Sneakeasy's Joint

BookCrossing Inspires Poetry

A couple of my fellow BookCrossers have said in verse what BookCrossing means to them, and what it is all about:

book crossing a head

i was surfing the web
seeking books for my daughter
when to my surprise
i found in short order

a site that was based on
this curious thought
books can freely be given
not merely be bought

at first blush the notion
stood the world on its head
i read through the pages
with some sense of dread

for surely this concept
would create a schism
between sharing ideas
and capitalism

it's true that i frequent
the local library
so to borrow a book
is not at all scary

but this seems quite different
releasing a tome
out into the wild
quite freely to roam

without payment or credit
without return date
just bound to the mysteries
of fortune and fate

with no strings attached
just a simple i.d.
so the finder might tell
of their joined destiny

and if they so choose
pay back kindness in kind
freeing not just a book
but also a mind

'twas then i remembered
what first brought me here
my searching out tales
for my daughter to hear

in caring for her
i have learned to my pleasure
that life's greatest gift
is a love without measure

and after some thought
i'm compelled to agree
this realization
should hold more widely

whether at random
or through planned exchange
by chapter and verse
the world can be changed

so now into action
this thinking is led
and i'm sure that i see
a book crossing a head

perhaps one fine morning
i'll set out to free 'em
beside an art gallery
inside a museum

at park benches, cafes
on playgrounds at schools
at concerts and movies
and even bar stools

to all the book crossers
(those likewise inclined)
i hope in this process
much joy you will find

just say to a skeptic
if ever they see ya
you're simply embracing
a novel idea

let no one dissuade you
if this you believe
that truly 'tis better
to give than receive

and hold fast this adage
both simple and true
do unto others
as you'd have done to you

by robert-n-kate

BookCrossing Celebrates 4 Million Registered Books!

Just over 6 years ago one of the most respected, and popular, Online Communities was born, and this week saw a major milestone achieved.

CEO Scott Sorochak made the announcement:

BookCrossing members have now registered over 4,000,000 books since the site began just over 6 years ago. Think about that for a second.

That’s over 55,000 books per month over a 6-year period that have been registered in over 130 countries worldwide…and I do mean worldwide.

Some notable releases: the Statue of Liberty, the Great Wall of China, Buckingham Palace, Stonehenge, the Pyramids, the Arctic Circle and even Mt. Everest's base camp.

To learn who Registered the 3,999,999th, and 4 Millionth books, and what those books were, go here.  ;-D

Recently I reached a couple of Milestones myself.

I joined BookCrossing in February 2005, and have Registered 113 Books, and Released 106 into the Wild.

100th Registered Book = A Romance of Billy-Goat Hill by Alice Hegan Rice. ( Published in October 1912!! ) ( See Photo of the Book! )

100th Book Released into the Wild = Unhinged: Exposing Liberals Gone Wild by Michelle Malkin.

Released outside the gate of FOX Studio in Los Angeles, CA. ( See Photo! )

Making friends around the world thru BookCrossing

In 2004 BookCrossing Member Mojosmom wrote an article;

Yes, it's true. For too long, I dithered around, wanting to study Italian but never signing up for a class. Then I found BookCrossing, and now I am happily learning la lingua d'amore. What's the connection? The Italian language forum! One of the reasons I put off taking a class was that I had no place to practice; now I hang out in that forum, and on the Italian Mirror Site as well, reading and occasionally even posting. What a warm welcome I've had there! No one laughs at my mistakes, but, knowing I'm a student, they politely correct me. And so I learn.

This is just one of many examples of BookCrossing's contributions to international friendships and understanding. Whether or not this was in Ron's mind when he created the site, for me it has been an unlooked-for pleasure. I have learned so much about other countries ( who knew what "root" meant in Australia! ), and have made new friends and sent my books all over the globe.

Read: STUDIO L'ITALIANO CON BOOKCROSSING! - Making friends around the world through BookCrossing.

MY BOOKSHELF.

If you are inspired to join use SNEAKEASY as your referrer. ;-D

BookCrossing Good for Authors

In 2004 Author, and BookCrosser, Kathryn Lively, wrote an article:

During my time BookCrossing, I have followed a number of threads in the forums about authors who disparage the concept of "freeing" books, claiming that potential revenue is lost if people don't buy the books outright. Since my books are not published by any Giant New York Publishing Houses, I am happy for even the slightest notice, even from a BookCrosser who happens to find my book in a coffee shop or a bus terminal. If the person rescues and reads the book, there's the possibility he/she will recommend it to others, etc. I believe the authors who disparage BookCrossing.com are missing the point of the site's concept - to promote literacy, and in turn promote authors. As a BookCrossing.com member, I have been introduced to a number of authors I had not before read, and I have since bought other titles by them. I am sure I am not the only BookCrosser doing this.

To any authors who may read this, do not look upon BookCrossing.com as theft, but as something with the potential to bear fruit for your careers....

Read: BOOKCROSSING A BOON, NOT BANE, FOR AUTHORS - Authors need not fear the karma of free books.

MY BOOKSHELF.

If you are inspired to join use SNEAKEASY as your referrer. ;-D

Serendipity and BookCrossing

In 2004, BookCrossing member Amy Coxe wrote an article:

The value of the media coverage that has helped BookCrossing membership explode recently cannot be overstated. Infinitely more inspiring and enchanting, however, are the stories of the serendipitous discovery of this wonderful online library and community. The people that find out about BookCrossing by actually catching a wild release are truly fortunate. What follows is only one of these stories....

Read: GOT KARMA? How I discovered BookCrossing.

MY BOOKSHELF.

If you are inspired to join use SNEAKEASY as your referrer. ;-D

Official BookCrossing Zone Opens in Orange, CA.

Bookcrossing.

As the site says: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single release."

In April 2001 Ron Hornbaker launched a website to share his love of a good book.

The idea is a simple one: Read a book, then instead of tossing it in the trash, giving it to the library, or to a friend, or relative, pass it on to a total stranger!

