The Power of Books

by Amos Vogel

“I noticed that you have stopped reading books,” said Max one sunny afternoon to Walter.

“Yes,” said Walter. “I don’t like made-up stories anymore. I want the real thing. I want it to happen to ME.”

“But what if it’s dangerous?” said Max.

“I want to take the risk,” replied Walter.

“What, if instead of reading about a trainwreck, you were in one?” said Max.

“I’d prefer not to be in a trainwreck,” replied Walter stubbornly, “but I’d rather be in one than read about one. When you read about a trainwreck, you may get a little frightened. But if you have actually been in one, you will never be the same again… You will remember it all your life.”

So Walter went out into the big wide world to find adventure and became a successful salesman in a television story. He ate dinner at 6 evey night, at home, with his lovely wife and twelve children. Max, on the other hand, continued reading all the time, and one day, when reaching for an especially exciting book on the top shelf, fell out of the window.