Book-crossing in Middle Earth - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Mithalwen · 02-14-2005, 01:24 PM

I have just discovered book-crossing (releasing books into the wild to find new readers, and monitoring their progress on the internet) as a way of possibly sneaking back some living space from the tomes that have take over my home. Much as I love them, I am going to have to set some of them free to find owners who will be able to give them more attention - and just possibly someone might find a work that helps them in some way.

Now this got me thinking that maybe some of Tolkien's characters need to stumble across a life changing book. So I if you could release a book for a character, what would it be and where would you leave it?

So far I want to leave

"He's just not that into you" for Eowyn at the houses of healing ( a slightly embittered Valentine's Day selection there...

) but it may make things easier for Faramir.

Any other ideas?

Lalwendë · 02-14-2005, 03:11 PM

I've heard of this but my hoarding instinct deepens and I feel the urge to protect my books even more.

Still, they make excellent sound insulators you know...

How about A Brief History of Time for Saruman. That should cause some interesting ructions.

Mithalwen · 02-14-2005, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lalwendë

I've heard of this but my hoarding instinct deepens and I feel the urge to protect my books even more.

What happened to "if you love something set it free?"

And I think Aragorn needs sprucing up so how about "Queer Eye" or similar?

Eomer of the Rohirrim · 02-15-2005, 11:14 AM

I am not quite sure what you mean by this Mithalwen. Unless you come from a far-off land where books are alive (well, that's how I read it!) Released into the wild?

But how about The BFG for Treebeard. It wouldn't change his life but I think he would get a kick out of it.

And Lotho should check out Nineteen Eighty-Four, because he needs some ideas...

Mithalwen · 02-15-2005, 11:26 AM

Ah but Eomer, I live in the New Forest where ponies, cattle, pigs (during pannage), donkeys and books roam free ( or at least they will as soon as my starter kit arrives).

bookcrossing
n. the practice of leaving a book in a public place to be picked up and read by others, who then do likewise.

the web address is very obvious in case you are interested. You seem to have got the idea very well - I am sure you are right about Treebeard and Roald Dahl. I just love the idea of the world becoming a giant Library and trying out serendipity

I think I will leave some "Horrible Histories" for Gollum ... so he can get he full and gory background to the dead marshes.

Maeggaladiel · 02-15-2005, 11:29 AM

Break the Habit- Setting aside the evil ring goes to Smeagol, I think. Hey... why was this book in my library? *looks around shiftily* Um... this isn't what it looks like!

Worst Case Scenario goes to Frodo. If anybody needs a book about escaping from burning cars or giant spiders, it's him.

Vanwatholiel · 02-15-2005, 11:48 AM

Okay, I hate doing this, but I have to. I can't resist. For Legolas, he could have two books. "Your Hair and You" and "Feminine Males: Is It Wrong?"

02-14-2005, 01:24 PM	#1
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,455	Book-crossing in Middle Earth I have just discovered book-crossing (releasing books into the wild to find new readers, and monitoring their progress on the internet) as a way of possibly sneaking back some living space from the tomes that have take over my home. Much as I love them, I am going to have to set some of them free to find owners who will be able to give them more attention - and just possibly someone might find a work that helps them in some way. Now this got me thinking that maybe some of Tolkien's characters need to stumble across a life changing book. So I if you could release a book for a character, what would it be and where would you leave it? So far I want to leave "He's just not that into you" for Eowyn at the houses of healing ( a slightly embittered Valentine's Day selection there... ) but it may make things easier for Faramir. Any other ideas? __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

02-14-2005, 03:11 PM	#2
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	I've heard of this but my hoarding instinct deepens and I feel the urge to protect my books even more. Still, they make excellent sound insulators you know... How about A Brief History of Time for Saruman. That should cause some interesting ructions. __________________ Gordon's alive!

02-15-2005, 11:14 AM	#4
Eomer of the Rohirrim Auspicious Wraith Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 4,859	I am not quite sure what you mean by this Mithalwen. Unless you come from a far-off land where books are alive (well, that's how I read it!) Released into the wild? But how about The BFG for Treebeard. It wouldn't change his life but I think he would get a kick out of it. And Lotho should check out Nineteen Eighty-Four, because he needs some ideas... __________________ Los Ingobernables de Harlond

02-15-2005, 11:26 AM	#5
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,455	Ah but Eomer, I live in the New Forest where ponies, cattle, pigs (during pannage), donkeys and books roam free ( or at least they will as soon as my starter kit arrives). bookcrossing n. the practice of leaving a book in a public place to be picked up and read by others, who then do likewise. the web address is very obvious in case you are interested. You seem to have got the idea very well - I am sure you are right about Treebeard and Roald Dahl. I just love the idea of the world becoming a giant Library and trying out serendipity I think I will leave some "Horrible Histories" for Gollum ... so he can get he full and gory background to the dead marshes. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

02-15-2005, 11:29 AM	#6
Maeggaladiel Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: The end of the world as we know it. I feel fine, incidentally. Posts: 500	Break the Habit- Setting aside the evil ring goes to Smeagol, I think. Hey... why was this book in my library? looks around shiftily Um... this isn't what it looks like! Worst Case Scenario goes to Frodo. If anybody needs a book about escaping from burning cars or giant spiders, it's him. __________________ "Wide ne bith wel," cwaeth se the geheirde on helle hriman.

02-15-2005, 11:48 AM	#7
Vanwatholiel Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: In a dark corner of my mind. Don't look at me like that! I never liked you anyway. Stop staring! Posts: 40	Traitor Okay, I hate doing this, but I have to. I can't resist. For Legolas, he could have two books. "Your Hair and You" and "Feminine Males: Is It Wrong?"