April 21, 2008

A Bloggy Book Swap?

April's almost over and we're 1/3rd of the way through 2008. I've survived 4 months of the challenge not to buy any books. My friends are amazed, but none more so than I.

I'll admit, I had my doubts when God first spoke this challenge to me, but it hasn't been nearly as difficult as I thought. The positives have definitely outweighed the negatives.

~By looking at other bloggers' reading suggestions and scouring my local library, I've discovered books I never would've known about or thought about reading before. I'm glad I haven't missed out on these gems.

~I read a book when I get it, rather than stacking it on a crowded bookshelf with others that are waiting to be read.

~When I'm done with a book, I just return it. I don't have to find room for it. (Big Bonus!)

On the downside, our public library doesn't have much of the newer, contemporary Christian fiction (i.e. Lisa Samson, who I adore), and none of the newer non-fiction, either. Additionally, my church's library is small. Consequently, there are many books I don't have an opportunity to read unless I buy them.

BUT, I have an idea! What about a Bloggy Book Swap? I haven't thought this out in detail yet, but I'm thinking that it would look something like this.

~Create a post listing up to three books you're willing to part with, & link your post here
~For each book you list, you get one "credit"
~For each credit, you get one entry for other blogger's books. You can use all of your entries for one book, or different books
~Each participant will have a random drawing for each of the books they're giving away

What do you think? If there's much interest, I'm willing to host (though I'm not tech-y enough to create a button). Spread the words among your friends by linking to this post, and we'll see what kind of response we get. I'll make a decision by the end of the week.

3 comments:

Mary@notbefore7 said...

I think this is a great idea. With the move, I couldn't participate right now.

I will tell you, that there is a site...paperbackswap that does this. YOu list three books and get credits when you mail them to another member who requests them from you. You might check into that. I have a lot of blogging friends that use that site.

Joanne : The Simple Wife said...

Hey Melissa,

Did you know that most libraries will purchase a book--even if only ONE person requests it. Might be worth a query to your local library...

Joanne

Lisa Spence said...

I'd be interested in hearing more!