Books are the best surprises. And the most interesting mysteries.

This book recently showed up at my local library, held in my name. I didn’t request it (at least, not that I recall–I request a lot of books).

Since I know all the library staff very well, and they all know me and my writerly inclinations, I’m fairly certain one of them saw the book and set it aside for me, knowing I would appreciate it. (I haven’t asked who yet–that’s part of the fun).

This book is a collection of short “stories” by Colum McCann, MFA professor at Hunter College in New York. Each entry, only a couple of pages, is comprised of cuttingly real and relevant writing advice for emerging creatives. I can’t put it down.

One day you might find yourself hating writing precisely because you want to make it so good. Yet this awful truth is just another form of joy. Get used to it. The sun also sets in order to rise. — from Letters to a Young Writer

I am not even a quarter of the way into this book and I already can’t live without it. Pick up a copy for yourself. And support your local library. They are the keepers of words that move.