Do this by leaving it on a park bench ( See picture below: You can't see it but I left a book in a bag, on the bench in the backround, the morining of the 26th. ), in the breakroom at work, on a bus, or train seat, in an office waiting room, a public restroom, or in any number of other public places where the little, or not so little, darling will be found.

Outfitted with a special bookplate, tracking number, and a note explaining the concept so the next person will know what to do if so inclined, the book can be tracked as it randomly travels from city to city, and even nation to nation, around the world.

Over 550,000 people have "released" over 3 million books "into the wild", and the term "bookcrossing" has its own category in the Google Directory, and is listed in the Concise Oxford English Dictionary.

There are over 32,000 members in CA., and 118 in Orange alone! ;-D

When a book is "Caught" the finder follows notification instructions, and can leave a journal entry, and the person who released the book can get notified by e-mail about the books latest encounter.

The best way to get a feel for what I am talking about is to visit MY BOOKSHELF, and explore the entries for Books that are "Travelling", and the website itself.

One of the many fun aspects is that you can be a "Hunter".

There have been over 1800 books "Released into the Wild" in CA., with 69 in Orange, in the last 30 days, including a few in the last 3 days.

There is a list of countries with books "in the wild." After registering and releasing a book, members have the option of making Release Notes, specifying where exactly (or approximately) they left a book.

People leave books in public, and even not so public spots.

There are actually people traipsing around looking for a particular book! ;-D

Some people have set up what we call Official BookCrossing Zones....

And that has what has finally arrived in Orange County with the 1st such location having opened April 26th during the soft opening of the new Chapman Coffee House just north of Old Towne.

Milestone as BookCrosser Reached

Later this month will see my 2 year anniversary as a member of BookCrossing.

Yesterday saw me reach a milestone, and it was all thanks to those readers of this blog who clicked on that special link in the Left Sidebar.

Books registered  65 all-time, 0 during last seven days 
Released in the wild  66 all-time, 8 during last seven days 
Releases caught  8 
Books found  2 
Tell-a-friend referrals  500 all-time, 3 during last seven days 
New member referrals  1 all-time, 0 during last seven days

Only 1 New Member Referral, though!

Technically the number is 2, but when my friend, Susan, died, a few months after joining, without becoming active, I apprised Management of the situation, and all trace of her was removed.

These totals are since 2/27/2005.

Not sure where that puts me in comparison to members who have been there since the beginning, but I is damn proud that the link on this Blog, and my frequent writing about My Adventures in BookCrossing, and those of others, over the years, have made so many people curious enough to at least take a look around.

I am curious though if any of the other 498 actually DID become members, and just forgot to list me as the Referrer? ;-D

Remember who initiated ya, folks!!! ;-D

The name is Sneakeasy! ;-D

Beginning this month I will be writing more on BookCrossing, and updating you on the books I've Released over that last few months.

There are some great stories to share. ;-D

Again, thanks for showing an interest in Bookcrossing! ;-D

Christmas and BookCrossing in New Zealand

It has been almost 4 months since I lasted posted about BookCrossing!

I have some catching up to do!

This year I plan to add to my archive of posts, that I call Adventures in BookCrossing, by posting about my Releases, and Catches, sharing news about Bookcrossing, and some of the great BookCrossing related articles written by my fellows over the years.

The big thrill for me, as a BookCrosser, came in early April when I was interviewed by a reporter for the local paper, for a May sidebar to a March AP Story, and then the AP Reporter responded to an E-mail I sent!

I used the platform of this Blog to elaborate on the reporting of the original story in hopes of spreading the word about BookCrossing.

Anyway, to begin the new year, I thought I'd share a short report on how the folks down under celebrated Christmas:

Seems there's a Christmas Eve tradition among BookCrossers there to gather in and decorate the Christmas tree. According to FutureCat, "This was the second time we've made a Christmas booktree, so we were all well organised with plenty of Christmas-themed books ( Everything from biblical stories to barbecue recipes to romances with "Christmas" in the title — about 80 books in total, I think )".

A bit more on the story can be read here.

FutureCat's FULL report can be read here, on her Blog. ;-D

As of this morning begins there are 523,325 BookCrossers around the world.

This closenit, award-winning, Community has collectively registered 3,617,270 books, in almost 6 years.

Join the fun, through the link in my left sidebar, and say Sneakeasy referred you. ;-D

Army of Davids Copy Begins Bookcrossing Journey

Way back in April I was the 1st, and only person, to register a copy of Glenn Reynolds new book at BookCrossing.

5 months later that still holds true, and thus I became, last week, the 1st person to Release a copy of An Army of Davids in "The Wild". ;-D

1st, though, for those un-familiar with the phenomenon that is BookCrossing an explanation is in order:

( FROM OXFORD CONCISE ENGLISH DICTIONARY: Bookcrossing: n. the practice of leaving a book in a public place to be picked up and read by others, who then do likewise. ) has 499,152 157 162 members, and  3,370,636 653 664 REGISTERED books, as of the moment I finish writing, and posting this entry ( Between 1230am and 1am PST ), in this year that celebrates the 5th Birthday of the Webby Award winning Community, and Movement.

I have been a member for over a year, and a half, and have written about the movement often, in that time, in an archive I call Adventures in BOOKCROSSING.

In my left sidebar is a gateway to the Community, and links to special, member created, websites related to BookCrossing as well. ( If you eventually decide to join I would be honored if you indicate Ol' Sneakeasy was the one who referred you. )

On April 20th I registered my copy of the book, and wrote my impressions of it.

It sat on my shelf all summer until I found an appropriate place to set it free.

On September 18th I visited a local park with a wonderful statue, that I had visited earlier in the month, and left the book in its special, attention-getting, bag.

As with all my Releases, except the 1st one, I took a photo to include with the description of the Release Adventure.

