Last weekend I flew cross country to L.A. for a conference at the Hyatt. I got tired of listening to the same old songs on my iPod, so started browsing. I found songs I didn't know I had - songs I think I should be embarrassed to admit that I own! ;)

I found one unique file - an audiobook. I remembered downloading it from iTunes. It was a freebie, so I figured, what the heck I'll try it. I've never really cared for books on tape. Short stories are ok - I like listening to Irish Fables for Kids on the way to school or around town. Those are short enough that they keep my attention. I can't seem to do that with full length books. My mind wanders as it does when I'm listening to music.

This book, however, did a little better than most. It helped that Jeremy Irons was the narratoe! Yes, my mind did wander. The story itself however, kept me interested - entertained, intrigued, willing to rewind and replay when I found my mind had drifted. The book was The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo. It is a fascinating tale. I've been trying to curb my book buying, but could never find this one at the library. I can think of several people that should read it.

Well, this weekend, flying cross-country again to San Jose, I picked up two of Coehlo's other books - and promptly got sucked in to those too! So his ploy worked - give one away, get new fans who'll buy all of the others!