This Sunday I was invited to my first ever book swap party. In keeping with the green party theme there was an email invitation that asked us to bring 3 or more books, there would be light snacks and it was an “open house” setting. They would be book swapping from 5 to 9.
In my usual manner I put way too much thought into it. I had the kids pull out books that they didn’t want to keep. Each of my kids was able to fill a cloth grocery stack with paperbacks they didn’t want to read again. I thought about adding my books to the batch, but I have book sharing issues, all of which bring me some measure of shame.
1. I read books with a red pen, if there are too many typos I circle them. It’s the only way I’m able to get through the book. I realize that with the number of posts I churn out (some of questionable quality) that this is hypocrisy with a capitol H. I’m okay with that online but not with the friends IRL (I’m so hip).
2. I read trash. Really, I read historical fiction and chick lit. Not exclusively, but Great Expectations isn’t on my nightstand. When I want to trade my trashy novels for real literature I use Swaptree. Meet me there, I’m a mediocre swapper but they haven’t kicked me out yet.
3. I read in the tub, in the steam shower and in the hot tub. I read in water and my books resemble sponges when I’m done. Trading those books would be downright embarrassing.
We arrived at the book swap around seven. The first wave of swappers was exiting as the kids and I arrived with ours. As we walked in the door there was Kaitlin (9 years old) manning the ticket table.
We gave her our books, she counted them and gave us tickets.
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