Unless a novel is a leather-bound, signed, limited edition by a well-known author, it holds no significant monetary value. Once read, especially if it’s a paperback, it’s often donated to charity or passed on to a friend.
So, is purchasing a novel a waste of money?
That depends on how much you value being introduced to characters and worlds you’ve never experienced before and how much you value the joy of meaningful content and learning something new. It depends on how much you value a common space to listen to and understand others and how much you value broadening your imagination and sensitivity.
A novel can change you in someway and/or leave a lasting impression on your mind. It rounds you out, gives you something to contemplate, and makes you a more interesting person.
A novel, like that Caffe’ Vanilla Frappuccino at Starbucks or that double scoop of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream at Baskin-Robbins, is an experience, an experience that engages you with life, an experience that brings you joy.
Joy can’t be financialized. It fills you up, turns you on, keeps you lit.
How can you put a monetary value on that?
With a novel, it’s the experience you’re paying for.
What a wonderful return on investment!
For an inspirational talk by Matthew McConaughey that helps explain what I mean by value, check out 5 RULES FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.
And here’s A LIST OF BOOKS THAT I VALUE, and I believe you will too.
As always, thanks for stopping by,
