Books.

I've been noticing a trend.

I love browsing bookstores. The primary way I pick out a new books is by browsing the shelves till one catches my eye as appearing to be one of interest to me. I know, I know... "You can't judge a book by its cover". Well, I do. There, I said it. I rarely will pick up  a book to read if the cover is not at all compelling.
After I pick up the book that has caught my eye, I immediately flip it over to read the synopsis of the story on the back cover. If the synopsis is equally if not more compelling than the cover, I will delve into the first chapter. And, though I am digressing from my point, if the first chapter does not reel me in, I'll put the book down and never finish it.

Anyway, here is the trend that I've been seeing. Lately, when I've picked up books and flipped them over to read a synopsis of the story, I am met not with a synopsis at all. It has been replaced by a bunch of quotes by people I may or may not know saying something like "This book changed my life!" or "I couldn't put this book down!" or even, "Excellent!"

But... But.... What is the story about??

This evening my husband and I were talking about this subject over dinner at TGI Fridays after he read to me a description from the menu for the Turkey Burger.
"Fire-grilled and seasoned just right, you'll love this flavorful ground turkey patty that's served with all your favorite garnishes."
What kind of seasonings? What variety of flavorful? And how do you know what my favorite garnishes are? They really don't give you any tangible idea of what this burger tastes like. Needless to say, neither of us ordered the turkey burger. 

How did it happen that we now live in a world where we don't need the facts to make a decision for ourselves. We just need the approving thumbs up from someone else.