In this case I had thought that the person seen with her back to the camera would find the book but, as I learned yesterday afternoon, that was apparently not what happened. ;-D

As often happens when a person who finds a book decides not to become a member... the person who next Journaled the book, and will probably Re-Release it next, is AnonymousFinder.

AnonymousFinder writes of finding the book and being quite suspicious ( Wink, Wink, I'm reasonably sure! ) still decides to take the book home.....

To learn what happened next, visit the page for my copy of An Army of Davids, and read  my 2 Journal Entries, and the new one by AnonymousFinder, here. ;-D

If you are so inclined please visit my "BOOKSHELF", and  read about my 54 Registerd Books and my reviews of them, plus the stories of the Releases of 31 of them ( With Pics for 30 of them! ), here.

Oh.... in theory this copy of Glenn's book could possibly travel the world, thus leading a life of thrills, and adventure, creating new troops in the Army of Davids, and bringing new visitors to his blogs along the way. ;-D

A lot better than wasting away its life in the bordom of my  home bookshelf, wouldn't you agree? ;-D

OC Register Provides Local Angle to AP Bookcrossing Story

ME!

Yup! Lil' ol' Sneakeasy ( Also my Bookcrossing Name ) was profiled in a sidebar to a recent AP story that the Orange County Register published in todays paper, on Page 2. ( See UPDATE at the end of this post for a note from the AP writer regarding the longer, ORIGINAL VERSION of her story ) ;-D

Having read your morning paper you came across the stories about Bookcrossing, and maybe even did a websearch that lead you to this Blog.

Only here, though, will you get something extra with the stories. ;-D

BOUND BY RANDOM ACTS OF LITERACY by Nancy Benac ( THE SNEAKEASY'S JOINT EDITION with LINKS AND COMMENTARY! )

Inspired by BookCrossing.com, more than 450,000 people have released 2.8 million books around the world since 2001, demanding nothing in return for these random acts of literacy. They do hope, however, that those who "catch" the books will register them at the BookCrossing Web site, allowing their movement around the globe to be tracked.

As of this posting the membership is now 465,006, and the number of REGISTERED books is 3,009,106.

People register books at BookCrossing.com for free, and each one is assigned a unique identification number. Then they release the books into the wild, each containing a note that gives the book's ID number and invites finders to register them, read them and release them once again.

Veteran book crossers compare it to sending out a message in a bottle.

Many books have travelled around the world in, and out, of the hands of numerous readers.

One of the most interesing aspects of Bookcrossing is the sheer number of books that have dozens, or even hundreds of copies on the loose in the world at any given time.

SCATTERING BOOKS

I mostly chose books that I'd loved and that had popular appeal (who could resist an Oprah pick?) But after I had a dozen serious candidates registered and labeled, I decided it was time for a little mischief: I left a copy of the newest anti-Bush screed, Bruce Bartlett's "Imposter" at the Cosi coffee shop across from the White House.

To be fair, I also released David Frum's paean to Bush, "The Right Man." And, just to test the true wonk quotient of oh-so-serious D.C., I selected one of the dullest titles languishing on our office bookshelves, "Brookings-Wharton Papers on Urban Affairs 2002," and planted it on a bench in Liberty Plaza. Would anyone claim this lost soul?

It quickly became clear that security guards and other figures of officialdom were the enemy. They were lurking everywhere, ready to pounce on any unauthorized object, however harmless. A manager confiscated "The Right Man," which I had propped up on an ATM inside the Good Thyme Food Court on M Street before I'd even gotten out of eyeshot.

Yes, there is this danger, but it's a risk we all take, based on where we release the book, and also on how seriously the figures of officialdom, the waiter, the store manager, the janitor, or whoever takes their job.

Once the person realizes what this Loitering Literature is up to he or she will hopefully leave it be or, better yet, take the book home to read, report as caught, and then eventually report its release.

A book could end up in a dumpster, never to be heard from again!

A book could end up in a stash at a Police Station, or a Mall Lost and Found, but at least there the chances of it being reported as caught, then released again are  better than the trash heap!

I began to wonder if the whole effort had been a waste. But my faith was quickly restored. Twelve hours after I'd left "A Man in Full" along the edge of the National Mall, someone logging on as "ironicpathos" checked in at BookCrossing.com: "Was walking down on the Mall with my brother (who is visiting D.C.) and saw the book on a bench. How excited was I! A free book! With a message inside!"

Success! Yes!

Good for her!;-D

Read, Register, Release: The Joy of Bookcrossing

Imagine, if you will...

There you are walking past a table at Duke's Place, at the Balboa Bay Club, or maybe you are hurrying past the statue of John Wayne at the Airport, or walking down the stairs at a Hyatt Hotel in Newport Beach, out for a walk in Central Park in Huntington Beach....

Something catches your eye—a book in a plastic bag with a yellow logo on as if asking you to pick it up.

You think maybe the owner had left their name inside, or you could turn it in to someone… maybe the owner would come back for it. But as you examine the book you realize it was not forgotten at all.

It had been left there intentionally, so that someone just like you would find it…

Inside the book, instead of a name or phone number, you found a sticker with a BookCrossing ID (BCID) number on it.

Curious, now, to see just what the heck this was all about, you take the book home with you, go to your computer, and head to a website called BOOKCROSSING.

You enter the BCID and find a whole page of notes from people who 'released' the book, and had ‘caught’ and planned to ‘released’ the book sometime in the future, but forgot to come back to announce when, where, and how.

You feel a sense of excitement reading a book review, the tale of the books initial release into the 'Wild' ( Complete with picture even! ) from a person who could be your neighbor,  who had enjoyed the very book you now have.

There was an air of romance about the whole thing—the adventure of one book: from a trail out in the Newport Back Bay, to the place that you found it.

BookCrossing calls it the 3R’s—Read, Register, Release.

Over 464,000 of us, worldwide, call it an amazing, fun, and enlightening, pasttime ( Over 3 million books registered! ) that can lead to some remarkable experiences, and to many new friendships, on message boards, through e-mails, and in person.

