Give a book away
A few days ago Kevin Miller caught my attention. He posted a message to Chris Brogan on twitter asking where he could get a deal on a box of 20 of Chris’s latest book, Trust Agents. He wanted to send them to a few friends. I can only imagine what will come of Kevin Miller’s gifts.
A while ago I was unexpectedly laid off from work. I was pretty shaken. I remember dusting off my tools and putting my carpentry skills back to work to pay the bills. It was the rainy season here in Oregon, but I felt that I had no choice. I needed to continue working in some capacity as I waited to see if my job would exist when the lay off ended. It was a very discouraging time. I started to reevaluate everything from life goals to job satisfaction. Throughout the process my good friend, Jon Dale, was there to encourage and listen. Better yet, he sent me a book. After opening the surprise package and reading the first chapter, I knew he had seen a perfect opportunity to share a hopeful message that would change my perspective. He had followed through with action. The book helped me launch into everything I am doing today.
How often have you read a book and told a friend about it only to find out many months later that they still have not taken your advice and read it? I do it all the time. Someone suggests something, but I just don’t have the time to follow through. On the other hand, I have read every single book that a friend has sent me. There is something profound about a statement followed up by a package from Amazon. It says, “I think you need to hear this message so much that I put money behind it”. We have the power to help others change their lives and perspectives, change their world, and carry on that change. We have the opportunity to help those around us in a time when bad news abounds and dreams are being dashed. I’ll bet the pay off will far outweigh the cost of a few books and shipping.
Go ahead. Give a book away.
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Great advice! I, too, have read all the books people have sent me while “meaning” to get to the ones recommended by friends – just rarely getting around to it. And having been on the receiving end of gifted books and realizing “the profound” message (as John so eloquently puts it), have gifted books to friends and family. And, for the most part, it’s been pretty great to watch the ripple effect progress. My top two gifted book to others? “Toxic Parents: Overcoming Their Hurtful Legacy and Reclaiming Your Life” (http://bit.ly/alei0) and “Emotional Blackmail: When the People in Your Life Use Fear, Obligation, and Guilt to Manipulate You” (http://bit.ly/kQJx2), both by Susan Forward. Easy reads and while not all sections may be applicable to each of us, it’s been my experience that many of the sections have been helpful for other areas in our lives. Thanks for the great post, John!
I give books away a lot. I used to loan books but found they didn't make their way back home. So if I think someone will really enjoy a book I've read I buy them their own copy.
I do buy books my friends recommend and probably have a dozen or so in my office that I'm trying to get to. But if anyone wants to send me a book they recommend it will move right to the top of the stack! Bring em' on….
Lana, I have found the same thing. I struggled with the cost at first but then realized that if I felt lead to give someone a book that I felt would impact their life, in the end it would benefit both of us. I think we too often see the return on investment as something that must show up immediately. I guess it goes against what real investment costs. I have come to realize that it is not up to me to figure out what will come of a book given. My role was to give the gift. Anything else is really not a gift at all. Thanks.