Another interesting, unexpected encounter. This time at the local Oxfam, as I attempted to assuage my obsession for book-buying at a more cost-efficient venue than Borders.
I happened to stumble upon Voltaire's Candide, and asked my friend if she had read any of his works. She hadn't, but this lovely man interjected to insist that I make the purchase, and we then spent the better part of the next half hour pouring over the shelves to see what other literary gems people had so carelessly discarded (how do they do it!?).
Dr. Weiss also insisted that I purchase The Officer's Ward, and gave me his card with a request that I follow-up to share my perspective on the book. My friend chuckled over me receiving the number of a man 40-50 years my senior, but I'll look forward to discussing my thoughts with someone who's life experience surely holds more richness than I will find in either book.
And that's why (despite my mother's wise warnings), I always talk to strangers.
Happy Saturday.
