Adopt A Book

In "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, young Daniel is taken to the Cemetery of Books to adopt a book. This was Barcelona, Spain, in 1945, and Daniel's father was a book seller. The Cemetery of Books is a collection of books that are out of print, and only 1 copy survives. A select few are allowed to come in, choose a book - adopt it - and keep the book, the story, and the author from being forgotten forever.

In our world of ebooks, libraries and such, we sometimes forget that books will often go out of print. Some are very old, some are just not popular enough at the time, but books get - forgotten. Organizations like Project Gutenberg save these forgotten books, and make them available to use to read today. With so many books, new best sellers, available out there, why would we choose a forgotten book? Because it has a story to tell.

This swap will be International, and EMAIL swap, and we will have up to 20 partners (if 20 people sign up!).

For this swap, you will either choose a 'forgotten book' - one that is not popular, not currently in print - or share a forgotten book that you have discovered with your partners. We will adopt a book, and remember it. :) You can find one at the some 57,000 available through Project Gutenberg (clicky link above) or from any other source. Amazon offers many options for download to Kindle for free as well. Please note, this isn't for any freebie ebook! This is for a book whose copyright has expired.

Once you find your book, please read it. :) If you are going to share a book you are already aware of, you may want to re-read it, so you can share it's story.

Once partners are assigned, write an EMAIL to your partners (if you send the same email to all partners, please use BCC for the email.). In the email, include:

Title of the book

Author of the book

What language(s) is/are the book available in?

A paragraph (or more) about the book. Describe the story.

If you can find information about the author (sometimes it's not available), please share author details as well. Maybe a list of other works available by the author.

Why did you choose this book? Was it the author? The title? The description?

What did you think of the book?

Since we are sending an email, and these books are most often now available only online, you may also attach a link to the book in the email to your partner. It's not a requirement, as you may read a print copy.

To send the swap, use the swap title as the subject line, and be sure to include your swap bot user name! This is how you will get rated!

This is NOT a ratings booster swap. I'm setting it up as email because it will be an easy to share with multiple people, and the idea is to remember and share a book.

Who may join

Book enthusiasts! Book lovers!! I will have a manual rating for this swap, but if your rating is lower than 4.98, please contact me via PM before you sign up! Explain the low rating, and I will make a case by case decision.
If you have any 1's or 3's since January, please PM me BEFORE you sign up and explain the situation, what you have done to resolve these ratings. Having a statement on your profile about it isn't good enough! Explaining on the rating won't cut it! You need to directly message me.

This swap is International, and indeed, Project Gutenberg offers books in many languages, as well as English. Even some audio books are available through the service. You may read a book in your native language, rather than English, just note that in the description, and translate the title into English for the swap.

All swappers should have a very well filled out, detailed profile. (that just helps overall in swaps). I will especially be looking at favorite book/reading sections. A good rule of thumb when looking at your profile is that you should need to scroll down to read it all.

New swappers are allowed to join, but you must have a very well filled out profile. I will make a case by case decision.

All swappers must sign in within 2 days of the sign up date. (If you cannot do so, just send me a PM ahead of time and explain.)

If I have any questions about your profile and ratings, I will contact you. If you do not reply, you will be banned.

The book you choose is sender's choice. You may find your book now and start reading before partners are assigned. I will allow a month from sign up to send by. Please be sure you can send out on time.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns about swappers who sign up, please send me a PM directly. Do not leave comments below. I will not see them.

Really, I don't mean to be an "meanie" about this and these details. I want the swap to be fun and interesting, but also protect those that sign up, so it CAN be fun and interesting. :) Read, follow directions, and communicate and we should get along.

If you are flaked on, I will angel the swap. You must communicate with your partner (and me), and rate accordingly, and contact me to let me know you were flaked on.