IDLE THOUGHTS

Thanksgiving ... Black Friday ... Cyber Monday ... Holiday Season ... we're in what is possibly the busiest time of year for so many of us.  And sometimes it makes us volunteers want to just crawl into a corner of the Bullis Room, take one of the many good books off the shelf, open it, breathe a sigh of relief, and relax as we slowly turn the pages and take in the words and illustrations found there.

We did just that last week and found what we think is the perfect book to read while the rest of the world buzzes around us:

The Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow: A Book for an Idle Holiday

This book was written by Jerome Klapk Jerome (1859-1927) and published in 1890 by Henry C. Holt & Company, New York.  The Goodreads website refers to Jerome as; "English author, known for his humorous essays." 

Humor! Isn't that what we need more of? Especially this time of year? So, when holiday hubbub has stressed you to (or near) the max, we're suggesting that you drop by the Bullis Room and take a look at this book. In case we still haven't convinced you this is a "must read," here's an excerpt from the introduction:

"One or two friends I showed these papers in MS. Having observed that they were not half bad, and some of my relations having promised to buy the book, if it ever it came out, I feel I can no longer delay its issue. But for this, as one may say, public demand, I, perhaps, should not have returned to offer these mere 'idle thoughts' of mine as mental food for the English-speaking peoples of the earth.  What readers ask nowadays in a book is that it should improve, instruct, and elevate. This book wouldn't elevate a cow. I cannot conscientiously recommend it for any useful purpose whatever. All I can suggest is, that when you get tired of reading 'the best hundred books,' you may take this up for half an hour. It will be a change."

Chapter headings include: "On Being Idle"; "On Being in Love"; "On Cats and Dogs"; "On the Weather"' "On Being Shy"; "On Babies"; "On Eating and Drinking".

And now it's time to wish you a happy (and idle) Holiday Season, from the Bullis Room staff and volunteers. 

(Oh ... one more thing - if you'd like your own copy of Jerome's book (or want to purchase it as a holiday gift for a friend or relative), you'll find it on your favorite online bookseller site -- both paper and E-reader versions.)