Alright. I know I haven't been blogging lately. It isn't as though I haven't been reading. I've been reading LOADS more than I normally do! (I seem to recall mentioning how daunting it would be to get through 4 books from the library in 3 weeks. I managed... and also read another I had borrowed from a friend in that same span of time. So.. 5 books in three weeks. I was a little proud! My next stack is due back on the 26th.. three weeks for another 4. It's been less than a week, and I'm done two already!) I just haven't felt the desire to sit down at my computer and discuss these books. For that I apologize. It's not as though I haven't enjoyed my reads - because I have! Every single one of them.
However, I am going to try to get back on it.This morning I signed up for a book exchange that may or may not prove fruitful. Many people are critical of these. I, however would be happy to wind up with one book someone else thought was SO good they had to pass it along to a complete stranger. I happily sent off a copy of The Night Circus (which I have mentioned before!) to the recipient listed for me. I would love for it to pan out... but I am skeptical. (I mean, we live in a world where you kind of have to be these days, right?)
Anyways! After checking posts on some of the other reading groups I am a part of; I came across a post asking if anyone ever threw away or burned (I'm not kidding!) books they didn't like. I'm going to be honest... I was slightly appalled. I have read books I haven't enjoyed. I've read a few books I wasn't even able to get through. But.. to throw them away? Or BURN them?? Um. No. Just no.
We live in a world where every person has their own opinion. And just because I didn't particularly enjoy a book (because you can't enjoy them all!) doesn't mean someone else wouldn't love it!! (I mean, I couldn't get through 50 Shades, despite trying twice. I still don't get what all the hype was about! But - there it is! TONS of people LOVED it and raved about it. It just wasn't my cup of tea!)
I (of course) commented that I will give my books away. I am the type of person that will donate unwanted books to a library. Someone will find it and think it was great... or they won't, and hopefully they pass it along until someone loves it. ANYWAY! I came up with the idea to do a sort of "pay it forward" with books. (Something I as a reader would think was incredible if I came across it!)
I have gone through my bookshelf and removed the books I know I will not read again. I didn't have strong feelings of dislike for any of them. But. I know that I won't relish them being in my library going forward. I have a small stack sitting on my table as I type this, with notes inserted in the first few pages. What are these notes regarding?? Well! They are NEON and say in all caps at the top "TAKE ME HOME". My idea?? I am going to leave these books in random places in the next week or so for people to find and take home for their own enjoyment. How is this paying it forward? I also implore the people that pick up these volumes to do the same.
Just think.. we ALL have a book or two that will forever collect dust. How would that small act of kindness improve your day?? I know I would be super excited, and would certainly comb my shelves looking for a book or two to leave for someone else.
Maybe this experiment will fail... maybe it won't. I have also included the address for this blog on the bottom of the notes. I truly hope to hear from those of you have have in fact picked up one of these books! I'd love to know what you thought... if you did pay it forward. If you couldn't be bothered (which could happen, and I'm not judging!), or if you just left it somewhere else after deciding it would just sit in your own home! Take a pic! Where did you find the book? I'm simply brimming with curiosity and I haven't even left my first book behind yet!
Today, we are expecting thundershowers. I am only slightly crushed that I won't be able to leave these books out today. I will be posting pictures and an update once this mission has been completed!
Did this inspire you to start this in your own city or town?? Leave me a comment, include pictures!! I'm on a high just thinking of the smiles this could bring to my fellow readers! (Upside of the rain???? I might be able to find a few more books to leave! Who would have thought it would be so exciting for me?!)
Stay safe, everyone!!!!!
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