I discovered book-crossing in England, in a cafe' that had a Book-Crossing shelf. It was love at first sight. The marvelous idea held my attention (fitfully, as most things do) through a passage through Singapore, two visits to Indonesia, one to India, one to Norway, and one back to England. Now, in a delightfully novel-esque turn of events, I'm moving to England. As I depart I plan to sprinkle the books I love - but am ready to part with - along the way. I guess I'll also read some on the journey, and if I can bear to part with them, I'll release them too. I like the idea of leaving a trail of lovely books behind me as I launch into a new phase of my life.

I've made up a couple of extra 'rules' for bookcrossing. With rare exceptions, the books I release must books that I would recommend, that could genuinely help people. And I try to choose their release locations carefully so that the RIGHT person can find them. I release kid's books and parenting books at parks, and books about other cultures at international festivals. I want to make the world a better place, book by book.

I love the idea that someone might happen across a book that I love and love it too. Or that a book that I release might make someone aware of an issue they had never taken seriously before. Or that it might cause them to look at other people with more compassion.

All I ask is that if you find one of these books, release the Book Crossing copy and go buy your own copy for your shelves. After all, good authors deserve our support.

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