By now, you’ve probably noticed that readers are posting and Tweeting #GiveaBook everywhere this week, and it warms my heart. It is always important to encourage friends to share the magic of reading, and support their local authors, but this month the message means even more. Penguin Random House has chosen Save The Children as the recipient of their #GiveaBook charitable campaign this year. As you’ve probably heard, for every use of the hashtag #GiveaBook on Facebook and Twitter before December 25, Penguin Random House will donate a book to the Save the Children organization, up to 25,000 times. You can follow the campaign at @giveabooknow on Twitter for more information.
So here I am, joining the chorus to encourage you to get involved and to spread the hastag. I love to give books and I love to get them. Ask the husband who offers to carry my very heavy suitcase. Is giving a book boring? Never, because there is such a variety of books to chose from at your local indie bookstore and online. And if your nephew reads on his ipad, I suggest that you gift him an ebook. For years, my family in Maine has been giving me a copy of The Best American Short Stories (insert year) every Christmas. It’s only one of many great anthologies out there, and I know it’s coming, but pulling open that box and taking in the new book smell of the collection makes me very happy. Every year. The stories themselves contain the surprises. So don’t fall for the flashy gizmos. Books are a classic gift for a reason. A good book is a good friend. Happy Holidays!
