I've spent a fair number of Valentine's Days with gentleman callers, and have even scored a few gifts over the years. Maybe I'm biased because my own book, Agorafabulous!: Dispatches From My Bedroom, comes out on Valentine's Day this year, but it recently occurred to me that a book would make the best possible present for the most romantic day of the year. Here's why.
1.) It's incredibly sexy. I mean, duh. Is there anything hotter than a guy who reads? How about a guy who reads Pablo Neruda's love poems, realizes they're the perfect aphrodisiac, purchases a volume of them, wraps it in pink and red paper and presents it to a swooning lady love?
2.) It's incredibly affordable. Diamonds are boring and often come from ethically suspect sources. Chocolate makes you fat and sluggish. Books have the potential to make you smarter, more interesting, fitter, richer, and better in bed! At the very least, a good read will improve your dinner party conversation.
3.) It lasts forever. Or at least for the rest of your natural life, which is more than I can say for some stinky pile of flowers or some soon-to-be stale red velvet cake.
4.) It won't leave you with a headache in the morning. Reading a book is an inherently good choice, and while its content may vary, the book itself can't make you do crazy things. A bottle of champagne, on the other hand…that's a different (and potentially far more salacious) story.
5.) It’ll help you weed out an unsuitable suitor. Two words: “The Fountainhead.” You’re welcome.
Now go forth and get some! (Books, that is.) And a happy, happy Valentine’s Day to you.
In celebration of Valentine’s Day I'm giving away copies of Sara’s new book Agorafabulous!: Dispatches from My Bedroom to five randomly selected commenters who comment on this post today!
Click to watch the book trailer and connect with Sara on Facebook and Twitter.
I'll agree that a book is the best gift! There are always so many different options too. You can't really go wrong.
2012 is appearing to be the Year of the Memoir in my GoodReads list. Thanks for giving me another title to add to my pile!
Posted by: Melissa Cummins | February 14, 2012 at 12:28 AM
Books are the perfect gift because picking out the right book for someone is so personal.
Posted by: Kathy R | February 14, 2012 at 07:34 AM
I knew my husband was the one when on our first Valentine's Day he gave me a book. An early edition of To Kill A Mockingbird (which also made him awesome). 26 years later I still get books as gifts.
Posted by: Heyiwanttoreadthat | February 14, 2012 at 10:00 AM
A captivating post which I fully endorse and appreciate. Books which I treasure are always a gift that is ideal, and memorable. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
Posted by: Sharon Berger | February 14, 2012 at 12:37 PM
I love a good book. Tuck a rose inside the pages and you have the perfect Valentine's Day gift!
Posted by: Janet Oberfoell | February 14, 2012 at 03:48 PM
I like reason number 1. So true. What you think plays a big part in being sexy and romantic.
Posted by: Aniko Nagy | February 14, 2012 at 10:23 PM