Last week I was in a Borders book store. I was hoping to find a reference book that I needed. I didn’t want to order it on the inter-net and wait for it to be delivered. I needed it then!

Just inside the store as I entered was a woman seated at a small table about the size of a card table. There was a pile of about 50 books on the table. Hanging down in the front of the table was a small sign advertising the book and the author. I only saw what was printed on the sign later.

Because the table was so close to the entrance; I passed by the table before I realized that it had been set up for a book signing.

I am a writer and as such I am sympathetic to fellow authors and the trials and tribulations of a book signing. Not wishing to intrude, I watched this event from a distance. I was hidden from the author’s view by several stacks of books. I was hoping to perhaps learn the secrets of a successful book signing by observing unobtrusively.

Nothing happened! No one stopped to talk to her. Customers passed by her table. They glanced at her books as they passed; but no one stopped to buy or talk. I watched for about 10 minutes.

I decided I would go and talk to her. Sort of professional courtesy. As I approached her table,  I saw a couple stop and talk with her. They each picked up a book and examined it.

Now I was close enough to read the title displayed on the sign. It was (I’m paraphrasing) “How to deal with Alzheimer’s”. The author was a Ph.D.

It certainly is an important subject to write about. I guess most people are in denial about that mental condition. They do not want to admit they have it, or to admit anyone else they know has it.

Can’t really blame them.

Copyright 2009 by John Daly