Out from Under My Hat

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Milan Kovacovic

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Spent a most pleasant part of last evening in one of my favorite places – a book store.

My university French professor, Milan Kovacovic, was signing his newest release of his memoir, Ma’s Dictionary, at The Bookstore at Fitger’s in Duluth. The turnout was fantastic, mostly because of the great respect and fondness people have for Milan (though I feel I should be saying “Mr. Kovacovic” – strangely I don’t recall saying “Monsieur Kovacovic” all that much, which maybe says something about my French language skills).

Having him personalize the book for me, with a specific memory noted in his hand from my university days, is something I will cherish even after I’ve read the book.

Anyway, back to the pleasures of book stores. Strolling through shelves, picking up actual books and flipping through pages or – yes, I’m one of those – scrutinizing the bargain book shelves is therapy for me. I do order books online, though I’ve yet to try reading one on an electronic device. But you can’t have this same therapeutic joy of browsing through books via computer. Touching and strolling are part of experience.

I was delighted to hear from the store owner, Sally, that they’ve had a great summer. She acknowledges, too, the great gift of promotion from Anita who closed her independent bookstore, Northern Lights, a few months back. Anita consistently told her customers to remember The Bookstore … and they have.

Many people tout the new electronic book devices and some day I hope to test one. I don’t regret the loss of typewriters in the work place (except for that soothing clacking of keys, which I do miss), but I still love my first metal Smith Corona and the feel of its keys. And while I likely will embrace at some future time the reading of books electronically, I doubt that I will ever give up the reading and owning of an actual book.

Where, I wonder, would my respected university professor sign an electronic copy to me in his own handwriting on a screen?