So I had my monthly critique group meeting last night. It’s always fun just to hang out with the other gals in the group and talk about life, writing, books, or whatever. And since we meet at a Barnes & Noble, it also gives me a chance to browse through the books and lust after the yummy-looking (if overpriced) desserts in the cafe. 😀

Despite my TBR pile at home, I usually give myself permission to buy one book before my critique group. Last night, I picked up Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead. I’ve been trying to read some more young adult titles since that’s what I’m writing these days, and I don’t think there’s a hotter YA author out there right now than Mead. I’m looking forward to reading it.

And frankly, I needed the little pick-me-up of buying a shiny new book. Mainly because there were more layoffs at my newspaper this week — and I expect there will be more to come before the year is over with. Sigh. (Unless, of course, there is some kind of miraculous economic turnaround. Not holding my breath on that one.)

But wandering through the B&N aisles last night and looking at all the shiny covers made me feel a little better. I really do believe that books can pick you up when you’re down, whether it’s re-reading a favorite title or just buying a new release you’ve been looking forward to for a while. Even with money as tight as it is, books (especially the $8 paperbacks) are still pretty affordable — and even more so if you hit the used bookstores or your local library.

So I plan on escaping into some young-adult worlds this weekend by reading Vampire Academy (or The Hunger Games) and working on my own book, Quiver. Because I know the story I’ve created in Quiver is going to have a happy ending — no matter how uncertain the real world is right now.

Happy endings — I suppose those are the real pick-me-ups of books, aren’t they? So here’s hoping y’all have time to settle down for a good read this weekend.