settled on Elantris by Brandon Sanderson. When I
was at the cash, this happened:
A Female Cashier scanned my books and took my payment. A
Male Cashier nearby comes and snoops at the books I’m buying.
Male Cashier: “Alright, Sanderson. He’s the man. You’ve
got good taste!”
He runs away. I don’t say anything and neither do my
fiancée and Female Cashier. I’m punching the keypad and completing my purchase
when Male Cashier comes back and puts a book on top of the books I’m buying.
For a split second I think “Hey, whoa dude. I love books but I’ve got to stick
to my budget.” Naturally, I start to wonder what it is when he says, “Take it.
It’s free. You’ll like it, I’m sure.”
This is what he put on the counter:
“Oh neat, but I already own it.” (It’ll be reviewed
someday, I promise).
Female Cashier: “Oh do you?”
Male Cashier: “Flip it!”
So Female Cashier flips it and:
Male Cashier: “It’s a sample of two other book by Brandon
Sanderson. Take it! I haven’t read the other one but The Way of Kings was awesome!”
Needless to say, I was very pleased that Chapters and the
co-ed Cashiers are pimping out Sanderson. It was doubly awesome because while
in the aisle, for a brief moment, I almost chose to buy Mistborn. I chose not to because I have a big to read pile and I’d
rather not get committed to yet another trilogy or series at this time. The
really cool thing is that The Way of
Kings collects the entire first part of the novel. That’s nearly 200 pages!
Both books together are nearly 300 pages of free fantasy goodness. For those
who have seen the mass market paperback of The
Way of Kings it’s fat. It’s so thick it’s difficult to hold. When I
eventually get to reading it I’ll probably start reading the sample book just
because it’ll be easier to hold. Once I’m done I’ll most on to the complete,
ultra thick, copy.
I might do a little giveaway contest once I’m done
reading the sampler. Don’t keep your eyes peeled or anything. It’s likely going
to take some time. Until then enjoy you non-free books while I enjoy this
awesome sampler by a fantasy novelist I really like.
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