Yesterday, we got two orders from Iowa. We were vaguely surprised, but didn’t think much of it. We know the citizens of Iowa to be forward-thinking, literary sorts. But then, this afternoon, things started to get a little weird. Between 2:07pm and 4:31pm we got nine more orders from Iowa. And three more throughout the evening. We haven’t gotten 14 orders from Iowa in the entire six-year history of Idiots’Books, let alone in the same 24-hour period.
And the books being ordered, though some of our favorite treasures from the vault, are not the titles in which we do brisk business: Jericho, Animal House, Unattractive and Inadequate, and For the Love of God, to name a few.
Was this an elaborate ruse? Or had we suddenly gotten “Big in Iowa”?
And then the answer came to us. A few weeks ago, we got an order from the textbook manager at Drake University, where we will be speaking in late September. In advance of our visit, one of the professors had assigned Homer Was an Epic Poet for one of the classes we’ll be meeting with.
A little sleuthing revealed that another professor has assigned her students to each identify and order a copy of one of the books from our site. Hence, today’s deluge of interest in long-forgotten titles.
Presumably these students are going to be asked to read our books, think about them critically, and come to some conclusions. Which means we might find ourselves in the awkward position of being held accountable for our creations. If asked by a group of earnest students what we were intending to do or say with a given title, how will we respond?
It’s an honor to be taught in a college course, but suddenly this unwitting emperor is left wondering if he’s wearing any clothes.
Ah, the fruits of the seeds you sow. Admit it or not, your hearts and brains show through your talents. But then again – it IS just Iowa – and having grown up there, I can attest to the fact that Iowa ain’t everything.
Seriously – it’s a fine thing, of which you can be as justifiably proud as of your newest release. Both blogs brought big smiles and fond thoughts from this quarter.
Watch for orders from NJ in January!
Claudia – are you suggesting that New Jerseyites are as forward-thinking as Iowans?
Bold.
If the little boy had been Iowan, he would have found a much gentler way of telling the Emperor. Pointing and shouting is not Iowa-nice. ;)
Amy – yes. You Iowans are taking this niceness thing to a whole different level.
So cool! I don’t comment much here, but I read your blogs (love Bobbledy Books!) every day. You guys are the best!
I am married to an Iowan, and can vouch for their being very proud of their literary bent.
And their political savvy. And their jello salads. My husband’s favorite (sitting in the fridge as we speak, I kid you not) is orange jello with green olives, canned pineapple, shredded carrots, and walnuts…all in the same mix. ;-P
Clare: You lost me at green olives.
Clare – I bet Kato would LOVE that. Please send recipe.
I finished off the Iowa salad for lunch, and realized I forgot to include celery in my comment.
So, basically, you make a packet of orange jello. While it is partially setting up, take a bowl and mix together a handful of each of the ingredients … grated carrot (we use those packets of pre-grated), sliced green olives (the ones in the jar that come with pimentos), chunky pineapple, chopped walnuts and some chopped celery. We make ours really dense with this mix, and it is crunchy, crispy, cold, and surprisingly delicious. I bet the kids will love it. And Matthew, try it and report back to me.
Clare – I smell a blog post in the making…
Absolutely thrilled that you guys are “big in Iowa.”
Absolutely horrified at the thought of putting green olives in orange jello. Can’t wait to hear what Kato thinks of it.
xo
Tsk, tsk, tsk…so little sense of adventure…