Welcome to readers of any of the many articles that come out each month, around the world, about Bookcrossing.

Having read your morning paper you came across a story about Bookcrossing, and maybe even did a websearch that lead you to this Blog.

One such article ( by the AP, over a month ago ) even appeared in my own newspaper, the Orange County Register, this morning, with a sidebar , local angle, about little ol' me!

Welcome to Sneakeasy's Joint, where I, safely ensconced in The Maceyugoserbulgarigreekadonian Compound, have been writing on anything, and everything, since May 7th 2002 ( and Jan. 2003 on my Recreational BikeBlog ).

Don't be afraid to poke around both places, their links, and archives ( By Month, and by Category ), or to leave comments on what you read.

To learn about me, and especially about my 23 Registered Books, and the 18 of them that I have Released into the Wild, read the reviews, read the release tales, and click on and see the pictures, I urge you to visit My Bookshelf, and click on the term ALL BOOKS.

If you are want to explore BOOKCROSSING, and even join up, you can do both through the link in the  Sidebar to your left ( Don't forget to indicate that Sneakeasy referred you, if you do sign up! )

Technorati Tags: Bookcrossing

Writer's Digest Honors Bookcrossing!

This is so cool!

"You can log onto the Internet any day, at any time, to talk with fellow writers, locate writing resources or just have some fun." Thus says Writer's Digest who have chosen BookCrossing as one of their 101 best websites for writers for 2006. Check out the full list over at writersdigest.com or in their May issue.

Bookcrossing meets An Army of Davids

I have just finished reading the great new book by Glenn Reynolds, the one, and only, Instapundit, An Army of Davids ( Yes, it's one of the books I recommend in my sidebar. ).

( FROM OXFORD CONCISE ENGLISH DICTIONARY: Bookcrossing: n. the practice of leaving a book in a public place to be picked up and read by others, who then do likewise. ) has 459,300 304 310 members, and 2,954,652 700 714 817 REGISTERED books, as of the moment I finish writing, and posting this entry ( Between 1am and 130am PST ), in this month that celebrates its 5th Birthday.

I had thought that someone would have already at least registered a copy of this book by now if not actually released one "into the wild".

Suprisingly, and proudly, I am the 1st to register a copy !! ;-D

For those who don't know what Bookcrossing is all about read an earlier entry I wrote about it, and consider THIS: Bookcrossing won 2 2005 Webbys, both in the People's Voice Awards, 1 for Community, and 1 for Social/Networking.

Bookcrossing members pass books around by Bookrings, and Book Rays, as well.

Through various methods books are "traveling" around the world as you read this.

People of all ages are doing this, from school kids to seniors, in almost every nation on earth, including even China, and Cuba. ;-D

There are more active Bookworms, in the Internet Age, than you ever dreamed of. ;-D

What did I write in my 1st Journal Entry regarding An Army of Davids? Read it here.

I will make plans to release the book into the wild.

My Bookshelf, in its entirety, including reviews, and Release Photos can be explored here.

If, after reading this post, you are sufficiently moved to join in the fun you can do so through the link in the Left Sidebar.

The Bookcrossing Baby

Last Summer Karen Adrian gave birth...

I recently gave birth to my first and only child, Ahjeiza Eliana Adrian. When I found out I was pregnant, it came to me as a surprise, since I was a career woman beginning to set roots at a school as a high school teacher and English department chairperson. I felt well established at the school with a group of wonderful professionals who became friends. A child was definitely not in the works. But those are the blessings that God grants, usually at His time and not ours....

Read it all here.

Technorati Tags: Bookcrossing

Top 100 Registered Books on Bookcrossing

There is a fascinating, and ALWAYS CHANGING, List of the Top 100 Books Registered by the over 440,000 members of Bookcrossing around the world.

Check it out!

Technorati Tags: Bookcrossing, Books

Writing by Hugh Hewitt Found in OC Public Restroom

The 14th book I released into the Wild ( This afternoon ), as a Bookcrosser, was the following:

BLOG: Understanding the Information Reformation That's Changing Your World by Hugh Hewitt.

My review:

I have been a Blogger since May 2002, and have had 2 Blogs since January 2003.

The Blogosphere can be a strange, and intimidating, universe to those exploring it as readers, and to those entering it as contributors, for the 1st time.

Conservative Author, Commentator, and Blogger, Hugh Hewitt, has written a wonderful little book with a sub-subtitle that reads as follows:

"Why You Must Know How the Blogosphere is Smashing the Old Media Monopoly and Giving Individuals Power in the Marketplace of Ideas."

Millions of people are sharing their lives, hobbies, interests, and opinions through this new communication medium, and even finding ways to earn money doing so in some cases.

Millions of people are turning to blogs as a reliable source of news, information, opinion, and analysis, and a reliable alternative to the Mainstream Media represented by Network, Cable, and Radio News.

Use this book as a starting point on your exploration of why and, if you are considering blogging yourself, why you would want to take the step of joining me as a Blogger.

Let me tell you how, and where, I released this book.

March 3rd, 2006:

I left Hugh Hewitt to loiter, leaning against the wall, on the counter of the really nice sink in the 1st Floor Men's Restroom of this Building at 1:25pm today. ;-D

I know it's a risk ( A Liberal could find him, and toss him in the Toilet, page by torn page! ), but what the heck. ;-D

That's the chance you take in Bookcrossing. ;-D

Technorati Tags: Book, Bookcrossing, Bookcrosser, Blog, Blogs, Blogger, Blogging, Blogosphere

March 3rd, 2006:

I left Hugh Hewitt to loiter, leaning against the wall, on the counter of the really nice sink in the 1st Floor Men's Restroom of this Building at 1:25pm today. ;-D

3 Million Books Soon Registered at Bookcrossing

BookCrossing will mark its Fifth Anniversary, is April 17th, 2006.

So the question, last month, was how to celebrate?

