Books are like lovers. You caress them gently. You hold them in the late hours cherishing their secrets. You choose them with care, hopefully, and speak their praises to others. You try to be discriminating in the ones you choose to spend time with because it feels horrible to get deeply into one with the notion that it will all be just a giant waste of time.

I am in between lovers right now. Or rather I should say I am testing the waters. A little from this one, a little from that, trying to find just the right dance partner. But each has something slightly different to choose from. This one is dark, intense, engaging. Perhaps a little too engaging for a summer fling, though. That one is older, a truly classic stunning beauty. But perhaps I want a little less experience and a little more rough around the edges, know what I mean? Maybe I want something superficial, a rebound book, if you will. I know it won't last, but that doesn't mean we can't have fun for a time.

Oh, the choices, the choices. I am enjoying my bachelorhood, knowing that there's no reason to rush into anything. There's no pressure. Just how it should be in the summer.