Things found in books

Years ago I belonged to an online book swapping site (Bookmooch) and used it a lot to give and receive books to/from everywhere in the world.

I’m currently having a cull of my books as I’ve realised that we are overrun with them in the house and there aren’t enough years left in me for them all. Today I flicked through the one above to see if it was a keeper, and found this notecard from the previous owner. It is a bit difficult to read but I think it says:

“Dear Leslie, Here is the book requested. Hope you enjoy it. I myself could not bring myself to read it. Like the hero in the book, I had a buddy from college (Uni of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia) who was a West Coast ER doctor who lost it all because he could not keep himself ‘within normal limits’. When the lithium (?) was not enough he lost his practice and now is one of the wandering homeless. This book for me was too much of art imitating life. Which is not to say it may not be a good book.

So on that upbeat note from across the big pond, I hope you enjoy the read. And please remember the invite still stands for a literary/tourist lunch in Washington DC should you choose to visit the capital of the Rebellion on your annual vacation trip to the States. With best wishes, Steve”

Sad but sweet.

[Beverley]

Sad, however he took time to share his story. And invite you for lunch

[Rob Z]

Ah - the days of books and-hand written letters, sometimes in hand writing hard to read! so different now and a big loss I'm afraid..

[Susan Wakely]

What a lovely find. Is it too late to visit Washington DC for lunch?

[Lesley]

@wakelys 2009 - I think it may be

[Zilli~]

Moving story… great visuals

[Phil Howcroft]

I don't understand the reference to lithium

[Lesley]

@phil_howcroft Neither did I, Phil, so I looked it up - “Lithium is a mood stabilising medicine used to treat certain mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder.”

[Heather]

How good that you found this note, Lesley! That's a sad and powerful story that Steve shared with you.

[Diana]

How amazing that is, I never ever heard of book swooping like this. Such a sad story, did you read the book?

[Kathy A]

This is amazing! I belonged to Bookmooch many years ago but it was difficult being in Australia so I let it go. I've got enough books to last three lifetimes anyway.

[Lesley]

@ludwigsdiana No I hadn’t, but I will now

[Lesley]

@kjarn I thought it was great but as postal prices went up, and many of the books I wanted were abroad, it just became too expensive.

[Issi Bannerman]

Wow. Did you throw this one out? I couldn't. Did you read it? So sad. But why would he have sent you this sad book that he couldn't make himself read. You HAVE to read it!