I was so thrilled to be involved in World Book Night on Saturday evening, handing out copies of Beloved by Toni Morrison. This wasn’t my first choice of book, not because I don’t think it worthy but simply because I haven’t actually read it myself. It seemed sensible to try to give away a book I’ve read because then I could enthuse about it if the potential recipient seemed reluctant!
However, the event was over-subscribed and I was happy to hand out any book that the organisers chose for me – hence Beloved. Having only had time to read a synopsis and the prologue I was a little worried that I might be engaged in a conversation that I couldn’t fully participate in and dreaded having to confess that I was giving away a book I hadn’t even read myself. But no, not one person queried my credentials being instead absolutely delighted to be genuinely given something. Not as a foot in the door or start of a sales conversation but an honest to goodness gift to enjoy, savour and pass on to someone else.
I just love the generosity of this initiative and cannot wait to be involved next year. In fact, no, I cannot wait a whole year. I’m going to pledge to give away a lot more books this year and one idea I’ve had is where a retailer offers two books for £10 or 3 for 2 I’ll get two of the same book – one for me and one to give away. Yay, I like that idea!
Now I just need to read the final 80 pages of If the Dead Rise Not and I can move on to Toni Morrison.
alkitaba 