A Magic thing happened on the way to the next chapter

My very good friend, and fellow reader, D. mentioned that I should probably tell you the magical story of my journey to find a hardcover of this novel, which believe me wasn't an easy task... or so I thought.

First I went to Munroe's, who only had one paperback copy for $20...pfft. I knew I could do better (not because I didn't want to shell out the cash, but because I wanted a hard cover, mind).

I walked two blocks and came upon a man drawing with chalk on the sidewalk. He was drawing The Kiss by Gustav Klimt, one of my most favourite paintings in the world. No foolin'. I chatted with the man for a few moments, put all my spare coins in his basket and looked up, only to see the words "Yates Street" in front of my eyes. I blinked, thinking my mind had begun to give me visions. Nope, I remembered, there really IS a Yates street in Victoria. Right. 'This is my street,' I thought. 'There is a bookshop on this street and I will find it. And when I do, it will have a hardcover copy of The Futurist waiting for me.'

Now yes, I do realize I am an idealist. I truly understand this. However, there is something that you must understand as well. If I think something feels right, I usually get what I want (quite gratefully and remembering the thank whatever is responsible for helping me along the way) surrounding that.

So I begin walking down Yates, and I realize I want a photograph of D. holding the book over his head with Yates Street proudly displayed above. So I begin walking looking for the perfect corner for this to occur. Then I see that the streets have plaques stating which street is crossing. 'This is perfect,' I think, and continue my search. Then I find it. The plaque. And across the street, diagonally, is the Serious Cafe, which holds a special vote of confidence for D. and I (the first person I knew I wanted to reda this novel). I walk inside and ask where the nearest bookshop is. "There is a Chapters half a block down on the right," says the barista.

Normally, I would shy away from a bookshop that is not locally owned, but Iwas on a mission. I thank the man, and continue my search. "This is it," I think as I cross the street and walk into Chapters.

They don't have it on prominent display. This disappoints me. A lot.
I really wish this book were a NY Times best seller, instead of a pretty much unknown. It's far too good/strong a book for such low coverage. So under-rated. I look to my right and there is a copy of Black Swan Green by David Mitchell for sale that I consider buying for a moment, but hastily decline when I see, three shelves down, several copies of none other than The Futurist -- IN HARD COVER!! Not only in hard cover, but, due to the under-value of this impressive novel, inexpensive. I consider buying every copy in the store, but leave two in case someone else decides to buy a copy.

At the counter, the clerk (I am almost certain his name is David) and I exchange banter about how sad it is that really good books get placed on the cheap books rack, when they should be on the "YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK IMMEDIATELY" rack. I have another idea. This is the place my epiphany will begin. I will give this man a copy of the book, and then I will ask him to give it away to one of his co-workers or friends in recommendation. YES!
Oh, I love when things just fall into place, don't you?

So I tell this man, David, you must read this book. But I can't leave it there, so I say 'I know! I will give you one of these copies. It's that good that I must. And in return, you pass it along to one of your co-worker or someone and that way many people can read it!' The man looks excited. "Are you sure? Because I'm a really slow reader, so it will take me awhile." Yes, I'm sure, I say. I will come back tomorrow.