A Shout Out to Better World Books: Making a Difference Around the World
When ordering books for the new year it is hard to choose which booksellers to buy from and after some discussion with fellow bookaholics I was referred to Better World Books. Now, I’m not a stranger to Better World Books because the academic library I work in donates their books to them. Why didn’t I think about them, you ask? I was just so used to using the big name book sites, it didn’t even occur to me to try them out. My bad!
Anyhow, I ordered some books yesterday and I received the coolest, nicest, funniest email from “the books”. Yes, it’s from the books:
“Hello Sharon,
(Your book(s) asked to write you a personal note – it seemed unusual, but who are we to say no?)
Holy canasta! It’s me… it’s me! I can’t believe it is actually me! You could have picked any of over 2 million books but you picked me! I’ve got to get packed! How is the
weather where you live? Will I need a dust jacket? I can’t believe I’m leaving Mishawaka, Indiana already – the friendly people, the Hummer plant, the Linebacker Lounge – so many memories. I don’t have much time to say goodbye to everyone, but it’s time to see the world!
I can’t wait to meet you! You sound like such a well read person. Although, I have to say, it sure has taken you a while! I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, but how would you like to spend five months sandwiched between Jane Eyre (drama queen) and Fundamentals of Thermodynamics (pyromaniac)? At least Jane was an upgrade from that stupid book on brewing beer. How many times did the ol‘ brewmaster have one too many and topple off our shelf at 2am?
I know the trip to meet you will be long and fraught with peril, but after the close calls I’ve had, I’m ready for anything (besides, some of my best friends are suspense novels). Just five months ago, I thought I was a goner. My owner was moving and couldn’t take me with her. I was sure I was landfill bait until I ended up in a Better World Books book drive bin. Thanks to your socially conscious book shopping, I’ve found a new home. Even better, your book buying dollars are helping kids read from Brazil to Botswana.
Eagerly awaiting our meeting,
Chronicle in Stone: A Novel
Black Dog of Fate: A Memoir
The Reef: A Novel
On Black Sisters Street: A Novel”
Pretty cool, right? There’s more. Every time someone purchases a book from Better World Books, they donate a book to someone in need. There is more information on their About page. In fact, they have donated over 25 million books, raised over $26 million for literacy and libraries through their grants and reused or recycled close to 300,000 books at the time of this posting. In fact, anyone can donate books and they have a map that shows where the donations are making a difference around the world. Oh, and did I mention they have some great deals on books? Absolutely; and they have free standard and international shipping.
Please join me in thanking Better World Books for their social, economic and environmental service to make this world better, and please participate and get the word out to help books change the world.