As of this posting  2,780,661 books have been registered on the site by 446,108 Bookworms from around the world.

By the end of the day I will have 19 registered books, with 13 having been released.

Withing the next few days I'll have released 5 more books into the wild.

A challenge was announced, February 19th, to reach the 3 million mark by the anniversary, and prizes are being planned to reward those with the most registered during this period.

Details.

MY Page.

My Adventures in Bookcrossing Archive including my pitch to get you to join up by clicking on the link in the left sidebar.

Technorati Tags: Bookcrossing

Genealogy Online is a Great Resource Book

The 13th book I released into the Wild, as a Bookcrosser, was the 5th Edition of Genealogy Online by Elizabeth Powell Crowe.

My review:

The 1st thing the finders of this book will ask is:

Why did he write on nearly every freakin' page?

This book is not meant to be read, and put on a shelf for a few years until you get the urge to pick it up again.

That's fiction.

This is a reference book.

It is meant to be studied, and any useful info it has taken, and put to use.

This was one of the 1st books on Genealogy I bought when I started going online for research, in 2001, and is one of the best books on the market, even 4 years later.

Anyone interested in Genealogy will appreciate my highlighting as it helps them focus on the info being explained.

As I write on the inside cover:

Dear fellow Roots Diggerupper,

This book has much that may be out of date.

Copy, or write down what you can use and, if you like the book, purchase the new, 7th edition, as I just did.

Then release this copy back into the wild when you are ready.

Let me tell you how, and where, I released this book.

Handbook of Vast Right Wing Conspiracy

The 11th book I released into the Wild, as a Bookcrosser, was The Official Handbook of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy by Mark W. Smith.

My review:

This book is a Trade Paperback!

I own a copy of this book, but found this one, the other day, at a Goodwill.

An interesting, witty, and informative, book chock full of useful info any Conservative can use in a debate with their Liberal Friends.

The Membership Card for the Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy is still attached, even, so if anyone who finds this wants it, go right ahead and remove the card while leaving the page it is attached to in place. :-D

Readers can even go online, like I did, and get their own Membership Certificate! :-D

I ventured into Liberal-Held Territory to release this book. ;-D

Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

The 10th book I released into the Wild, as a Bookcrosser, was The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck.

My Review:

You've seen the movie, with Henry Fonda, now read the book!

You love the movie, now explore the book!

You may have had relatives who took a similar trek in the 30's, or 40's, and told stories of their adventure, now read the book that helped define an era for contemporaries, and those who came after.

I read this Mass Market Paperback book in High School, but remember little of it, other than that I DID enjoy it.:-)

I found this copy in the local Goodwill the other day.

Though it's a 19 yr. old book, unlike the other Steinbeck book I found, IT is still in print.

THIS edition has a DIFFERENT cover than shown in the picture above, however.

It shows people, presumably members of the Joad Family, in an open field.

Let me tell you how, and where, I released this book.

John Waynes America by Garry Wills

The 7th Book I released into the Wild, as a Bookcrosser, was John Wayne's America by Garry Wills.

My Review:

This book is a Trade Paperback!

This book is essentially a discussion about an idea.

American values, and culture came to be influenced by the films and film roles of John Wayne, & the author explores that in great detail.

This book helped me understand why I admire the courage, resolution, dignity, and strength that his characters displayed, and why I admire Wayne's ability to disappear into the skin of whatever character he played.

He is my favorite American Actor of all time, and, until I was forced to sell the collection a couple of years ago, I had almost all of his films on Video.

Let me tell you how, and where I released this book.

See I Told You So by Rush Limbaugh

The 9th book I released into the wild as a Bookcrosser was See, I Told You So by Rush Limbaugh.

My Review:

This book is a Hardcover w/jacket.

Since the 80's Rush Limbaugh has pontificated from his throne at the EIB Institute on the most popular Syndicated Radio Talk show on the planet.

His conservative takes on things are a refreshing antidote to the "Far Left wing" branch of Liberalism and the Democratic Party, and this 2nd book is a wonderful follow-up to THE WAY THINGS OUGHT TO BE, and a further introduction to him, his views, and a lot of truth telling you rarely found on the air when the book burst on the scene in 1993.

I once was a Reagan Democrat, then became a Clinton Dem, yet still listened to Rush on the Radio.

I've since voted For Bush twice, and finally have evolved into a Registered Moderate Republican.

I used to joke that Rush made perfect sense when he wasn't speaking Republicanese, but, obviously, that view has changed profoundly over the years.

I purchased this book at a Thrift Store on 19th Street in Costa Mesa, Ca.

A previous owner apparently learned a lot from the book because there are numerous passages marked with a green marker.

Read this book, learn from it.

Let me tell you how, and where, I released Rush on an unsuspecting populace.

The Way Things Ought to Be by Rush Limbaugh

The 8th book I released into the Wild, as a Bookcrosser, was The Way Things Ought to Be by Rush Limbaugh.

My Review:

This book is a Hardcover w/jacket.

Since the 80's Rush Limbaugh has pontificated from his throne at the EIB Institute on the most popular Syndicated Radio Talk show on the planet.

His conservative takes on things are a refreshing antidote to the "Far Left wing" branch of Liberalism and the Democratic Party, and this 1st book is a wonderful introduction to him, his views, and a lot of truth telling you rarely found on the air when the book burst on the scene in 1992.

I once was a Reagan Democrat, then became a Clinton Dem, yet still listened to Rush on the Radio.

I've since voted For Bush twice, and finally have evolved into a Registered Moderate Republican.

I used to joke that Rush made perfect sense when he wasn't speaking Republicanese, but, obviously, that view has changed profoundly over the years.

I purchased this book at the used Bookstore on 17th St. in Costa Mesa, behind the Shopping Center with the Mother's Market and Staples, which is called simply: THE BOOK STORE.

Read this book, learn from it.

Let me tell you how, and where, I released Rush on an unsuspecting populace.

