After I started this piece, I decided I’d reach out to
Betty via the email address listed on her Amazon
page. I didn’t really know what the point of
reaching out would be; it felt indulgent and kind of
silly to describe how she inspired this piece, but I
wanted to let her know that I genuinely enjoyed
reading her reviews. I decided to keep it succinct:
My name's Nick--I'm 24 years old, and I live in
Philadelphia. I just wanted to thank you for all the
time you spend writing Amazon reviews. Your
writeups are always incredibly thorough, and I
appreciate that you inject a little background into
your life into every one. You're clearly very thoughtful,
so thanks for taking the time to share your
experiences. I really appreciate it.”
“
The next morning, I received a reply. In typical Betty
the Librarian fashion, it’s a lengthy 872 words, kind of
rambly, and weirdly touching. It simultaneously
confirms some preconceived ideas about her (yes, her
writing definitely projects a crazy old lady vibe) while
reaffirming the inexorable humanity she projects in
every review. I’ll let Betty have the last word:
" BETTY, LIKE EVERY SINGLE
OTHER CONTRIBUTOR TO
AMAZON, EVERY ANONYMOUS
AVATAR ON EVERY FORUM I’VE
FREQUENTED, AND PERHAPS
MORE SALIENTLY, EVERY RANDO I
PASS ON THE STREET, EVERY
CASHIER AND MOTORIST AND
COWORKER-WHOSE-NAME-ICAN’T-QUITE-REMEMBER, IS JUST
AS MUCH OF A PERSON, WITH
JUST AS RICH OF A BACKSTORY,
AS I AM."
I believe in giving back to Amazon users for the help
they give me when I am shopping. I hope you always
have a good buying experience at Amazon and thank
you very much for your comments. Your email means a
lot to me and I am writing this at 11:06 p.m. on August
11 and in less than hour it is my birthday and I will be 82
years old. I just went to the mail room and got three
birthday cards and a gift, and now I consider your email
a very special birthday gift to me. Thank you so much
for the time you took to contact me and may God bless
you always -- as I tell my sister each day when I send her
an email, Remember to do something that makes you
happy every single day...This week I was able to
increase the speed on my treadmill from 8/10 to 9/10
mph -- I was shocked to be able to do that and happy
but when I tried to go up to 1 mph I got dizzy -- so maybe
I will make it after another few weeks -- and maybe not
but I am moving and not letting age get me
down...Bless you always and may you and your loved
ones have a wonderful future filled with happiness, love
and prosperity.
Your friend, Betty the Librarian.” //