Book-crossing in Middle Earth - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Mithalwen · 02-14-2005, 01:24 PM

I have just discovered book-crossing (releasing books into the wild to find new readers, and monitoring their progress on the internet) as a way of possibly sneaking back some living space from the tomes that have take over my home. Much as I love them, I am going to have to set some of them free to find owners who will be able to give them more attention - and just possibly someone might find a work that helps them in some way.

Now this got me thinking that maybe some of Tolkien's characters need to stumble across a life changing book. So I if you could release a book for a character, what would it be and where would you leave it?

So far I want to leave

"He's just not that into you" for Eowyn at the houses of healing ( a slightly embittered Valentine's Day selection there...

) but it may make things easier for Faramir.

Any other ideas?

Lalwendë · 02-14-2005, 03:11 PM

I've heard of this but my hoarding instinct deepens and I feel the urge to protect my books even more.

Still, they make excellent sound insulators you know...

How about A Brief History of Time for Saruman. That should cause some interesting ructions.

Mithalwen · 02-14-2005, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lalwendë

I've heard of this but my hoarding instinct deepens and I feel the urge to protect my books even more.

What happened to "if you love something set it free?"

And I think Aragorn needs sprucing up so how about "Queer Eye" or similar?

Eomer of the Rohirrim · 02-15-2005, 11:14 AM

I am not quite sure what you mean by this Mithalwen. Unless you come from a far-off land where books are alive (well, that's how I read it!) Released into the wild?

But how about The BFG for Treebeard. It wouldn't change his life but I think he would get a kick out of it.

And Lotho should check out Nineteen Eighty-Four, because he needs some ideas...

Mithalwen · 02-15-2005, 11:26 AM

Ah but Eomer, I live in the New Forest where ponies, cattle, pigs (during pannage), donkeys and books roam free ( or at least they will as soon as my starter kit arrives).

bookcrossing
n. the practice of leaving a book in a public place to be picked up and read by others, who then do likewise.

the web address is very obvious in case you are interested. You seem to have got the idea very well - I am sure you are right about Treebeard and Roald Dahl. I just love the idea of the world becoming a giant Library and trying out serendipity

I think I will leave some "Horrible Histories" for Gollum ... so he can get he full and gory background to the dead marshes.

Maeggaladiel · 02-15-2005, 11:29 AM

Break the Habit- Setting aside the evil ring goes to Smeagol, I think. Hey... why was this book in my library? *looks around shiftily* Um... this isn't what it looks like!

Worst Case Scenario goes to Frodo. If anybody needs a book about escaping from burning cars or giant spiders, it's him.

Vanwatholiel · 02-15-2005, 11:48 AM

Okay, I hate doing this, but I have to. I can't resist. For Legolas, he could have two books. "Your Hair and You" and "Feminine Males: Is It Wrong?"

Vanwatholiel · 02-15-2005, 11:51 AM

I have another one. For Frodo, he could have "Fear Factor: Season Two".

Lalwendë · 02-15-2005, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

bookcrossing
n. the practice of leaving a book in a public place to be picked up and read by others, who then do likewise.

This is all a good idea but round my neck of the woods I'd be likely to get a dog-eared copy of Take A Break in exchange for my books.

How about Rick Stein's Seafood for Gollum?

Mithalwen · 02-15-2005, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lalwendë

This is all a good idea but round my neck of the woods I'd be likely to get a dog-eared copy of Take A Break in exchange for my books.

All the more reason to take up missionary work .... or to travel more

You can go hunting you know - all legal (even after Friday), humane and free of saboteurs. Details of released books are published on the site. I must admit that I wonder if there will be many takers here in Death's waiting room for some of my stuff - I think they may be more into Catherine Cookson and Ulverston large print

. I am tempted to see if I can stir things up by realeasing "the bride stripped bare" but that may be against the spirit of the thing.

Magazines are not allowed - if you want to swap magazines you can go to a doctor's waiting room ....

Oh and if Gollum gets Rick Stein. how about the Hugh Fearnley-Wittingstall one for Sam - I bet he has more than one way to stew a coney .... in fact ther may well be an oliphaunt fricasee in there..... Merry and Pippin would be devotees of Keith Floyd .

Sophia the Thunder Mistress · 02-15-2005, 12:55 PM

For Gimli: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Horses. I think he'll need it before all's said and done.

Formendacil · 02-15-2005, 01:09 PM

For the wargs: Call of the Wild by Jack London.

For Eowyn: Any Joan D'Arc story. Unlike the wargs' selection, this one might have major repercussions.

Lalwendë · 02-15-2005, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

Magazines are not allowed - if you want to swap magazines you can go to a doctor's waiting room ....

