Today was a day like none other as I was fortunate enough to be one of 50,000 US volunteers to hand *gift* a book to "light or non-readers." I was given 20 copies of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou to distribute this evening. As memoirs are so very popular these days, I thought this book would be well-received and definitely inspirational. I also thought such a beloved author and speaker would be an easy "sell" to non-readers. From the nurse's station to the waitress to the bank teller, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings found its way into welcoming hands. The police officer, probation officer, and probation-ee seemed to appreciate the irony of the title. Also, the woman outside of the social services office said she needed some inspiration in her life.
So, what have I learned from this experience?
- Although I give books away as giveaways on my blog or to family members, as a Book Blogger, lover of the written word, and champion for reading I should be hand-giving away more books to nurture reading in this community. Most of the people I gave a book to immediately opened up their copy and began reading.
- I started off with one idea about where to give the books but changed my mind the closer and closer we got to April 23rd. As the day and subsequent night unfolded, I am immensely pleased at how the book gifting proceeded.
- It was easier to strike up a conversation about books rather than walk up to a stranger and say "Are you a light or non-reader?" For example, when I talked with the waitress about books I discovered she had not read a complete book since high school 15 years prior. I gave her a book.
- I am not quite as introverted as I thought I was!
- World Book Night is FUN. No other way to put it. And in the process, I learned a few things about myself.
