I don't know why it is, but I feel vaguely uncomfortable when someone in real life starts gushing to me about books they love. I'm fine with talking about books on a blog--maybe it's the distance of the computer and the internet that makes it easier. Maybe it's because I'm afraid of a certain disapproval, that they would feel put out if I said yes, I know all about the books they were talking about, I've read them years ago. And then some bubble-brained bookstore clerk has to ask me, "Are you buying this for yourself?" and then I have to restrain myself from giving a bad-tempered snarl. Of course I'm buying it for myself, and even if I said no, you wouldn't believe me.