I learned long ago not to touch the magazines in the doctor's. I would come out more ill than I was in the first place. Eyuw. Can you leave confusing books out for people? I'm thinking in terms of obscure Marx tracts and so forth...or maybe some of the bumf they publish at work.

On the cookery theme - How To Be A Domestic Goddess by Nigella Lawson, for Arwen. Or maybe Eowyn if we're thinking in terms of self-improvement.

Mithalwen · 02-15-2005, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lalwendë

On the cookery theme - How To Be A Domestic Goddess by Nigella Lawson, for Arwen. Or maybe Eowyn if we're thinking in terms of self-improvement.

Meow...... Eowyn's lack of culinary ability is a vicious lie created by the film - unless you were suggesting she needed tips on manhunting

.

Since it tends to be elf men who do the cooking (it is often out doors, so it is a barbecue that makes it male

), I would give Arwen, Delia Smith's complete cookery course. Both irritatingly perfect......

Well you could. And you could do themed releases - leave Finnegan's wake at and undertakers..... Government bumf in a public convenience...

Ainaserkewen · 02-15-2005, 04:36 PM

Quote:

And I think Aragorn needs sprucing up so how about "Queer Eye" or similar?

Yes, yes, yes!

A gift-wrapped "10 Stupid Things Women Do to Mess Up Their Lives." by the infamous Dr. Laura would be under the tree for Arwen this year.

Nimrodel_9 · 02-15-2005, 05:14 PM

Quote:

But how about The BFG for Treebeard. It wouldn't change his life but I think he would get a kick out of it.

Hee hee... wonderful thought...

Quote:

For Eowyn: Any Joan D'Arc story. Unlike the wargs' selection, this one might have major repercussions.

When I was reading a book about Joan D'Arc the only way I could imagine her, was Eowyn.

I'm not quite sure why... The Giver by Lois Lowry for any elf.

Beanamir of Gondor · 02-23-2005, 12:30 PM

Why does this seem redundant, because I've already started a whole thread on it, but I really think poor little Frodo was really in need of the Hitchhiker's Guide to Middlearth. "Mr. Baggins, we would replace your original Ring with one that says 'Help!' and 'Aragorn, save me!', and you'd never notice the difference!" DON'T PANIC

Or how about Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Denethor. "It's a bad idea to set yourself on fire if your sons are dying. Just work through it!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

<<Et moi, j'ai pris ma tete dans ma main, et j'ai pleure.>> ~Erik

Hilde Bracegirdle · 02-26-2005, 07:10 PM

Actually, and quite surprisingly I have come across one of these wild a free ranging books, but since it was not to my taste I let it rest on the post office counter where I first "encountered" it. It surprised me in that the place where I live is much, much smaller than the dot representing it on maps of the area, hardly even four corners to it. And although it is tiny I have found a Bookcrossing book and a few Where's Georges as well! But enough of that....

I thought a bit about who I could picture reading what book, and the most persistent yet tasteful image that came to mind was Saruman carrying a copy of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance under his arm. I think the wizard could have used some serious input on the issue of Quality!

Lathriel · 02-26-2005, 11:34 PM

Eowyn could read the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce for inspiration before going to Pellenor fields.

Gandalf should read Belgarath the sorcerer (By: David Eddings) to learn more about sorcerers with a good sense of humour. That might help him when a day is going particularly bad. He needs some of Belgarath's humour in order to survive the battles.

02-14-2005, 01:24 PM	#1
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,458	Book-crossing in Middle Earth I have just discovered book-crossing (releasing books into the wild to find new readers, and monitoring their progress on the internet) as a way of possibly sneaking back some living space from the tomes that have take over my home. Much as I love them, I am going to have to set some of them free to find owners who will be able to give them more attention - and just possibly someone might find a work that helps them in some way. Now this got me thinking that maybe some of Tolkien's characters need to stumble across a life changing book. So I if you could release a book for a character, what would it be and where would you leave it? So far I want to leave "He's just not that into you" for Eowyn at the houses of healing ( a slightly embittered Valentine's Day selection there... ) but it may make things easier for Faramir. Any other ideas? __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

02-14-2005, 03:11 PM	#2
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	I've heard of this but my hoarding instinct deepens and I feel the urge to protect my books even more. Still, they make excellent sound insulators you know... How about A Brief History of Time for Saruman. That should cause some interesting ructions. __________________ Gordon's alive!

