Personal Library Kit Giveaway
Ok, all this talk about card catalogs and card catalog art makes me want to add a little bit of life to the dying system and have a chance to carry it out in your own personal book collection.
This is actually one of my favorite giveaways. Gabbi actually featured it in one of her posts, which happens to be one of my favorites, and no, not because Scott’s book is in it, but because it’s one of the most beautiful posts about libraries I’ve read.
The Personal Library Kit was also featured it awhile back and I have always wanted to give this to a reader. This is new (from fredflare.com) and I’m really tempted to open it and play with it. It looks more amazing in real life.
I get the best book recommendations from your posts, twitter and goodreads pages. From chick-lit to fiction to biographies, the readers have the best taste in books and I can imagine your book collections. I can also hear your hearts break a little when you never get that book returned and you worry if you will ever see it again. Worry no more!
I get the benefit of getting great recommendations.
Both giveaways will end July 24, 12:01 am, L.A. time.
*Also, Elle Moss won the Futurowoman giveaway
Rebecca won the Swaydehead giveaway
Congrats, ladies!
Ooh, I got one of these as a gift for a friend once. I wish I had kept it for myself, hehe.Hmm, well, right now I'm reading the English translation of Every Man Dies Alone by Hans Fallada. As you might expect from the title, it's a bit depressing. But what makes it depressing is also what makes it so beautiful–its realism. Yes, it's a novel, but everything about it is so wonderfully authentic that it's quite enthralling. Moreover, the narrative style, jumping back and forth between characters seamlessly makes the book quite readable and never tiring despite its 500 page length. Anyway, while I would particularly recommend it to someone interested in WWII German culture, it gets at something much larger and more human that could be meaningful to anyone.
House of Leaves, for obvious reasons. The People of Paper, for obvious reasons
DDD, and Hargrave, hahaha, for obvious shameless reasons.
Bright Shiny Morning by James Frey ( i think that's it). And for something a little more lighthearted A Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Banks. My friends used to tease me when I'd write their names down on a piece of paper along with the book they borrowed. I'd do the same with CDs.
This is awesome! It reminds me of a detective kit that I had when I was younger, though this much more useful
My book recommendation would either be "Gantenbein" by Max Frisch, which I think is totally stunning and complex, but as I don't know if the translation is as good, I'd also recommend "Mrs Dalloway" (though I guess that you've already read it)
This looks very tasy indeed! I remember Gabbi's post about libraries – I think it's my all time favourite post full stop! My book recommendation is "The Innocent" by Ian McEwan – it's set in Berlin immediately after World War II and it's aboout the Americans, the British and the Russians (not so much) and how that whole divided city worked and the things that went on secretly – Oh! and it's also a romance too…
I just read, "My Name Is Asher Lev" by Chaim Potok. I liked it. It reminded me of a slice of cold baked potato sprinkled with salt. Sparse and good but not something you want to eat 3 meals a day, everyday for. It's about a little boy who has a gift for art and his gift conflicts him with his strict religion (Hasidic Judaism).
I absolutely LOVE this giveaway!!One of my favorite books is "The Glass Castle". Its heartbreakingly funny and touching. And I can relate to off-the-wall parents.
I greatly recommend Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth"! It's a wonderful life changing read!Gorgeous giveaway, thank you!
Oooooh, I've had my eyes on one of these for a long time! I love it, and it would really come in handy when I loan out books!
Right now I'm reading a book called "Artillery of Heaven: American Missionaries and the Failed Conversion of the Middle East" by Ussama Makdisi; I'm reviewing it for a journal, actually. Makdisi is a fabulous writer and historian who examines the roles of missionaries in 19th century relations between the USA and Ottoman imperial holdings in the Levant. 
Ooh can't wait to read everyon'e recommendations! My own would be 'Norwegian Wood' by Haruki Murakami, it's such a beautiful and sad tale, about love, nostalgia and the way memories continue to haunt us.
Oh, what an awesome giveaway!!!
Though I probably shouldn't try to win anymore giveaways from you.. haha!Hm, the only book recommendation I can think of [that a lot of people haven't heard of] is When I Was Five I Killed Myself by Howard Buten. It's written from the point of view of an 8 year old, and although it's somewhat dark, it's also hilarious and adorable.
