Books for Book Lovers

Hello to all you book loving individuals there!

I think, there's far too few book swaps on here and being a curious reader myself, I think it's fascinating to discover books, you may never have found by yourself by swapping. Sadly, I find, that many book swaps on here are not very thoughtful ones (or sometimes, the intention is, but participants don't really follow it).

So, here's my swap idea! You will have two partners and plenty of time. Each of your partners will get a book from you. It may be a gently used second hand one, you may even pass your own copy on, if you'd like to. Here's the coup: It's got to be one of your favourite books and it's got to be one, that means a lot to you, that you've read and loved for some reasons - we're not talking bestsellers here! Of course, your favourite book might happen to be a bestseller, but don't just send "Angels and Demons" to somebody and say: "I loved it, because it was so gripping!" Try to pick an unusual book, one that your partner probably will never have heard of. Of course, this makes it partly sender's choice, but do check out your partner's profile! See, what they like and if there's any preferences you have in common. After picking a book, write a letter about it. If you're superexcited, you may make it a penpal letter, but that's not a requirement. What is required, however, is at least one A4 page about why you picked the book, how you came across it and why it's important to you. Make this something special! You may send the same to both of your partners, but please handwrite the letter anyhow.

Next step: Make your partner really happy. Get some little extras, that match the book. It can be anything: Something related to the book itself, something cozy for a night in reading it, or things generally book themed. Actually, I don't want to put a limit to this, as I think, that's the part about making someone happy, but as people always request it in swaps: Let's say at least 3 items with a value of min. 6 €.

I know, this is a big swap, but I think, two partners make it more varied for each participant - it gives you the chance to share your favourites with 2 people and to actually get inspiration from 2 other people. That is why I want to give lots of time for it, so you can treat it as two swaps, if you like and send one out 2 weeks before the deadline and one on the send date - however you prefer. But please, don't make this a swap, where you check your Dasboard and see:"Oh, it's due tomorrow" and shove in any of your old books and some stickers and scribble a note. Make it a thoughtful swap!

Also, because of the value and the effort, I'll open this swap ONLY for people with a 5.0 rating and at least 15 type 3 swaps under their belt. I don't want anybody to feel uncomfortable swapping this! I will also check profiles - I would like for everyone who joins to have a well filled out section about books and reading. Writing: "I like books and I read chicklit mostly." doesn't count. ;)

To sum it up, each of your two partners will get:

• one favourite book, which isn't a world bestseller (may be used, but please gently used!)
• one letter (at least one page about the book, but feel free to make your partner happy and make it a longer letter/penpal letter)
• min. 3 items related to the book or books in general, min. spend 6€

So, are there any crazy book people out there who'd like to take this adventure with me? Come on and join! :)

PS: I hope, this goes without saying: The book has to be in a language your partner understands. It doesn't need to be English, but if you're unsure, please check with them.

EDIT: When I'm going through profiles before assigning partners, I reserve the right to ban anyone I feel is unsuitable for this particular swap. I will provide people with an explanation, of course, but I've just recently participated in a big swap myself, where there was at least one flaker - and the coordinator could have been able to tell that from her profile (won't go into details, but it was absolutely obvious). With that fresh experience in my mind, I want to protect "my" swappers in this swap and not take any chances whatsoever. I can't angel this swap, but I want everybody to get something nice. :)