« back to articles

The Beginner

Through the Eyes of a New Member
by tank34mom
May 13, 2004
Books with wings! I could hardly believe what I was being told. I could actually 'release' my books 'into the wild' and follow its journey through towns, cities and maybe even countries. A book that had taken me on one journey between the blanket of it's covers could take me on another journey through the hands of other people passionate about reading, just as I am. On the other side I could also 'hunt' for 'released' books. Writings set free by their original owners, not for profit, or for any gain but simply to pass along the joy of reading.

The idea seemed so BIG to me. Would people really do this? When someone picked up a wandering book would they really log onto the site and make a note of their find? I had to check it out so I logged on to Bookcrossing.com and found a readers heaven. A place where we can get together and not only share books with others but talk about those very books and follow their travels. Such a wonderfully simple yet completely complex idea. Simple on its face, read, release and read again, complex because it relied heavily on the kindness of others and the participation of virtual strangers. Yet hear it is, apparently growing book by precious book. I could not resist.

As a very new member to Bookcrossing, I immediately registered the book I am presently reading with the certain intention to 'release' it when I am done, which I will, gladly. I will give my books wings and, hopefully, follow their travels. I urge everyone, everyone, who reads to join this wonderful site and let their books take a trip to the unknown. I encourage people to imagine the hands that your book will be held by and the enjoyment it will bring others.

Whether on a park bench, or under a tree you never know where you will find your next gem, your next book. As you release your own book walk away knowing that someone will get a pleasant surprise when they find this gift and certainly be moved to allow the book another trip when they are done reading it.

Thank you to Bookcrossing.com for this wonderful opportunity to share the beauty of the written word and to reach out and touch others with something that touched us.

Are you sure you want to delete this item? It cannot be undone.