Two weeks ago I shared my disapproving opinion of the Texas State Board of Education, and its inability to distinguish between authors Bill Martin and Bill Martin Jr.

This week I have done the same.

Well, not exactly the same, especially since it just affects me and not all of our state’s school children. My blunder was a classic case of title confusion.

I didn’t get to go to the last meeting of my book club, but I knew the next selection had the word “outlander” in the title. For some reason, I thought this was sufficient information. I could figure it out which book we were reading, right?

I happily headed to Barnes and Noble with a gift card burning a hole in my pocket.

And I bought this:

I was so excited! I came home and showed it to my husband, even read him the synopsis on the back. It sounded just like something my book club would read.

It’s about a 19-year-old widow, who killed her husband and is now fleeing through the wilderness of Montana, or some state like that, with her angry brothers-in-law chasing her and seeking to avenge the death of their younger brother. She is faced with the wilds of nature and the wilds of her own mind. I couldn’t wait to get started.

Then I found out I was supposed to have purchased this:

You can see how I was confused – “The Outlander” vs. “Outlander.” And I knew there was a “G” somewhere in the author’s name. (Sigh)

Now we’re halfway through the month, and I haven’t even started the next book. So much for being “ahead” and prepared for the March meeting. Looks like I need to make another trip to the library or bookstore … there are worse things in life.