Ahhh I love this! GREAT Giveaway! Did you finish Sweetness at the Bottom of the pie? I totally agree that it would make a spectacular movie, but I'm not sure who should play the lovely Flavia. Has to be an undiscovered talent.Now, I'm reading Monsters of Templeton and it just hooked me
This is lovely!
I would recommend "Still Life With Husband by Lauren Fox" It's so quirky, interesting & is based on the facts of a woman's life at the age of 30. Although I am not 30 just yet, I feel like I can relate and feel the feelings of the characters in the story. It's a great read & it's in my top 10 indeed.
oh this is SO my thing. we have a bazillion books and this would keep me busy for like a week (but i'm not entering b/c i won't be a giveaway hog).
ever read the stranger by albert camus? Its a good one and a quick read too
This is going to make an awesome bday present for my friend. I'm glad you posted this this week!Good luck to all the entrants
I would have to recommend The Third Policeman by Flann o'Brien and Papillion by Henri Cherriere. Both are filled with intrigue and adventure, though in completely different ways (absurdity and nonsensical vs. prison breaks and hardship). When I was younger, I had a libary system for my thirty or so books and coerced my family into using 'library cards' to 'check out' books, which I would then lovingly log into my notebook. And I MOS DEF charged library fines. You better believe I was going to get that nickle a day until my cousin brought the book across the hall to my room. Ha ha ha.
That personal library kit is so adorable! My latest recommended read would probably have to be The Dark Room by Rachel Seiffert. It is a novel made up of three differnt accounts of Germans before/during/after the second world war. From a young man who wanted to fight, but grew up with a crippled arm, turning to photography during the war; to a young girl taking her siblings across a post-war divided Germany, whilst her parents are ostensibly imprisoned as Nazis. It is beautifully written and really does make you think about the individuals in any war, not simply the winning and losing sides.
Ok, I'm currently reading The Sookie Stackhouse Series (True Blood) and Moose (seems funny and inspiring). The book I'd like to recommend is one of my favorites. It's called The Cobra Event by Richard Preston. This thriller is about a bioterrorism outbreak (not an Oprah book). Scientists race to find the source of the virus before more people die. I couldn't put this book down, but you don't have to take my word for it.
that is awesome! I was just eyeing my angels & demons hardback at my inlaws this weekend…they forgot it was mine! I just finished the time travelers wife (which I'm sure you have read) and thought it was fabulous. the hidden diary of marie antoinette was a great read…there are so many, I've been into chick lit lately…
Oooooo this is the best give-away EVER!I'm a fanatic when it comes to label-makers and such. I tend to use my label-maker for everything.Book recommendations:Persepolis – Marianne Satrapi (and I'm usually not a big fan of comics but this one is really awesome great and you'll learn so much about Iran)No one belongs here more than you – Miranda July (just beautiful beautiful beautiful)Herman – Lars Saabye Christensen (my favorite Norwegian writer, always comes up with original stories which also say a lot about the Norwegian culture – this one is about a boy who start loosing his hair very young for no reason, it's all about difference and how to get accepted)I bought (but haven't read yet):The discovery of France – Graham Robb Everything Bad Is Good for You – Stephen JohnsonThe Curious Case of Benjamin Button – F. Scott FitzgeraldI'll tell more about it as soon as I'm done with reading them…Crossed fingers!
I have an "old" book (is 20yrs old??) from my childhood it's a fairytale by Grimm brothers.. I'd love to share it with some friends who will be parents in few months, but I cannot let it go :-$ I bet once they babysitte her I'll read the story to her .. a special thing
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Great giveaway!!! Please count me in… I rarely lend my books out of fear of never seeing them again. Are you still on your trip? I heard about the castle on twitter… sound like such fun!
another fanfuckingtastic giveaway!!! woo HOO!!!i could recommend about a scrillion books!!! but for some reason i am going to mention "the professor and the madman" by simon winchester. it is one weird and fascinating read, and i be you have already read it. it might sound like it would be b-o-r-i-n-g, but it is not!
Ok, I REALLY want this, so make sure to pick me
One of my favorite books is Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. It is so beautiful. I usually re-read books over and over, but I can't with that one – it hits me too hard sometimes.
