Don't Forget to Read a Book!

Hello, Stranger.

In July of 2017 a man named Derrick McGlashen died of Stage 4 lung cancer.  He was not famous, so you didn't miss the announcement.  Even most of us who did know him never knew his name until he passed away.  We just thought of him as the Book Guy.

McGlashen was a panhandler in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and stationed himself in front of a grocery store on 7th Avenue.  He always had his cup to gather change, but instead of asking for money, he would strike up conversations with people passing by.

He was a warm, gregarious fellow, with a broad smile.  His disarming charm made him a neighborhood staple, to the degree that if he was not at his usual spot, it was a topic of conversation.  He'd be gone for a few days, and when he came back, people would say, "You weren't here!" and he would laugh and say, "Just had to stretch my legs!" 

He was probably in his spot 300 days a year, for as many years as I can recall.  He always addressed the kids walking by, or out with their parents, or those who had stopped to chat.  He'd wave a hand and say, "Don't forget to read a book!"

For us kids, of course, it was a funny thing that the friendly guy outside Key Food always said.

For him, it was a warning.  Read a book, kids, and don't turn out like me.  Read a book, because you can have a future.

I think about him, sometimes.  In many ways resigned to his fate, but nonetheless optimistic, looking out for others.

These days, there's a plaque with his catchphrase on his corner, right where he used to sit.  It seems a paltry memorial to someone who was a fixture in the community, barely a mark to show that he was once there, and now is not.

The least I can do is try to heed his words.

Anyway, that's how this blog got its name.

Have an excellent day, Stranger.

And don't forget to read a book!