Um, yeah, some of the point of this web site is to promote my books--i.e. to spend your hard earned money.  But more than just the grubby mercenary motives behind selling my books, I want to encourage you to buy books in general.  As Emily famously said, books take you worlds away ('there is no frigate like a book to take you worlds away) and pretty much allow you to visit any place, any time, listen and see things real life can't show you.  A book is one person in a room writing; it's not filtered through multiple people, actors, directors, scriptwriters, like most other media. So, buy books.  If possible buy them from independent booksellers.  Even better buy them from independent women's/gay/lesbian/ progressive booksellers.