Overrated / underrated

Yeah, I used to be as addicted as anyone to those home makeover shows, staring slack-jawed for hours as ugly houses were made beautiful for a mere $2,000. (Apparently labor is always free.) But after awhile, it became clear that all the houses ended up looking the same: gleaming hardwood floors, Pottery Barn-green walls, granite counters, double sinks and travertine tile (whatever that is). The thrill is gone, HGTV. Give me something original and daring, and tell us how much it really costs.

Sure, the Web is easier and you can shop in your pajamas. Sure, the big-box stores price the best-sellers for less. But, so what? On the Web, I can only buy what I already know about. In a big-box store, I have my choice of -- what? -- 20 titles? In an indie neighborhood bookstore, I can browse the stacks, chat with the book-loving manager, meet an author, be surprised, discover that a beloved writer has a new book out, end up with something completely unexpected. And sometimes get a really good cup of coffee, to boot. Here's hoping these wonderful islands of serenity and serendipity never disappear.