What do you do with novels completed en route?
Jul 2, 2008, 10:08 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2007
Location: PHL
Programs: US/*A, Marriott, ICH, Budget, Avis
Posts: 762
What do you do with novels completed en route?
I typically leave newspapers and periodicals in obvious places where other might reuse them (and hopefully not creating trash), e.g. hotel lobby, airport terminal, lounge, restroom, etc.
Books seem, at least to me, a slightly different breed...if I encounter a periodical laying apparently unattended--rather than reporting the object suspicious--I reuse it. However if I encounter an unattended book, I assume someone forgot it and leave it be.
Books seem, at least to me, a slightly different breed...if I encounter a periodical laying apparently unattended--rather than reporting the object suspicious--I reuse it. However if I encounter an unattended book, I assume someone forgot it and leave it be.
Jul 3, 2008, 12:54 am
#4
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Minnesota
Programs: DL, Starwood, SWA, United. RIP NWA.
Posts: 318
There's a whole organization/hobby dedicated to this idea - "releasing books into the wild." http://www.bookcrossing.com/
It can be as simple as leaving a note, but they also have book stickers you can use to explain that the book is free, not lost, and outline the catch-and-release philosophy. The idea is to encourage the finder to keep passing the book on. For real hardcores, the site even has a system for tracking books that have been set free.
I don't do this formally, but it sounds like it could be entertaining.
It can be as simple as leaving a note, but they also have book stickers you can use to explain that the book is free, not lost, and outline the catch-and-release philosophy. The idea is to encourage the finder to keep passing the book on. For real hardcores, the site even has a system for tracking books that have been set free.
I don't do this formally, but it sounds like it could be entertaining.
Jul 3, 2008, 12:55 am
#5
Join Date: Aug 2007
Programs: QF LTG:
Posts: 1,859
Newspapers etc on a seat closed ready for the next person to take.
Jul 3, 2008, 1:02 am
#6
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Gold Coast OZ
Programs: Qantas
Posts: 10
On a recent visit to Waikiki I had such good service at a small coffee shop COFFEE BEAN and TEA I think that at the end of my treip I asked the girls if they would like the 6 novels that i had read they said they would like them to put out for other customers and usually they return them or put some of theirs on the shelf in return.
Jul 3, 2008, 2:32 am
#7
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,542
I read a lot when I travel -- I can easily read a book a day or more on a beach vacation.
Some resorts (FS Costa Rica, Little Dix Bay) have carts or shelves where you can leave a book or take a book -- and I am happy to say I've left dozens over the years. I also leave them on airplanes or in hotel rooms. I've never left a note -- I figure sooner or later, someone will grab it.
Some resorts (FS Costa Rica, Little Dix Bay) have carts or shelves where you can leave a book or take a book -- and I am happy to say I've left dozens over the years. I also leave them on airplanes or in hotel rooms. I've never left a note -- I figure sooner or later, someone will grab it.
Jul 3, 2008, 3:24 am
#10
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In Transit
Programs: Qantas, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
Posts: 231
Thanks for the note idea... I've often wondered if someone will realise I left my book behind on purpose or if they think someone is coming back for it. I know about bookcrossing, but while I don't travel with stickers 
I do have a notebook. I'll leave a message next time.
I do have a notebook. I'll leave a message next time.
Jul 3, 2008, 4:24 am
#11
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Exile
Posts: 15,656
I would caution you NOT to leave items unattended in public areas such as airport terminals, etc... It is the easiest way to create major inconvenience for security services and consequently your fellow passengers.
Jul 3, 2008, 5:34 am
#12
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In Transit
Programs: Qantas, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
Posts: 231
Jul 3, 2008, 6:05 am
#13
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: ATL
Programs: DL, AA
Posts: 6,031
Several of the Admirals Clubs have a book exchange shelf.
Jul 3, 2008, 6:06 am
#14
Senior Moderator; Moderator, Eco-Conscious Travel, United and Flyertalk Cares
Join Date: Jun 1999
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I usually leave them wherever, but mostly try to leave them at "take-a-book, leave-a-book" type hotel libraries.
Jul 3, 2008, 6:20 am
#15
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: CLT
Posts: 7,249
I've heard a couple announcements over the years "If you just arrived from XXX and left your book on the plane, please return to the gate to claim it." I'd say a note would be in order. I've found books in seatback pockets before and usually there is a ticketstub in the middle of the book. I just leave it be.