Is it weird that I love those date stamps? That is the coolest kit ever. One of my favorite books is The Unthinkable Thoughts of Jacob Green by Joshua Braff. Funniest book I have ever read.
One of my favorite books is Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson. In many ways its a post modern exploration of love…for instance the sex of the narrator is never disclosed (although he/she does embody many different gendered roles) and about 2/3 of the way through, the structure of the writing changes and it becomes a poetic meditation on the body. But its also an emotional book that deeply affects me every time without being melodromatic or saccharine. The emotions are palpable, bleeding through the pages, but the form of the book makes it interesting in an intellectual way as well. I gave a copy to my brother two years ago and he read it after undergoing a painful break-up with his long-term girlfriend. When I saw him again and asked him if he liked it, he said that it was cathartic to read at that time. Its also a quite lovely, well-written book to boot.
right now i am listening to the audiobook "pride and prejudice and zombies" i think it's a great, fun interpretation of jane austen's work – but in all honesty it just reminds me how much i love the original novel!
U recently read Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead which was really good. There are two other books out in the series so far and I read those too…I couldnt tear myself away from themthrouthehaze at gmail dot com
One of my favorite books is The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. Aside from the main character being a librarian (as I am one myself), I like that the story doesn't exactly follow a "normal" chronological sequence. I like that there is somewhat of a love story, but it's not the typical romance novel. And there's just enough mystery and suspense to keep one reading to find out what happens.
Hm. I recommend any compilation of e.e. cummings' poetry. His is the most tactile poetry I have ever read, and it always leaves me in wonderment.
I definitely would recommend Love is a Mix tape by Rob Sheffield. It's one of the sweetest, and most touching books I've ever read. Also, Love in the Time of Cholera is pretty great so far.
Hello – this is my first time commenting – have been reading for a while. I love this giveaway, being a bit of a library nerd myself
I really loved Stuart A Life Backwards by Alexander Masters. http://www.alexandermasters.net/new/ I couldn't stop thinking about it after I finished it. Really interesting and sad and thought provoking.
Of course right now I'm going to recommend Harry Potter (although you've probably already read it). However, here are my three favorite book ever: Bel Canto, Frankenstein, and A Grief Observed. Bel Canto is by Ann Patchett and is one of the most beautiful books ever. Frankenstein is completely different from what I ever thought it would be but a great piece of literature that I adore. And A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis has gotten me through the hard times. Enjoy
i want this
UGH. LOOKS AMAZINGi've seen this only online. totally cute. i love it.if you haven't, which you probably already have… read On the Road by Jack Kerouac.such a beautifully written novel.i swoon at it.
Ooh, I want this so bad!!! It looks awesome.Right now I'm finishing up Zoology by Ben Dolnick. I've been reading it FOREVER just because I haven't really been in a reading mood this summer. I thought I would be but I'm not. Maybe it's all the school? I think it was great at first but now it's a bit boring.For fun, light summer reading, I recommend the Scott Pilgrim graphic novel series! They're so much fun and you zip through 'em like they're nothing.
This is a brillant idea for you and your readers…we all win! Now, I offically have a "To Read" list thanks to all your fabulous readers (ah-hem;)my favorite book, EVER:THE PRINCESS BRIDE. It's simply my go-to book when I have nothing to read or am sick of what i'm currently reading. My paperback is so old and used…I love it! But what's not to love??? Romance, action and adventure!!! It never fails! Enjoy!
ooh enter me please!!
Oooh! I used to play "library" when I was a kid!Well, I just finished reading the Twilight series, but we won't get into that. Ha! A book I recommend: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie. It may sound lame, but lemme tell you, that book is fantastic. One of her best, in my opinion.
omgosh this is so cute!i would really recommend the time traveller's wife by audrey niffenegger. it's not a typical love/romance story but it's really moving.(:
This would be so fabulous. I love books. I love libraries. I dream of having a huge one in a mansion some day.I just read It's Like This, Cat and really loved it.I did a miniature review on our blog if you want to check it out!
You have no idea how much I've been contemplating getting this lately! When I was a kid, I tried to put library cards in all my books, but I had so many. I still have too many, but now I have a boyfriend, er, I mean, fellow librarian! : O )
Currently I'm reading What is the what by Dave Eggers and I LOVE it! I'm guessing with your mcsweeney's connections you may have already read it but if you haven't you really, really should. It's so moving and eye opening and funny, all at the same time.
