My New E-Reader

Okay, so, I have a new addition to my bookshelf! Can you see it? Here, let me show you instead!

Yep! I got the latest Barnes and Noble Nook (the e-ink, not the color). And there is a kind of fun story behind how I got it. You see, it was a gift from my mum, but let me start from the beginning.

It was Tuesday evening and I was meeting my mum to have dinner at the Barnes and Noble Café. It’s one of our favorite haunts. So, I decided to take the opportunity to ask a few more questions I had about the Nook. Well, I waited, but no one was coming to help at the service counter. Figuring I come back later, I started off when suddenly a black cricket jumped into my path. Surprised and confused that a cricket even got into the store, I picked up the little creature, asked my mum to wait for me at the Nook serves desk, and took the cricket out to a patch of grass. When I got back, my mum was already speaking to the salesman.

She redirected his attention to me and I was able to ask all my questions. After he answer each one with great clarity, he went ahead and began showing me all the bells and whistles of the B&N Nook including the touch screen, how I can shop from any available wifi, and how to change font and format. What really made me drool, though, was the fact I can download PDF files for class and he showed me how I can take notes and highlight passages (I wonder what my teachers will think when I start using it for my classwork?). And, my local B&N offers classes every Monday to help me understand all the workings of my new Nook and to answer any further questions I had. Yeah, my jaw dropped.

Still, even after all that and reading the article Lisa sent me, I was about to walk away. I turned to my mum and said, “Well, I’m saving my pennies.” In other words “I’m finished.” Also, it’s true, since I just paid my tuition and book for this semester.

My mum stared at me in disbelief, “Well, we can consider it an early birthday present.”

I was in shock! First, my birthday is like in three months, so early is right! Second, she was offering to by this e-reader for me right that second (which is higher in price than any other birthday gift I would have asked for). I asked the salesman for a few minutes to think. He agreed with a smile then whispered, “I would take that offer though.”

My mum teased as I pulled her aside, “The offer is only good for the next ten minutes.”

Alright, I knew it was a joke, but my mind was spinning. After a brief talk and promising I wouldn’t ask for anything else for my birthday when it came, she purchased the Nook with a protective jacket and warranty.

As we walked out (actually I was skipping, I felt like a little kid again), she smiled at me, “So, I guess that was your lucky cricket.”

After a moment, I laughed, realizing she was referring to the insect I had saved before the entire Nook event happened.

So, I’ve had my Nook now for a day and I have to say I’m in love! And I want to say thank you for all your help and support!