Randomized gifting

in #reading6 years ago

New books are always a reason of joy. While I am a huge fan of Kindle as I said again and again and again ( converted some people even!) I too have a soft spot for paperbacks.
Sure, they are an outdated tech, holds only one book, harms trees, are expensive, don't remember where you left off and you can not change the typeface or how big the letters are...but, the smells, the feel and the specific pleasure of seeing the cover on your shelf maybe make up for it.

That's why I order a book or two or three every month. It's either books I could not find for kindle, books that I loved on Kindle and want to have in paper or sometimes, books I just want to gift to people.
Honestly, is mostly books I want to gift eventually anyway. I don't think I need all that many books. Unless there are books I am 1000% sure I will want to re-read or peruse later ( I rarely do ) then I am more inclined to just gift it.
Sure, gifting on Kindle works and is pretty cool but damn if it doesn't feel cheap! The emotional connection of giving a book and writing a message by hand is something we will sorely miss in the future.

But I was thinking to try this on a different level. Something I call: randomized gifting.
Here's how it works:

You take a book you loved or liked or even if you didn't and write a little message:
"This is a book that got praise and prized all over the world. I honestly did not like it that much but the construction was interesting and the subject touching. Lincoln in his weak moment, ghost with rich inner lives...The questions at the end are very interesting and worth reading halfway through the book just to focus your attention on things you'd otherwise miss. Which is the case in my experience. I wish I had done that.
Honestly, I wish I didn't buy this book. Got it after reading one too many good reviews of it, from Schipol Airport. I like buying a book from big airports, you can find some gems and it's also a memory.
This memory is now yours.
If you think this is up your alley grab the book and read it. Then add your own thought and leave it somewhere to be found again.
Happy reading!

R."

This is a message from this book in the project.
My idea is that every book will have a message and left somewhere; coffeeshos, parks..places where someone will find it and take it. Then they'll add their own message and so on so forth. The book would become a collection of thoughts that will give more depth to reading it.

Will people take the book?
Will the pass it forward?
Maybe. Maybe not.
But I think it's worth a try :)

Sort:  

I'm a big fan of Saunders' short stories and I think this, his transition to the novel form, was a bit rocky. It was conceptually interesting but I just couldn't really get into it. I love your randomized gifting idea though!

The idea was interesting, especially how you could see the attitudes of each "ghost" was defined by the time they lived in. But as it was, I did not get too much into it and could not really feel anything...
Glad you enjoyed it for what it is though

I have this on my short list for reading for my book blog so I am glad for the warning beforehand. Brilliant idea about leaving a memory on the books you read for other people! it was also useful to know from @rarebooksleuth that it was also a transitionary piece for the author. I'll be sure to keep in mind while reading.

thank you! I love when book lovers comment. I had no clue how this book will play out but it was certainly jot for me :(

Well, I'd at least peek inside if I found it sitting somewhere, abandoned. I'm like that ;) I'm sure someone would take it eventually. I mean if you pick it up, even to glance through it, and find that message, you'd probably be curious enough to take it. :D

did you actually not like it? It's been on my to-read list for a while..

i hated it :D

Hi LOVE YOUR POST MAN!!! LIKE MY POST TOO!!!!! HERE IS THE LINK: https://steemit.com/bots/@abusereports/last-minute-upvote-list-2018-05-02

Hi LOVE YOUR POST MAN!!! LIKE MY POST TOO!!!!! HERE IS THE LINK: https://steemit.com/bots/@abusereports/last-minute-upvote-list-2018-05-02

Hi LOVE YOUR POST MAN!!! LIKE MY POST TOO!!!!! HERE IS THE LINK: https://steemit.com/bots/@abusereports/last-minute-upvote-list-2018-05-02

Hi LOVE YOUR POST MAN!!! LIKE MY POST TOO!!!!! HERE IS THE LINK: https://steemit.com/bots/@abusereports/last-minute-upvote-list-2018-05-02

Hi LOVE YOUR POST MAN!!! LIKE MY POST TOO!!!!! HERE IS THE LINK: https://steemit.com/bots/@abusereports/last-minute-upvote-list-2018-05-02

Hi LOVE YOUR POST MAN!!! LIKE MY POST TOO!!!!! HERE IS THE LINK: https://steemit.com/bots/@abusereports/last-minute-upvote-list-2018-05-02

This idea shows kindness and good heart.
I don't read many books sine I finished University. I have no time, no interest, no patience, no concentration. I know it is lame, but what can I do??
Maybe I was forced to read too many books in my teenagerhood and it is jut not my thing.
Any tip on how to go back to reading? Or should I just accept my laziness and embrace other hobbies?

It's impossible to answer this as I can;t imagine how not wanting to read feels like.I read all the time!
But I guess you must find something to fits your interests, if you have none then maybe discover some new ones. Everyone has something that is interested in.

The easiest way to get back into reading, I think, is to go to a library (no money down = no pressure), pick a subject you're interested in, and just browse the shelves. If something jumps out at you, take it down and read the first few pages.

If it doesn't grab you, put it back and keep looking. If nothing in that particular subject grabs you, try another topic. Don't feel like you have to read "great literature" (whatever that is), or whatever Oprah just talked about, or the book your friends just finished reading for their book club. The reward for reading for pleasure should be pleasure, not to check off that you read Ulysses or Moby Dick or Crime and Punishment before you died. :)

There's also something to be said for looking at what is popular now, and what was popular in the past. Series like "Harry Potter", "The Hunger Games", and yes, even "Twilight" and "Fifty Shades of Grey" sold tens of millions of copies for a reason. Snobbery is for fools and hipsters, and don't be ashamed or afraid to follow the masses if you're enjoying yourself. :)

AH! I live in a country where there are no libraries. (Cambodia)
No joke. I have borrowed books from friends and I am always at page 30
O.o

Coin Marketplace

STEEM 0.21
TRX 0.12
JST 0.028
BTC 66304.75
ETH 3568.69
USDT 1.00
SBD 2.59