John Wayne, American

Back in April I released one of my last John Wayne Books into the Wild as a Bookcrosser ( My 12th Book Release ).

An unknown number of days after the book was left to be found someone found it.

They later registerd the book as Caught but, as of today, have not announced a Re-release.

Here's the story so far:

My Review of John Wayne: American by Randy Roberts and James Olsen:

His friends and fans simply call him Duke.

More than 20 yrs. after his death he is still coming in 1st or 2nd in polls askings Americans who their favorite actor is.

Why is this?

Come on, he's dead already!

Beginning in 1930 with THE BIG TRAIL and ending in 1976 with THE SHOOTIST, DUKE has been bigger than life, a symbol to the world of the ruggedness, tough independence, personal conviction, and courage that make up the American character.

I love him not just because he was a great actor, but because he played roles that showed us an America to be proud of. He was the type of guy you wouldn't mind sitting with in a bar for a few drinks and, definitely, you'd love him at your back in a fight!

The authors of this book tell you everything you need to know to understand and appreciate John Wayne the way I and millions the world over do.

This meticulously researched, and well thought out story of the life of DUKE is a must. From his childhood to his college years, from his first job in Hollywood thru the incredible career he led as an actor, from one marriage to the next and his political views and activism all the way thru to his battle with the Big C this book is a gold mine.

An added plus are the extensive notes & bibliography sections and a complete chronological Filmography.

You will never look at John Wayne, the actor and the man, in the same way ever again.

Until I was forced to sell the collection, over 2 years ago, I had almost all of the Duke's Films on Video.

He is my favorite American Actor of all time.

Let me tell you how, and where, I released him into the Wild.

This just in: Bloggers are Readers!

I smell a potential Bookcrosser in the writer of Blog Business World.

What I want to know is how come it took him so long to make the discovery he breathlessly announces to his readers. ( heh, heh )

Wayne Hurlbert writes:

As I was browsing through a few used book stores today, it struck me that bloggers are readers. While that might be a generalization with many excpetions, blog owners are book readers.

Bloggers are also book buyers and authors of books as well. In fact, books in print, audio, or electronic e-book format, are very much a part of any blogger's life. If their office and home are anything like mine, books will claim a fairly substantial portion of the available real estate too.

He goes on to mention a few Online options Bookworms have in getting our Fix, and then mentions the truly fun part of the pastime:

Used book stores, flea markets, thrift shops, and garage sales are great places to find good used books. Whether your taste is in hard to find business books, classic novels, or simply some light reading entertainment, the prices for used books make them incredible bargains. When used books can be purchased for less than the price of a cup of coffee, you know you have some tremendous buys in your hands.

Like he says, though, buying is only HALF THE FUN.

Now to get busy reading the little darlings! ;-D

The full piece is here --  Bloggers are Readers: Books are Us.

Bookcrossing: Visiting thru my Link

Many of you have noticed the link to Bookcrossing in my Sidebar.

As a member of the Bookcrossing Community one of the stats kept track of on my "Page" is what is called "Tell-a-Friend Referrals":  Keeping track of people who come to look at Bookcrossing  from my link.

This weekend a milestone was reached: 200 people have gone there from here since February.

Thank you, everyone, for showing such an interest!

However, the big mystery is ... How many of you became New Members, and forgot to identify me as your Referrer? ;-D

A dearly departed  ( recently ) friend, was the 1st, and only, person to, so far,  do so, but with her passing I removed the 1 from my count in respect for her, and the fact that she sadly never had the chance to actively participate in the community before her death.

If you join let me know by  identifying me as the referrer!

I'll be one of the 1st to send you a welcome to the fun.

Bookcrossing: Teen thinks it's cool!

You know that there's hope for the next generations when they not only read, but think that participating in Bookcrossing is cool. ;-D

Meet Holly:

It was any normal study hall. I sat reading Teen Ink as others walked around talking and boys sat playing their favorite card game, Magic. I was reading a copy of Teen Ink that I had found in my locker. One quote on the page really jumped out at me. It said "I buy books not only to read them, but to set them free." I read it quickly and then headed down to the English room. I handed it to my English teacher, Ms. Hoffman, and made arrangements to come back for it later.

After school, I came back. We talked about what we liked in the article and we wondered if this seemingly magical website could be real. You can imagine our joy when we found out it was!

Welcome aboard!

After a Book Release what happens?

Sometimes you don't want to know. ;-D

Sometimes it's best to walk away without a backward glance. ;-D

This bookcrossing essay tells of one such tale:

This morning I tagged and bagged four books and set off to some rather nice public gardens to release them on public benches where they could have a nice sit down before being caught. Everything went to plan until I made what I now come to think of as a particularly stupid error. At the time I didn’t know the horror I was about to inflict on myself but I’m several hours older now and quite a bit wiser. Let me explain:

I had absolutely no intention of returning to the gardens, none at all. I thought it best to not mother the books and let them find their own way without me embarrassing them by hanging around in the bushes making sure they were OK. Also, hanging around in the bushes may have caused me a whole host of other unwanted problems. After three hours of doing nothing important at the local shops I headed back to the car, which just happened to be parked by the gardens.

The urge to just pop my head over the fence and have a peek at one of the benches was irresistible.

What happened next?

CAUGHT IN THE ACT: Why it isn't wise to spy on your own books.

The Forgotten Books Manifesto!

The Forgotten Books of the world are speaking their mind!

It behooves us Bookworms to pay attention. ;-D

We want to be read. If you, the reader, cannot be bothered to read us, why do you keep us here? When we aren’t being read and you have no intention of ever reading us again we are only additional clutter. Besides, there’s no point in clinging to us if you no longer utilize, appreciate, nor desire us. Instead of keeping books you don’t read, we would like you to pass us along to those who do want to read us. This seems a viable solution for all and will spare you those dreaded days of the dust-cloth while we stand around doing nothing and entertaining no one. On the contrary, you hold in your hand the possibility of making us — a library fallen into disuse — a happy lot as we greet your reading friends as future admirers of our craft and wit. So go ahead – make our day, and give a gift to a fellow reader.

