Natural History by Justina Robson
Two years ago when my mom was in the hospital she asked me to login to her paperback swap account. A book had been requested from her, and she asked me to send an e-mail on her behalf saying she was in the hospital and would mail the book once she was out. Except instead, after my mom's passing, I followed up and made sure the book sent on its way.
From there, I wasn't really sure what to do with my mom's account. I changed the e-mail so I received notifications, but never really responded to them, and her account was put on hold. At least until I received notification that this book on her wish list was available. I had never heard of this book before, but it's science fiction and seems like the type of book my mom would love. And one that I would enjoy as well. So decided to accept the wish and received my copy.
I'm still not quite sure what to do with my mom's account especially since there's still credits and money tied to it. I'm thinking of using the credits and money, and then at that point opening my own account? Or maybe just using the account indefinitely? But I guess that's something I'll figure out as time goes on.
Are you a member of paperback swap? And is this a book anyone else has heard of before?
Yes, I am a member of a paperback swap group, but I have only sent out books, none that I have put on my wish list have ever been available... although I have not really looked at it in over a year! I like the idea of them, but I feel like the books I want to read would never be available!
ReplyDeleteThat is tough to know what to do with your mom's account...
I guess one of the pros of using my mom's account is that she started it so long ago, she's first in line for a lot of her books. I did add a few of my own wishes as well, but it looks like it'll be years before any of the ones I want become available.
DeleteI find the cover really appealing. I think your idea of using up the credits and then opening up your own account is a good one.
ReplyDeleteI think that's a really sweet way of carrying on your mom's legacy. It will be nice to read a book you know that she was looking forward to reading.
ReplyDeleteI've never participated in Paperback Swap....I can imagine you could take over your mom's account. The book has a lovely cover.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog. I, too, am excited about Alison Sweeney's book, as I've watched her on Days of our Lives for years.
Aww I love that you discovered a new book from your mom's account.. I feel it makes it even more special :) May as well just keep using her account if there's stuff tied to it rather than frivolously using it up just to open your own one! I haven't used Paperback Swap because it's not available in Canada, but I have used Book Mooch which I think is sort of a similar idea..
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
Michele | StS
I've heard of Paperback Swap, but don't know anything about it. I think it's awesome that you got a book you know your mom wanted though.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI have heard of 'Paperback Swap' here in the UK, although it doesn't seem to be very widely used. There are a couple of other, similar sites 'Book Mooch' and 'Book Crossing', which basically do the same kind of thing I think, but I have never personally used any of them.
I have to say that science fiction isn't a genre I read (it's just about the only genre I don't enjoy), although with all the talk about augmented reality going on right now, perhaps this is a book that I should take a look at!
I am sure that whatever you decide to do with the account, your mum would be pleased, so why not try using it for a while and see how things work out?
Enjoy your holiday Monday, we too have a holiday in the UK.
Yvonne
I have heard of Paperback Swap but that title is new to me. I hope you love it!
ReplyDeleteI used Paperbackswap for a while but basically stopped when it turned out I was at the post office pretty constantly sending books and wasn't finding many I was interested in receiving. Maybe I should check my old account and see if there's anything left there.
ReplyDeleteI think it's rather lovely that you got this book. It's like your mom thought you needed a book hug from her. :-)
Thank you! I think a book hug is a perfect way of capturing this, since in a way that is a bit what it feels like.
DeleteWonderful mailbox. Hope you have fun reading your book!
ReplyDeleteHere is my post!!
My friend is a member of Paperback Swap, but I am not.
ReplyDeleteHaven't heard of this book. Hope you enjoy it.
Elizabeth
Silver's Reviews
My Mailbox Monday
Thank you! I hope it's one I enjoy as well.
DeleteI have used paperbackswap for years and love it! It keeps my book collection in check because I don't keep any of the books that I'm not absolutely head over heels for and it has saved me so much money!
ReplyDeleteI think it is so touching that you are reading a book that was on her wish list! I never thought about things like that being left behind when a person dies. Most of my loved ones passed away before the internet was so popular. What do you do with people's facebook, paypal, netflix, amazon accounts and more? I think you could just take over your mom's account. Or you could start your own- I think they start you out with some free credits. Either way, friend me on there if you do decide to use it! My username is ncsuz!
I am a member of Paperback Swap too. I have sent lots, received a few. It's a good way to find older titles. I have not heard of the book on you Mom's wish list. But hope you enjoy reading it. As for her account, I say just keep using it...it may help you feel close to her.
ReplyDeleteThank you. And I think in a way it does make me feel closer, it's definitely been interesting seeming some of the books she had on her wish list.
DeleteThanks for stopping by my blog. I have not read Clockwork Princess but I'm dying to! The 2 other previous books are in storage, but when I get them next month it will be on like Donkey Kong!! Have a good week :)
ReplyDeleteYou have to read them! The Infernal Devices are amazing, and I think so much better than The Mortal Instruments books. And thanks for following!
DeleteOh following you through GFC duhh! lol.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love Paperbackswap.com--one of the greatest uses of the internet in my opinion, and most of my "new" books come from this source. I also keep my books shelves in reasonable order by passing along books I know I won't be rereading.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences on your mother's passing, but you could just use the account she set up since the emails now come to you. There's really no need to close the account, but let it pass from one generation to the next.
If you do want to close it, every Christmas they give account holders an opportunity to donate credits that can be used to fulfill wish lists for schools and other organizations that can use books.
I had no idea you could donate credits! What a great idea. No matter what I decide to do with the account, think that's something I should look into.
DeleteI have no idea how that site works, but I like the idea of reading a book your mom would have wanted to read. :)
ReplyDeleteYou can think of it as a big way to swap books with friends around the country. You find the books you want and request them and in return you post books you willing to pass onto another. This way instead of paying for the book, you're just paying for the shipping. And thanks for commenting!
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