Auditions

I'm going to a conference later this week. Working for a church in a support role doesn't allow much opportunity for travel, but my boss has graciously let me register for a conference on Ethnic Ministry in St. Louis. So, I'm struggling with a decision that may be very routine to many travelers, but it's throwing me in a tailspin.

What book do I take to read on the plane?

The other night I held open auditions. There were writing books purchased with great intentions with bookmarks somewhere between chapter one and two that came for their big break. The YA novel "Inkspell" heard about the opening and jumped into my shopping cart at Target the day of auditions. The novel my mother-in-law gave me for Christmas pleaded its case, reminding me it had been patiently been waiting its turn on my bedside table since December 26th. Others made their way to auditions with colorful matte covers and titles that cried, "Pick me! Pick me! I will make the hours on airplanes and sitting in airport waiting areas fly by!" All in all, about 8 books sat on my bed Saturday night.

So I did what any booklover would . . . I read the introductions and first chapters of all of the books. Some wowed me with their showiest openings . . . some were definitely holding back some of their best stuff for the main event. When it was all said and done, I had three picked out.

Even though I feel great about these choices, I still feel a bit bad for the runner's up. Like watching the American Idols tearfully sing their final song or Dancing with the Stars contestants do their final dips, the books that didn't make the cut were put carefully back on the shelf. I felt a little bit like those judges that crush the hopes and dreams of their contestants. Don't worry little books, there's always next season . . . summer vacation.