The Book Meat Market: The Meet-up Saga

The story is sad.

Yet, I still laughed until I cried.

Those famoliar with the Meet-up Scene, know how like a meat market that can be, especially at the well attended ones.

Now comes the untold story of the Bookcrossing Meet-up, and those books who attend them:

We all know you should never judge a book by its cover, but try telling that to the forlorn and abandoned BookCrossing urchins at the end of every MeetUp.

You know the scene... excited gaggle of BookCrossers, incoming armloads of releases, and then a thinly-veiled rugby scrum to snatch the best books of the lot... The current best-sellers. The ones by tried-and-trusted authors. The ones with funky covers and sexy spines.

And then there are the not-so-desireables. They were printed 30 years ago. On rough yellowing paper. With dog-eared pages and faded covers. By obscure authors. In tiny print.

I recently found myself in a huge Used Book Store, looking at 30 to 60 year old books, wishing I could afford to take a few, read them, review them, release them, and tell the tale of the release the way I have told the stories of 15 books so far.

Bookcrossing and Hurricane Katrina

Book lovers around the world are wondering how they can help, especially by sharing their love of a good book.

Bookcrossing has responded by saying 2 things to its members:

The 1st is that money, and other assistance, is needed, more, at this time, than anything else.

The site lists agencies to contact.

2nd, it addresses the book question this way:

And of course, once people are out of immediate danger and no longer short of life-saving interventions, we can send books. There are lots of BookCrossers organizing shipments to the area (visit the various forums for threads). A good rule of thumb is to to check with someone at the proposed destination first, whether it's a BookCrosser or an organization, and only send things if you get a definite response indicating that items would be welcome and can be received and distributed without detracting from rescue efforts. Until then, please keep the victims of this and all disasters, nature-made or man-made, in your thoughts and prayers.

I'll check the message boards, and see what's up with the above mentioned efforts.

Helping after the Hurricane.

On the Death, Resurrection, and New Life of a Book

What is Book Heaven like? What about Hell?

So where do good books go when they die? If I were a book, I’d consider Book Heaven must mean entering the BookCrossing zone. For some unfortunates, novels with missing pages or unmentionably dreadful stains, it’s a case for euthanasia. Out-of-date text books or other rather boring factual tomes written years ago in an old-fashioned or non-PC style go the same way, as do childrens’ books with scribbles and crayon drawings. In between there is a sort of book Purgatory of residing on the shelves of a charity or second-hand bookshop, hoping someone will buy them, and then moving on to another shop in hopes of a more interested clientele in a different neighbourhood. Another Purgatory is being stuck on the bookshelves of a reader who has forgotten they are there. What a sad end, when they could be BookCrossing! Even worse, and this must be Hell itself, is to be put in a box with other books and left in a roofspace or attic for years until the next house move or the owner dies.

A Bookcrosser has written about what happens at her local Thrift Store, wrote the above bit of whimsy, then makes a case for resurrection through Bookcrossing.

"A book lying idle on a shelf is wasted ammunition. Like money, books must be kept in constant circulation. Lend and borrow to the maximum." Henry Miller

Where do Good Books go when they Die?

The joy and sadness of a Bookring

Bookrings involve the passing of a book, around the country, or around the world, from one new reader to another.

One bookcrossing participant has shared her thoughts on the whole thing:

Bookrings. .. don't you just love them? Such an awesome opportunity to not only meet new friends, but see just exactly where a book may have traveled. Does this mean that people in Cyprus, Australia and all over the Americas have the same feelings about these characters that I do? Not necessarily, but that's part of the fun!

Imagine getting a book in the mail that has travelled farther than most people will in a lifetime!

Bookcrossers express themselves poetically

It has been far too long.

Since I last visited bookcrossing, and since I last released a book into the wild.

That's how hectic my life has been since May.

Over several posts I want to share some news, and articles culled from updates I get in e-mail.

I hope this will inspire any fellow bookworms who pass through here to join the fun.

The 1st article is a collection of poetry by members of the general Chit-chat Message Boards that express their thoughts about what goes on there.

by zz-neena
WE:
Share our joys and our pains
and the stuff in our brains;

We question, and play,
we console, vibe, and pray;

We get into snits and
we sharpen our wits;

by MartiP
We query this,
We query that,
We mourn the deaths of dogs and cats.

We commiserate,
pontificate,
and find out what the others ate.

We talk to those from Timbuktu,
and learn what Timbuktuans do!

We scandalize,
apologize,
and start to see through others' eyes.

And though it all may seem a lark,
it's still a candle in the dark.
We share our minds (if not our face).
And the big bad world's a smaller place.

It's time I return, and join in the fun.

More poems: What do you do there all the time?

Duke, We're Glad We Knew You, by Herb Fagen

The 6th book I released as a member of Bookcrossing was DUKE, WE HARDLY KNEW YOU: John Wayne's friends and colleagues remember his remarkable life by Herb Fagen.

My review:

His friends and fans simply call him Duke.

More than 20 yrs. after his death he is still coming in 1st or 2nd in polls askings Americans who their favorite actor is.

Why is this?

Come on, he's dead already!

Critics complain that he was a Johnny-One Note who played the same person over & over, & wasn't very good at it.

I say this is Baloney.

The annecdotes and observations of the people who lived and worked with him that are found in this book show that he was able to do so much, physically, and emotionally with the characters he played.

You come away with a better sense of why you cheered, laughed, and cried under the spell of his performances. Whether you agreed or disagreed with the actions of his character, you still cared for him and cared about what happened to him

His friends, family, and co-workers, loved and admired him, and it shows very clearly in this wonderful book.

Sure, he drank, and smoked, and was a staunch anti-commie, but he was also a loyal, funny, kind and gentle family man who worked hard to perfect his craft and cared about his co-workers.

Read this book and understand.