I read The General in his Labyrinth a few weeks ago, and loved it! It also spoke about my own country's history, so it was nice to learn at the same time. I get why Marquez is so good. He goes where other authors don't, in terms of the human experience. That probably does not make any sense. The personal library kit is amazing! I couldn't take any advantage, but it would be perfect for my friend.
this is so cool! i collect vintage ex libris cards and have always loved those date stamps. i was always jealous of librarians who got stamp books with them all day! haha
"too late the phalarop" by alan paton (of "cry the beloved country" fame).it's essential. the tension in this novel is amazing. the story is heart-rending. i've read it twice, now.
Hi Diana! Haven't been popping up around here for a few days now, been away from my computer. Most times with books, i like them to be funny and witty at the same time. So i'm gonna say Dry by Augusten Boroughs. He's my new funny man. Previously it's David Sedaris. But then at the back of my head, there's my old time favourite of favourite – The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. It spoke so truly about life as a chinese woman as a daughter, as a mother and as a grandmother, back in the day of cos.I always get a little frightened of sharing books cos i'm not all that deep into it. Don't laugh if u think it's funny tho!
Hi Diana,Alright, here's my actual attempt to do what you asked to win this thing.I will list several books in hopes that it will give me more chances to win (You know more slots on that excel spreadsheet. Although, I know you told me it wouldn't. Haha.).1) Travels with Charley: In Search of America — J. Steinbeck [For obvious reasons; I read you one of them yesterday
]2) Pastoralia — G. Saunders [I think you would find this book rather humorous. It's a book of shorts and although it is a bit on the vulgar side (Bukowski style), it's funny and dry, which I know you can appreciate]3) In Defense of Food — M. Pollan [I have yet to read this book; however, after Seattle, I've been on this kick of being a lot more concious about where my food comes from. It doesn't talk about how you should change your diet as opposed to where you should really buy your food. Again, I have yet to read it, but have heard very good things about it.]4)James and the Giant Peach — R. Dahl [A childhood favorite]Okay, done. I hope you feeling better. Love,ab
I enjoyed A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore. It's summer and I like to keep things light and silly. I feel like one of the gang when I read about the unique characters. Pick this book up and save the serious for later
if i win i am giving this to my brother. he has an extensive book collection, & always is so kind to let me borrow a bunch. last week i borrowed from his "unfortunate events" series.i think i would recommend to you, dear diana, "angela's ashes" & "tis" both by frank mccourt, if you haven*t read them already.
OMG. That due date stamp makes me want swoon. I just finished reading And Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris. It was quite the trendy book about two years ago I think? But I only recently read it because it was gifted to me from a friend who was moving out of her place in Brooklyn. It starts out as almost shallow satire about the rise and fall of workers at a dot-com type company, and if you have ever worked in a cubicle type office, you will relate to the highs and lows that these characters experience. And as a writer, you can relate to some interesting techniques that Ferris uses in what I believe is his promising debut– he writes in plural first person throughout the book, which operates almost entirely as well as third person can… Only you really feel the group mentality at play in an ominous background sort of way, as one of the characters eventually loses it after he loses his job. The book is uneven in some parts, and Ferris tackles the heady job of writing from the perspective of a woman with a terminal illness in one of the chapters, which was kind of unsatisfying to me, but the rest of it is very well observed, and I would recommend it to all, especially if you're a fan of novelists like Tom Perrotta.
My sister and I used to play librarian all the time with our books and check them out with a faux rubber stamp to our bears and dolls. Just thought I'd share that.
Dream When you are feeling Blue, by Elizabeth Berg. Its about 3 sisters and their loved ones during WWII. Also anything by Nicholas Sparks. My favorite is 3 Weeks With My Brother. It's a tear jerker.
i think also you should read bukowski, sylvia plath (especially the bell jar) and leonard cohen!<321
This is so cute! I've seen it before and love it every time. I do have a few books MIA – and since I've moved around so much, I'm pretty sure it's a permanent loss. So sad!
Very cute, this will make lending books to friends fun! Ha due dates!