Normally when I’m in a bookstore perusing the stacks, I pretty much want to be left to my own devices. One hand clutches the coffee cup, the other hand pulls out books so I can read the jacket copy. Occasionally someone will try to strike up a conversation with me about their personal recommendations and we’ll have a brief exchange of reading habits followed by a quiet, quick separation. The bookstore is definitely not the place where I want to be asked, “Can I help you find something?” by a store employee. The excitement of book shopping is wrapped up in the hunt for the perfect tome.

On Saturday, however, I compromised my fussy needs for a unique cause.

It was 70 degrees in November and a walk to Lincoln Square was in order. A new brain-focused toy, as well as a new sausage shop, had opened up in recent weeks and we wanted to take advantage of the day to explore the new retail optios. As usual, however, after a trip to Starbucks we found ourselves at the Book Cellar.

“Isn’t that Lisa Madigan by the checkout?” I asked Constance as we walked in the door.

“Why yes, yes that is Lisa Madigan,” Constance said. Illinois’ Attorney General is pretty great, especially for an Illinois politician, and certainly is a notable name in our home due to Constance’s work in the non-profit sector.

At the time of the spotting, Nola was in my arms instead of the empty front carrier still strapped to Constance’s chest. She had a mini-meltdown by the Square’s fountain and, after a quick feeding, wanted to remain free of the straps that bind. Nola and I began to search through the store and, after a few minutes, began to search for Constance. We were looking for a book about baby sleeping habits, and after nine months of pregnancy and nearly seven months of baby, we were preparing to buy our first parenting book.

But once I located the parenting section, I could no longer locate my Wifestance.

To no surprise, I found her chatting up the Attorney General at the front of the store.

“And this must be the baby!” she said. “What a cutie.” In my absence, Constance had introduced herself, told Lisa Madigan about her time as board president for Rape Victim Advocates and the two of them immediately began discussing the national backlog of cases due to unconscionable budget cuts. Talk then segued into babies due to the empty carrier Constance was wearing.

“We don’t own any parenting books,” Constance said. “It’s not really our style, but this little one needs some sleep assistance.”

“Good for you,” said Ms. Madigan. “Those books will only confuse you. But there are a few good ones. Come here, I’ll show you a couple of good ones.”

And off we went on our personal guided tour of the bookstore courtesy the Illinois Attorney General. She searched for “Baby 411″, which was the book she said we couldn’t live without, but to no avail. After 10 minutes of sifting through the shelves and hearing about her kids, we settled on “The No-cry Sleep Solution” and headed to the checkout.

After we checked out and parted ways, Constance and I began the walk back home, purchase in-hand.

“Well, that was pretty weird,” I said. After all, it’s not every day you get to book shop with the Attorney General. Especially a very nice, generous one at that.

Now about that backlog …

Filed under: Diversions, Firsts, Matthew I.V.F. Miller