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12 Comments
Are any of you active at BookCrossing? I signed up for an account almost a year ago, but just decided to get into it yesterday, and I'm beginning to really enjoy myself.
If you're unfamiliar with BookCrossing, the basic concept is that you create your library of books (available, to be read, permanent collection, etc.) and eventually, you'll start sending your available books out to people around the world. You'll get ones sent to you, too. There are lots of ways to do this, through raffles, requests, and even games. An example of a game is a themed relay: if the theme is Historical Fiction, someone begins by offering a book, then whoever wants it, takes it, and offers a new book of the same theme. That's a very simple game, but there are lots more complicated & enjoyable ones, too.
What do you think of this idea? I was a little wary of it at first, but my neighbor is heavily involved in BC and loves it. She seems to get several books per month, as well as sending them. Lots of times, people send little cultural knickknacks from their home country, as well, and it just seems to be such an interesting way to get new books. Like a cultural book exchange. And I know it works.
If you guys are already BookCrossers, please add me as a friend. If not, I encourage you to sign up and get active in a fabulous book community.
LorriM
Written Oct. 25, 2007 / Report /
Yes, I am a member, although not a heavily involved one. I have left books for others on park benches, in restaurants, places I travel out of state, etc. I don't participate in the raffles, games, etc., but prefer to just leave a book for someone to pick up, read, and pass along.
ErinR
Written Oct. 25, 2007 / Report /
Have you had people journal your wild release books? I have to say, that's one sticky spot for me... just leaving a book alone in public? Breaks my heart! However, I just saw a forum post yesterday by a woman who had wild released a book 3 1/2 years ago, and finally got a journal entry, and that gave me hope! (For those not familiar to BC, that means that someone found her book, saw the label on the inside, and visited BookCrossing to say that s/he had found it.)
publicenergy
Written Oct. 25, 2007 / Report /
I've actually been using BookMooch (people post the books to each other).
I did register for Book Crossing, but I've not been back since for a proper explore - although I currently have one book with a Book Crossing tag inside it that I need to get rid off so maybe I'll look more.
cooper
Written Oct. 25, 2007 / Report /
I joined several years ago because my mother sent me the link. I've not really participated, but my mother has had a couple of books turn up.
LorriM
Written Oct. 25, 2007 / Report /
It was difficult for me to just leave a book, because books are precious to me. I collect first editions, some going back to the 1700s.
What I leave are extremely worn and used paperbacks, that I already have the hard copy edition of, and paperbacks I have bought at library sales, used book sales, etc. (for 10 cents ir 25 cents) I specifically buy the used books to pass along.
Yes, I have had people journal some of my books.
ErinR
Written Oct. 25, 2007 / Report /
Haha, most of my books are used paperbacks! But I'm going to give it a go and see if I have any luck with it.
LorriM
Written Oct. 25, 2007 / Report /
It might be hard, ErinR, but leave a book that is extremely weathered, and one that won't tend to break your heart as easily (although even that could be hard...it was for me the first time).
animejulie
Written Oct. 25, 2007 / Report /
Thanks for pointing out this site. When I'm on vacation, I usually leave books that I have finished reading because I don't want to drag them back home. Now maybe I'll find out if they get rescued by someone else.
ErinR
Written Oct. 25, 2007 / Report /
I'm one of the people who picks those books up and devours them, so that's another reason why BC is so appealing to me... I just don't know if others appreciate the simple act of leaving a book behind quite as much! But I'm going to do it (with a book that isn't too heartbreaking, as LorriM recommended) and have a little faith.
LorriM
Written Oct. 25, 2007 / Report /
ErinR, when you do leave a book behind, if you need to talk, I'm here.
I now look at it as an act of giving a little piece of myself to someone else.
pelf
Written Oct. 26, 2007 / Report /
I learned about this BookCrossing thing quite some time ago (about the same time I discovered PostCrossing, where people exchange postcards) but I never got around to joining it because according to a survey, Malaysians read an average of 2-pathetic-pages a year.
And I was very sure I wasn't going to find a book where I currently am (sad).
ErinR
Written Oct. 26, 2007 / Report /
I live in Costa Rica and there are 2 active BookCrossers in the country, so I know how you feel, pelf! But as far as I understand it, BC isn't just about finding books... it's about sending people books (via mail) and having people send you books. It's only my 3rd official day, and I've already got 2 books on the way. :)