Apparently, much to the surprise of booksellers in the U.S., they are selling many more hard cover books than they had projected for this holiday season. Who knew? Books are in demand. Well, at least in greater demand than we thought they would be. What's that all about? Would someone really prefer to carry around the Steve Jobs biography than read it on a Nook or a Kindle? Apparently, the answer is: yes. Enough of them to make retail news.
In reading these hard cover book sales reports, I think of my trip to France two weeks ago. Specifically Paris. What is there to dislike in Paris at this time of year? (Truth be told, I like just about everything about Paris any time of year...you know the song "I love Paris in the Springtime..and the Fall...and the Winter...and the Summer..."
This time I was again taking the Metro all over the place. (As my friends know, I'm a public transportation aficionado. I feel I learn more about a city and what makes it tick while riding their local transportation than any tour can possibly provide.) And I noticed something that surprised me: people were reading books--hard cover books-- on the Metro. And they were serious tomes. Some heavy tomes, as big as the Steve Jobs biography (indeed, one was reading that very biography). It was surprising. Especially when you consider that cell service is available in the Metro. You could be yacking with your friends if you feel like it while getting to and from work or going any place at all. But I saw few people talking on their cell phones, and none of them seemed to speak on them for more than a minute or two.
Is this a cultural phenomenon? Is it considered impolite to expose others in a subway or bus to your phone conversation? I forgot to ask my French friends about that and intend to next time I am there. I am certain that if mobile service were available on New York's subways (and, heaven help us, it will be some day) there will be a cacophony of yacking...about unimportant stuff...all around us. Yegads, I hope that day is held off as long as possible.
There was another thing I noted on the Paris Metro. Conversations take place, but they are loud and boisterous. They are confidential, seeming to be acting out the French tete a tete. They are personal conversations and they stay that way; the rest of the subway car is not privy to it.
I don't see such conversations on my New York subway trips. I see loud public displays of talk. Different in kind.
Ah, Paris and its Metro.. For many readers, if they are not in conversation (as opposed to boisterously talking)...they are reading books!
On top of that they have great food. And wine. and style.
Sigh.
Author of I is for Intercourse: The ABC's of Conversation, Susan Bird is the visionary behind Wf360, and a sought-after speaker around the world for her views on leadership, the strategic importance of conversation, entrepreneurship, and the role of women business leaders.
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