Xenagorabibliomania: An obsessive curiosity about the books strangers read in open spaces
This word reminds me of my shamelessness when it comes to reading.
About a decade ago, during monsoon season, I undertook a train journey which was 14 hours long. Since it was unplanned, I was sitting in the cramped un-reserved compartment. Next to me was a forty-ish guy who had just started 'The Doomsday Conspiracy'. Not being a big fan of fiction, I deliberately avoided peering into the book. After a long period of five full minutes, curiosity took over.
Old habits die hard.
After some time, irritated by my shoulder surfing, he stared daggers at me. I, suddenly, found something interesting outside the window. He returned to his book.
Thirty seconds later, I, too, returned to his book.
This happened quite a few times.
Finally, irritated enough, he shoved the book, not in his bag but in my face and snarled, "You read it first!"
It would have been stupid to pass over such a generous offer. On a 14 hour journey. With nothing interesting to see outside.
With a rousing "God bless you!" to his incredulous face, I accepted the book.
And that is how I accompanied Robert Bellamy on his dangerous mission to find those bus passengers in Switzerland and escape liquidation.
I coin the word 'xenclaustrobibliomania' for such situations.
All those in favor, say 'Aye!'
This word reminds me of my shamelessness when it comes to reading.
About a decade ago, during monsoon season, I undertook a train journey which was 14 hours long. Since it was unplanned, I was sitting in the cramped un-reserved compartment. Next to me was a forty-ish guy who had just started 'The Doomsday Conspiracy'. Not being a big fan of fiction, I deliberately avoided peering into the book. After a long period of five full minutes, curiosity took over.
Old habits die hard.
After some time, irritated by my shoulder surfing, he stared daggers at me. I, suddenly, found something interesting outside the window. He returned to his book.
Thirty seconds later, I, too, returned to his book.
This happened quite a few times.
Finally, irritated enough, he shoved the book, not in his bag but in my face and snarled, "You read it first!"
It would have been stupid to pass over such a generous offer. On a 14 hour journey. With nothing interesting to see outside.
With a rousing "God bless you!" to his incredulous face, I accepted the book.
And that is how I accompanied Robert Bellamy on his dangerous mission to find those bus passengers in Switzerland and escape liquidation.
I coin the word 'xenclaustrobibliomania' for such situations.
All those in favor, say 'Aye!'
2 comments:
*unbelievable* but so you! :) You never disappoint me.
Aye Aye! I support the new word. And I had as much fun (or even more) re-reading this. Yep, I dont remember I had read it before :)
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