Due Back...

Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become. -C.S Lewis

Friday, September 28, 2007

Paperback Swap

I've seen papberbackswap.com on several blogs over the years. I was never really motivated to join until Risa explained it a little better. Basically, you list all the books you are willing to send to somebody if they request it (very simple to list a book by the way). When somebody wants one of your books, you mail it media rate ($2.13 unless it's over a pound). Once they receive the book you will get a credit. With your credit you get to choose a book (over 1.5 milion are listed) and have it shipped to you for no cost. When you first join if you list 9 or more books, you get three credits! I was surprised at the sheer amount and variety of books available.

This was made for people like us! We cleared off a whole shelf in our bookcase already. I have a habit of buying one or two books out of a series when they are not available at the library and Jeremiah always wants weird books that the library doesn't have so he buys them. We listed over 20 books and have mailed 8 already -make that 10 now-!

With my first 3 credits for listing 9 books I ordered:

Prince Caspian by C.S Lewis (I'm reading The Chronicles of Narnia to the boys)

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Vienna Prelude by Bodie and Brock Thoene. This is the first book of the Zion Covenant series. I lent it to a friend several years ago and didn't get back before she moved away. I just now heard they have written a #7, 8 and 9 to this series!! I want to read the whole series again before I read the three new ones.

I have no idea yet what books I want with the 8 -make that 10- credits we will get, but I know I will have fun choosing!

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Laura Ingalls Wilder Country by William Anderson. I found this gem in the juvenile section while gathering books for the boys. It's a must for anybody who has enjoyed the Little House books. It shows pictures of and offers more info on the real places, people and things in her books. It makes me want to read the books again.

I finally got around to Harry Potter, and I wasn't disappointed. Awhile ago somebody mentioned that I might like fantasy type books after I described what kind of writing I like. I can't even remember who said it, but I think they were right. Fantasy can be so much more unpredictable (I can't stand predictably). I can say I never knew what was coming at the end of any of these books. Also, JK Rowling has such a gift for developing characters that you really care about.


Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
by JK Rowling

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
by JK Rowling

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling (My Favorite)

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
by JK Rowling

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
by JK Rowling

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling