start a book club

The cool thing about starting up my own little book club, is that it both gives me incentive to read, but also think about my friends while I’m reading, of my pool of people that I know, who would enjoy this book?

Not to mention, it’s a fun idea. As Danny Wallace’s ex-girlfriend would say, “another boy project”

Haven’t sent my first book out yet, but I’d like to this week.

I came up with this myself, but it’s so simple I’m sure it’s been thought up before.

I just finished reading the book Yes Man by Danny Wallance (a gift from an amazing friend of mine) and you could say this entry is partially inspired by that. The book is basically about a British guy who decides one day that he’s going to say Yes to everything. As a result, he goes places, meets people, and does things he would have never agreed to otherwise. It’s a quirky book, filled with British humor, and a good read.

I have a lot of books, and I’ve read some of them. Most of them I haven’t. I don’t like receiving gifts in general, but I love getting a book as a gift. The person who bought it probably read it themselves, thought you would like it, and gave it to you. My book club is along the same lines.

I would like to buy a book, read it, then give it to someone who I think would also like it. However, with this slight twist – kind of a postsecret or chain letter inspired idea. On the inside of the cover of the book, put my name, and maybe a postal address or email address, with an index card that says this:

Hello, you have been invited to Chip’s book club. The person who gave you this book thought you would enjoy reading it.

In the spirit of Chip’s book club, once you are done reading it, you have 3 tasks to do.

• Send a postcard or email to one or more people listed on the inside of the cover of this book. Tell them whatever you want, just a simple hello, or perhaps how you came to be in possession of the book and what you thought of it.

• Put your name next at the bottom of the list on the inside cover of the book. Be sure to include your mailing address or email address – whatever level of contact you’re happy with.

• Give the book to someone who would would enjoy reading it.

Imagine the places these books could go? The friends you could make, all over the world? Imagine the possibilities.

I think Yes Man will be the first book I give out as part of Chip’s book club. This book was given to me in the spirit of Chip’s book club by a good friend, so I think it only appropriate to return the favor.

Anyone interested in participating?