You will never look at John Wayne, the actor and the man, in the same way ever again.

Read on to learn how I released this book into the wild.

You Don't Say! by Fred Gielow, is eye opening look at Far Left

The 5th book I released as a member of Bookcrossing was You Don't Say! By Fred Gielow, and  it is a must read for Conservatives, and Moderate Democrats as well, because it exposes some of the more extreme opinions of the farthest reaches of the Left.

My review:

I used to count myself a Liberal, specifically of the Moderate Democrat variety.

Even so I usd to read the weekly magazines of the Far Left branch ( The Nation, The Progressive, In These Times ) for years, and for some reason was persuaded by them.

But, in recent years my life began to change in many ways, and as these changes came about so did changes in my politics.

Not all of that was caused by years of listening to Rush Limbaugh finally having their effect, though. :-D

Anyway this book, puts in the readers hands proof that sometimes those in the Far Left of the Democratic Party show their true selves in such a way that it makes moderates cringe, and in some cases even re-think their own beliefs.

Some, like Zell Miller, try to save the party from within, and others, like me, realize that maybe we were never really Liberal after all ( Long Story! ), and leave.

Read this eye-opening book.

Read on to learn how I released this book into the wild.

Duke: The Life and Image of John Wayne

The 4th book I released as a member of Bookcrossing was the 1st of several books about John Wayne that I owned:

Duke: The Life and Image of John Wayne by Ronald L. Davis.

The Review:

His friends and fans simply call him Duke.

More than 20 yrs. after his death he is still coming in 1st or 2nd in polls askings Americans who their favorite actor is.

Why is this?

Come on, he's dead already!

Beginning in 1930 with THE BIG TRAIL & ending in 1976 with THE SHOOTIST, DUKE has been bigger than life, a symbol to the world of the ruggedness, tough independence, personal conviction, and courage that make up the American character.

I love him not just because he was a great actor, but because he played roles that showed us an America to be proud of. He was the type of guy you wouldn't mind sitting with in a bar for a few drinks and, definitely, you'd love him at your back in a fight!

The author of this book will help you understand and appreciate John Wayne the way I and millions the world over do.

You will never look at John Wayne, the actor and the man, in the same way ever again.

He is my favorite American Actor of all time, and, before I sold the collection a couple of years ago, I owned nearly all his films on Video.

Read on to learn how I released this book into the wild.

Bookcrossing wins 2 Webbys!

On May 3rd it was announced that the Bookcroosing website, and Community, won 2 awards in the Webbys:

The Webby Awards, the leading international honor for websites, today announced that BookCrossing.com won The People's Voice Award for both the Best Community and the Best Social/Networking websites...

This year, more then 200,000 fans cast their ballots to decide their own personal favorites from among the nominees in each category. A Webby People's Voice Award is a tremendous honor, indicating the highest level of loyalty and commitment from a site's visitor base.

Winners of the People's Voice Awards will be honored at The 9th Annual Webby Awards, which will be held for the first time ever in New York City on June 6 at the legendary Gotham Hall...

"The 9th Annual People's Voice Awards winners provide both a remarkable snapshot of digital life today and a powerful sneak preview of where we are going next," said Tiffany Shlain, creative director and chairperson of The Webby Awards. "We're proud to shine a spotlight on outstanding sites like BookCrossing.com."

"The passion of the BookCrossing community never ceases to amaze me," said Ron Hornbaker, founder of BookCrossing.com. "These two awards simply reflect the dedication and generosity of our 350,000 members pushing this movement forward from all corners of the world." 

Congratulations!

These honors are well deserved. :-D

Bookcrossing nominated for 2 2005 Webby Awards

The Webbys are known as the "Oscars of the Internet", and the "only awards show for Internet Sites that matters".

So, it is gratifying to see that Bookcrossing is up for 2 awards in the 9th annual edition.

The International Academy of Digital Arts of Sciences is an organization of over 500 folks who choose the nominees that denizens of the Internet, who register ( free )  on the Official Website, vote for, in 1 of the 2 ways a nominee can win, on the final ballots in a bunch of different categories.

An international organization, The Academy selects the Nominees and Winners for The Webby Awards, the leading honor for Web sites and individual achievement in technology and creativity. Presented by The Academy, The Webbys recognizes excellence in interactive creativity, establishing best practices on a yearly basis, and thus pushing the standards of web development continually higher.

( The Academy ) is a 500-member body of leading web experts, business figures, luminaries, visionaries and creative celebrities.

Reflecting the tremendous growth of the Internet as a tool for business and everyday lives, the upcoming 9th Annual Webby Awards will greatly expand the mission of the Webby by honoring excellence in over 60 categories...

In each of the 60+ categories, there are two chances to win a Webby Award. The Academy vote will choose a single Winner based on review and analysis of the nominees. These sites will receive a WEBBY AWARD. Additionally, the online community, through a public vote, will select a winner from the nominees in each category. These sites receive a Webby PEOPLE'S VOICE AWARD.

Cool!

Bookcrossing certainly warrants such recognition.

Unclear on the concept

A fellow Bookcrosser, in Huntington Beach, took it into his head, over the weekend, to release some paperbacks in front of some residences in the city.

While this is something I would never think of doing, I see nothing wrong with it.

One book WAS "Caught" and the person was so taken with the concept that they joined up.

However, another person was less than amused to find a book on their property. :-D

Is profiting from a found Bookcrossing book OK

The original idea behind bookcrossing involves reading ( or not reading ), registering, and releasing.

Releasing can be in a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, the following:

Giving it to someone.

Passing it along as part of a list where each person, in turn, reads then mails to the next person, and so on, until the book returns to the list originator, or even just keeps going.

Leaving it for strangers to find.

Keeping the book(s) in your collection until you kick the bucket, and your inheritors get ahold of them to read, and maybe release.

Or even selling to someone else who will read it: Imagine a used book seller registering, and labeling, some of his, or her, stock and selling the books with the hopes that readers will read, and release.