It may seem completely contrary for an author to suggest this but I would like to say that I would prefer to borrow a book than buy one. In addition I would also like to say that I would gladly lend you my book rather than sell it to you. Of course, now I have to explain myself and I will do this through a series of bullet points. Here goes...

- Buying is not personal. When we buy something we establish a relationship with that thing that says, "I and NOT You (thing) are the boss in this relationship. I pick you up and put you down." The chances that you will be improved or be altered by that thing are greatly reduced since you've established a hierarchy with that thing, with you on top.

- Selling is not personal. When I sell you something I remove myself from that thing. I have given up my ownership and relinquish my desires and my investment in you, the buyer. I cannot tell you how wonderful I feel that you would read my book because I have ended my transaction with you. You have taken a piece of me and I can do no more than hope you are satisfied with just that thing you took.

- Borrowing is an ongoing relationship. I give you something and later you will return it to me with strings attached. I might ask upon its return, "Did you enjoy what you read?", "Did you like the part about the 'some thing or other'?", "Is there something you'd like to see more of in next one?". You might ask, "Is there a reason this character did 'something or other'", "How do others feel about this book", "What's your favorite color", and so many other questions too.

You might say that platforms like 'goodreads', 'facebook', 'amazon reviews', and many others help to bring people together but when I hand you my book and you take it from my hand we form a relationship that technology cannot replace. Maybe, its the start of a friendship or maybe its simply and act of kindness attached to a spec of hope that we will see each other again someday.

In the very least I know I gave you myself without taking money in return.

In these days we have been plunged into a world where human connections are discouraged and can be even unhealthy. This makes us all sad, I'm sure.

I will leave you with this thought. Find someone you love, or want to love, and borrow a book (digital or physical). Make a connection with them, even if that means you have to disinfect the book first. Keep in mind that shaking someone's hand today means more today than it has in a very long time.