Letter to a Book Thief
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This post requires some context, so here it is: the Monday before the election, I walked to my car and noticed that papers were thrown on the passenger seat. I opened the door and checked the glove compartment and center console, and everything was gone. I looked to the backseats, and the small window on the right side was smashed in. Someone had broken into my car. There wasn’t anything important stollen. It was mostly useless papers, my car’s user manual, two sunglasses, and my face masks (that was a weird item to steal but okay). Whoever robbed me probably broke the window and took whatever they could carry as my car’s alarm went off. It was a smash and grab job.
I’m not going to lie, I was sad for the rest of the day, but I tried to find the bright side. The thief didn’t break my main window, so I figured that it was at least a considerate burglar. Then, I found out that replacing the small window would cost more than if the thief had just broken one of the regular side windows. Great! You have to replace the window frame because the small window isn’t sold separately. Just my luck, still no bright side. I had trouble focusing for the rest of the day.
I couldn’t write or be productive because I was just down about the state of the world. The US presidential election was the next day, and that’s been a never-ending nightmare. Then, I realized the thief also stole two copies of the book I wrote. Why did I have two copies of my novel in the back seat, you ask? I planned to place one in a neighborhood library, and the other I wanted to keep handy as a gift. And that’s when I found a bright side to the whole ordeal. The thief probably didn’t break into my car to steal my books, but he or she took them anyway. In all honesty, I’d hate to think of how I’d feel if the thief didn’t steal my books. I think I’d be heartbroken that the burglar thought some old papers were worth stealing, but the book I wrote was worthless. So, I decided to write a letter to this person who’s down on their luck, hoping that my book can bring them some joy.
To the Book Thief,
We’ve never met, but out of all the cars in my neighborhood, you decided to break into mine. I went through the emotions of being robbed, and let me tell you, it sucks. I’m sure my emotional state isn’t on your mind, but maybe you do feel guilty about robbing people. I hope that it’s something that you have to do because you’re desperate and not because causing others misery is how you get your kicks. I’m going off-topic again. I do that from time to time.
What I really want to do is thank you for picking up my book. I’m counting it as a sale. The reality is you probably won’t flip through the pages and will try to sell it for a dollar. Even that is a win to me because you are directly marketing my novel. Maybe you took the book and decided to give it to your child as a kind gesture. This, too, is good, and I hope your little boy or girl gives it a read and feels inspired. The book is a journey across a fantasy world and can serve as a bit of an escape from the harsh realities of life. I hope this brings you closer to your children. Maybe you decided to read the book yourself, since you may have some time on your hands. A good story may not turn your life around, but if it brings you some joy, then maybe you’ll smile for a day and help someone for a change.
You’ll never read this, but I wanted to write this to you anyway. I guess I’m still processing being robbed. I hope you get life together and find happiness. If this letter does find you somehow, then please leave me an honest review on Amazon. Five stars would be appreciated.
All the best,
Oscar Reyes