Got Free Books?

I know what you mean about American-centric stores, and as someone in Europe it does annoy me too. But I have to remind myself that all good ideas have to start somewhere, and if they are honestly that great, they'll spread out sooner or later.

"Releasing" does get easier, honestly! there are ways to sooth the letting go, such as putting the books in clear plastic bags to stave off the bad weather.

Regular bookcrossers also seem to instinctively find those special shops where decent books are sold really cheapily, or even free - e.g. libraries closing down or charity shops who would otherwise be pulping the books. These are the books that are the often left out wild. In releasing the books you get used to the fact that it might not get picked up and let it go - it can be quite freeing actually!

And those more special, more expensive books are often not "Wild" released but passed around by hand and post across the world for loads to share.

Reading this I look across at one of my bookcases and see all the stacks of books waiting to be read and nearly start dreaming of going out and collecting a heap of books to bring home to read (and actually reading all of them!).

I'm at the stage of the year where I can only bring a new book into the flat when I've finished one.

I usually get my books by sharing, book sales or 2nd handbook shops. The idea of posting books about is novel to me. When our little circle of book readers have all read a book we give them to a regional library (we read them without harming the book).

I do markets and at Mosman markets (on this Saturday, yeh!) the local library sells books for just $1.10 and I always come away with something.

If you love a good dry, witty humour and are curious to explore the male perspective explore Patrick O'Brian and start with "Master and Commander". I love this series and they are the only books I've managed to re-read and love them.

For a read from another land try exploring "Home" by Larissa Behrendt published by UQP ISBN 0 7022 3407 9. It is a lovely read and maybe a local library could bring it in as part of their program for respecting writings by native peoples of the world (sharing such similar experiences with white fella settlement).

For a casual summer read I enjoy the Scottish writer Meg Henderson. She has also written about migration to Canada.

Happy reading!

Smiles
Belinda

Creatively Belle - Earring Holders and Jewelry Designs ( http://www.creativelybelle.com/ )

I just came across this - and couldn't believe it -
Man Burns Books as Act of Protest
( http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070528/ap_on_re_us/bo... )
Catherine Morgan
Women 4 Hope ( http://women4hope.wordpress.com/ ) and Be The Change You Want To See In Yourself ( http://catherinemarie.wordpress.com/ )

I haven't really gotten into book trading online. Now, this is just my personal impression, but I find the most of them are more geared toward American readers which is totally understandable. But as a Canadian I find them less convenient. I do frequently share and trade with my online friends though. Especially if I've blogged about a Canadian book that they cannot access easily.

Bookcrossing is great. My only problem is that I worry that someone won't find the book or it will get rained on, etc. I've actually found a few books in the wild and have left them in the hopes that someone who has never heard of Bookcrossing will pick them up.

Sassymonkey ( http://sassymonkey.ca/ ) and Sassymonkey Reads ( http://sassymonkeyreads.wordpress.com/ ).

Bookcrossing is great! I've been a member for years and have met so many great people and read so many authors I would never have tried otherwise

ooooh, also, if you trade or just want to create good book karma: www.bookcrossing.com ( http://www.bookcrossing.com )

Healthy Manifest ( http://healthymanifest.blogspot.com )

There are some great book trading sites out there. I've cut down my book spending considerably by trading gently used books on sites like bookins.com and bookmooch.com.