Hello Reader- David Sedaris standing on that park bench prompted the following response from Colette. I was so impressed with her “My Books Like to Travel” story, I’ve included it for you to enjoy also… -CC
David Sedaris is one of my favorite persons on the planet!!! I have read all his books and saw him here in our little village three years ago when he came for a book reading/signing event at our small independent bookstore. He is the nicest person and will talk to everyone as long as they want to. He does not come with an entourage of annoying PR people. He is from Raleigh, before he read from his book, we chatted about North Carolina and its narrow-minded Republican State Government. He inscribes something special in every book he signs- personally connecting with the person he has just spoken with for only a few minutes. While I was talking to him, the owner of the bookstore brought him his dinner which contained meat. I told him I thought he was vegetarian. So, then we talked a bit about animal cruelty and how animals are exploited by the humans who are supposed to have the superior intelligence. He dedicated the book I had bought: “To my new vegetarian friend.” I left that book on a park bench in London last year.
About ten years ago, I read about someone who was getting rid of all her books by writing a note inside that said: “My Books Like To Travel.” In the note, the woman recorded the following: “I bought this book in (name of city) on (date) … I am leaving it here on this bench (name city and park) for you to read. Next time you travel, please do the same. How nice it would be one day to find a book that has traveled all over the world.”
In my books, I sign: “Moi” which is French for “me,” and I date it and wrap it in a plastic bag. I have a special journal titled “My Books Like to Travel” (see above), and I place a photo of the book cover and of the book on the park bench where I left it. Often I stick around at a distance and wait to see if it will be picked up. Sometimes I am lucky enough to take a photo of the person who picks up the book. Other times I come by the park to see if it is still there, and it is always gone. I now have three very thick journals of the photos of my books that are traveling. And, I hope they will continue to do so long after I am gone. My hope is that one day I will find such a book and that would fill my heart with joy.
