(no subject)

[inspiredlife]

One of the big projects for today is to pack up all my books. Some of them are going into storage and a small select few are going with me to Prague. But the majority of them are being donated. It's kinda breaking my heart. I know I can find these books again, either in physical copies or simply for my kindle. But, well, I guess I'm pretty attached to my books. Reading was always an escape for me during my childhood and, in many ways, it still is.

In the past hour my copy of The People's History of the United States has transported me back to Sr. Nelson, who was the fiercest teacher I've ever had but also flipped my world upside down in the best possible way. My battered copy of Living with HIV brought back so very memories, some of the worst times of my life but also some of the most brilliant. That William Carlos Williams collection reminded me of a lost friend and the knowledge that you can learn from past mistakes and save a friendship on the brink. In the Complete Works of Shakespeare I found a love letter I'd tucked in there for safe-keeping; it was from a long-lost love but a lovely thing to come upon.  

And, silly as it may sound, I'm not ready to put some of these books into the donation pile. But, I can't keep them all either. So, I'd like to propose an exchange, if you'd like a book, I'd be happy to send you one. In exchange, i ask for a letter - it can be an actual letter, a postcard, a two-liner card; just something that reminds me that my books have gone to a good home. Does that sound reasonable? 

 

If you'd like to play, comment! I'll list some genres you can choose from and then we can discuss specifics. I'm not screening comments so I'll sort address questions out later. EVERYONE is welcome to play, as long as you don't mind giving me your address.  :) 

 

Genres:  history, biographies, textbooks (american history, lit. and a some education), teaching guides/resources, poetry, children's books and a bunch random novels. 

eta: one thing, if i'll be seeing you during our road trip of d00m, you'll be getting your book then.  <3
 

 

Comments

[raramai.livejournal.com]

Teaching guides and resources are rather timely for me as that's exactly what I'm looking for right now (I know you do young child education - I'm researching adult education, but I figured it couldn't hurt...). I'm sorry for rearing my digital head only for this post. I've been reading your past ones (creeper much) and couldn't think of much to say, except what an incredible person you are.

I'll probably end up sending you 50-page letters for the rest of our lives, so beware.

(Are you currently in Boston? /Bostonian creeper)

[inspiredlife.livejournal.com]

Okay! I'll see what I can find. And, I'm glad you've commented on this as I'd like some of my books to find good homes. Also, I've been a terrible commenter of late as well but I've been reading as well. And, I really admire the work and journey you're taking and have been thinking about you a lot.

Yay! I love writing and receiving letters. ;)

(Still in FL, unfortunately. Leaving here on July 12 and driving up the east coast, with several stops. Will be in Boston July 25-August 1)

[raramai.livejournal.com]

Aw. I do hope we'll continue to keep in contact after this. :)

It's a horrible habit that I do with everybody regardless of whether they're the letter-writing type or not, so I'm always glad to find someone who would appreciate it!

(I leave for TX on July 30th, but I'll be in Boston until then.)

[inspiredlife.livejournal.com]

So do I! :)

Hmm, I don't know if I'd consider it a horrible habit. In fact, I think letter writing is a lost art.

(oh, we should try and figure something out. Mish and i drive in from NYC on Monday, the 25th. Obvs, we have a lot to do but I'm hoping to see tonnes of people)

[raramai.livejournal.com]

Sometimes I find myself wondering why we even use anything in print anymore - letters, books, photos...it makes me feel like a bit of a Luddite to feel nostalgic for when nothing was really digital. But I suppose a huge part of that is just a general nostalgia.

I would definitely love to see you guys! I don't know how many people you're already seeing in the Boston area - tbh, I'm around 30 min outside of Boston - but I can't wait to work something out :)

[inspiredlife.livejournal.com]

Yes, I know exactly what you mean, both about wondering why and feeling nostalgic. But, then I reckon we tie up memories and meaning into everything so then objects such as books and letters, etc hold as much meaning as the person/experience we're remembering.

That would be great! We'll be busy as I have to do some stuff with my house, get into my storage and, yes, see plenty of people. But, I'd love to hang out. Where are you exactly? I'll be at my house in Roslindale for the most part.

[raramai.livejournal.com]

I'm actually coming from up north of Boston - so it's a while away from your place. I'll shoot you a PM right now.