uddenly Curbside Libraries are popping up all over the place. Since I tend to walk a lot, I’ll pass them often and nose in, seeing if there is anything interesting.

I hate to say it, but judging America’s reading levels, it is pretty bleak.

Most of the time, it is grim. Generally there are two things in these boxes – children’s books (not beloved classics, but just general teach-a-lesson books) and utility books (cookbooks, self-help books, etc). Really, this is what you people read?

A few years back, I was riding my bike and came across a stack of books someone had turfed to the curb with “FREE” written on a little sign. I found Lost Horizon and Frankenstein (both of which I’d wanted to read and completely enjoyed). What a find. And a year or so back, I found The Glass Teat and The Other Glass Teat (a funny yet sad commentary on the TV industries in the form of show reviews) in a curbside. Yes, occasionally you will find books of interest, instruction and adventure in curbsides, but not often. And if you find it, it’s probably something I left (because reading a book of week produces a lot of books and I’ve flooded Joybird Books).

It reminds me of wealthy McMansions that came with shelves built in, and the fact that the homeowners had to rely on a firm named “Books by the Yard” to fill them. Depressing. No wonder most people are simplistic idiots who cannot understand a problem topdown, and lack empathy towards anyone not of their tribe. It shows Americanism at its worst – blunt and stupid.

Sorry, but if you want my respect, put better books in your curbside. Yes, I do judge.

>>>HEY, BUY ONE OF MY BOOKS AND PUT THEM IN YOUR CURBSIDE. EVERYONE WILL THINK YOU ARE AMAZING AND CLEVER<<<