9. Defiant

I'm looking at it now. It stares back. Defiant.

I thought it would just be a fleeting acquaintance, a flirtation of sorts, a momentary indulgence that would leave as easily as it came into my life.

But years on, it's still there. Unmoved. Unopened.

'Law in Business and Government in New Zealand' by Eagles. 4th edition.

The recommended textbook in 2013 for Comlaw 101 at the University of Auckland.

Those of my vintage might be familiar with it: Green cover, orange titles and genuinely useless for the course it was recommended for. Like many first years, I was oblivious to this coming disappointment and bought it before I actually started the course. Ah, youthful naivety.

While I've tried to sell it, I think 18 year olds are getting smarter these days and old Eagles' tome has not irked any interest. But maybe...I don't want it to go.

For seven long years it's been in the corner of my room. Solid. I wouldn't be surprised if it's begun contributing to the structural stability of the wall next to it. Like the victim of some kind of literary Stockholm syndrome, I've treated it with what comes close to reverence. We've been travelling on the journey of life together for so long, it seems wrong to treat it any other way.

But I think it's only healthy for both of us to move on. We've matured and grown in this relationship and while we'll be friends for life, I just can't see it working long term. I think it's time for it to find a new home. Will it be yours?

If you're looking for a textbook to help you acquire knowledge, get a degree or even actually open, this is probably not the one for you.

But maybe you're looking for something that is dependable, faithful and will never leave your side. Maybe you're looking for something to come home to after a long day of work. Something to be there for you through the good and bad times. A stable rock impervious to change in the turbluent waves of time. A life partner.

If this is you, you've found it.

Give it a chance. Let it into your heart.

$50. Pick up in East Auckland. Good condition.