02-15-2005, 11:14 AM	#4
Eomer of the Rohirrim Auspicious Wraith Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 4,859	I am not quite sure what you mean by this Mithalwen. Unless you come from a far-off land where books are alive (well, that's how I read it!) Released into the wild? But how about The BFG for Treebeard. It wouldn't change his life but I think he would get a kick out of it. And Lotho should check out Nineteen Eighty-Four, because he needs some ideas... __________________ Los Ingobernables de Harlond

02-15-2005, 11:26 AM	#5
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,458	Ah but Eomer, I live in the New Forest where ponies, cattle, pigs (during pannage), donkeys and books roam free ( or at least they will as soon as my starter kit arrives). bookcrossing n. the practice of leaving a book in a public place to be picked up and read by others, who then do likewise. the web address is very obvious in case you are interested. You seem to have got the idea very well - I am sure you are right about Treebeard and Roald Dahl. I just love the idea of the world becoming a giant Library and trying out serendipity I think I will leave some "Horrible Histories" for Gollum ... so he can get he full and gory background to the dead marshes. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

02-15-2005, 11:29 AM	#6
Maeggaladiel Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: The end of the world as we know it. I feel fine, incidentally. Posts: 500	Break the Habit- Setting aside the evil ring goes to Smeagol, I think. Hey... why was this book in my library? looks around shiftily Um... this isn't what it looks like! Worst Case Scenario goes to Frodo. If anybody needs a book about escaping from burning cars or giant spiders, it's him. __________________ "Wide ne bith wel," cwaeth se the geheirde on helle hriman.

02-15-2005, 11:48 AM	#7
Vanwatholiel Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: In a dark corner of my mind. Don't look at me like that! I never liked you anyway. Stop staring! Posts: 40	Traitor Okay, I hate doing this, but I have to. I can't resist. For Legolas, he could have two books. "Your Hair and You" and "Feminine Males: Is It Wrong?"

02-15-2005, 11:51 AM	#8
Vanwatholiel Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: In a dark corner of my mind. Don't look at me like that! I never liked you anyway. Stop staring! Posts: 40	I have another one. For Frodo, he could have "Fear Factor: Season Two".

02-15-2005, 12:55 PM	#11
Sophia the Thunder Mistress Scent of Simbelmynë Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Aboard Highwind, bound for Traverse Town Posts: 1,780	For Gimli: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Horses. I think he'll need it before all's said and done. __________________ The seasons fall like silver swords, the years rush ever onward; and soon I sail, to leave this world, these lands where I have wander'd. O Elbereth! O Queen who dwells beyond the Western Seas, spare me yet a little time 'ere white ships come for me!

02-15-2005, 01:09 PM	#12
Formendacil Dead Serious Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Perched on Thangorodrim's towers. Posts: 3,326	For the wargs: Call of the Wild by Jack London. For Eowyn: Any Joan D'Arc story. Unlike the wargs' selection, this one might have major repercussions. __________________ I prefer history, true or feigned.

02-23-2005, 12:30 PM	#17
Beanamir of Gondor Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: the Shadow Gallery Posts: 276	Why does this seem redundant, because I've already started a whole thread on it, but I really think poor little Frodo was really in need of the Hitchhiker's Guide to Middlearth. "Mr. Baggins, we would replace your original Ring with one that says 'Help!' and 'Aragorn, save me!', and you'd never notice the difference!" DON'T PANIC Or how about Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Denethor. "It's a bad idea to set yourself on fire if your sons are dying. Just work through it!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ <<Et moi, j'ai pris ma tete dans ma main, et j'ai pleure.>> ~Erik __________________ The answer to life is no longer 42. It's 4 8 15 16 23... 42. "I only lent you my body; you lent me your dream."

02-26-2005, 07:10 PM	#18
Hilde Bracegirdle Relic of Wandering Days Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: You'll See Perpetual Change. Posts: 1,480	Actually, and quite surprisingly I have come across one of these wild a free ranging books, but since it was not to my taste I let it rest on the post office counter where I first "encountered" it. It surprised me in that the place where I live is much, much smaller than the dot representing it on maps of the area, hardly even four corners to it. And although it is tiny I have found a Bookcrossing book and a few Where's Georges as well! But enough of that.... I thought a bit about who I could picture reading what book, and the most persistent yet tasteful image that came to mind was Saruman carrying a copy of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance under his arm. I think the wizard could have used some serious input on the issue of Quality!

02-26-2005, 11:34 PM	#19
Lathriel Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Wandering through Middle-Earth (Sadly in Alberta and not ME) Posts: 612	Eowyn could read the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce for inspiration before going to Pellenor fields. Gandalf should read Belgarath the sorcerer (By: David Eddings) to learn more about sorcerers with a good sense of humour. That might help him when a day is going particularly bad. He needs some of Belgarath's humour in order to survive the battles. __________________ Back again