Judging Books

When we were growing up, how often did we hear, "Don’t judge a book by its cover"? Well, interestingly enough, my book has illustrated that concept to me more than any other life lesson. But not in the way anyone would expect.

My books, even the series with attempted murder and fugitives, are love stories. The Crested Butte (aka cowboy) series is especially so. And the thing I’ve learned is that they don’t only appeal to women. In fact, some of the manlier men I know have either read them, or told me they planned to. Initially I warned them about their steaminess, and then I stopped. Because basically they could look at the cover image and surmise it for themselves. My assumptions about who would like, and not like, my books was way off-base and a little sexist.

Back to what I’ve learned . . . I’ve learned that the people I grew up thinking were one kind of person, are not the way I thought of them at all. In fact, they are quite the opposite, in a good way. 

Frank was telling me recently how he thought someone on the swim team was mean. I watched this particular kid at the last meet, and what I saw was a boy who scowled a lot, but when he was with his dad, he appeared warm and loving, affectionate even. My guess is, this boy is either shy, or insecure, or both. I suggested Frank consider this when talking with this boy, and maybe be more open to the possibility that he isn’t mean at all.

I wish I could tell one particular person that I’m sorry I misjudged him all these years, but then I’d have to tell him that I misjudged him all these years. It might make me feel better to say so, but it would likely only hurt his feelings. So instead, I will keep in mind that it is never a good idea to judge any book by its cover, and remember to have a more open mind from now on.