What’s better than chocolate? According to a friend of mine who just spent a year deployed overseas, a good book.
Jess Dawson (pen name Jessica Scott) is a lifelong book lover and a member of my local RWA chapter. She also happens to be a first lieutenant in the army, and she says that for many women in uniform, the selection of reading materials wears a little thin after a while. Why? Because (not surprisingly) the stuff on most military bases is geared toward a male audience.
“Most of the books on base are of the Vince Flynn/ Brad Thor variety, which is great if you’re a fan but not if you need something else,” she says. “Care packages that contain books are better than chocolate and almost as good as getting coffee!”
I don’t know about you, but I can’t stand the thought of anyone not having enough to read. My RWA chapter felt the same, and last year we started sending books to Jess’s unit. Romances, chick lit, mysteries, women’s fiction–we covered the spectrum, but tried to tailor it to a female audience. Now Jess is safely home (thank goodness) but there are still lots of female soldiers who could use a good read.
So please excuse the public service announcement, but I’m doing a paperback book drive today! I’m putting together a big (hopefully, very big) care package for our ladies overseas, and for every person who leaves a comment here, I’m adding a book to it. My goal is to send 100 books (which is probably crazy because the most comments I’ve ever gotten was maybe fifty or something), but anyway 100 is the magic number. Help me out. E-mail your friends. Comment twice, if you want to.
I’ve got a selection of books from our Murder She Writes authors, as well as donations from my Austin RWA chapter and other author friends. They’re all going into the box, along with a few other much-requested goodies, such as blank journals and, yes, chocolate!
And if you have some books on your hands you’d like to donate directly, you can contact Monica, a soldier who gets care packages to women in uniform. Contact mojo09226@yahoo.com for details.
100 books… Are you up for it?
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Wheee, that sounds really great!! I’d be very happy to get one of the books you’re sharing. Every book which sounds interesting to read I must buy. I love romance as well as mystery thriller, definitely can’t get enough of’em. Hope Germany isn’t too far away? Please not…
I’ll send this link to my friends so you can get their comment too.
Hope you’ll have a great weekend,
bye
Thanks, Sabine, for your encouragement!
I love this, Laura — what a great service. Count me in!
Yay! Thanks, Toni.
That’s a great cause Laura! My local RWA chapter is donating books to local libraries that are being threatened to shut down due to the economy!
Sorry to hear your library is struggling and glad you guys are able to help. Libraries are one of the best free entertainments we have left, so we have to keep their doors open.
Hope you get way more than one hundred comments today! Thanks to you and all the Murder She Writes authors for your generosity…and to your friend Jess I send my appreciation for her service to her country.
Thanks for the support, Donna.
What a cool idea, Laura, and hugs to Jessica Scott, who has a been an ABSOLUTE doll helping me with military terminology and facts on my books. Count me in for two books! xo
Thanks, Rocki! Looking forward to putting your books in the care package. Along with some chocolate.
Tossing in my comment…
)
Hi Shiloh,
Thanks for the comment! That’s a book in the box!
I love that you found a concrete and positive way to help. It almost makes me want to be a romance writer so I can join RSW.
oop, I meant RWA> I cannot type before having tea and a big breakfast.
Thank you, Shizuka, for commenting twice. That’s two books.
will deff do mybest what agood cause
Hi Beverly, Yes it’s a good cause and I know the soldiers appreciate the support from people back home. Thanks for your comment.
Excellent idea, Laura.
Hi! Thank you! This care package is off to a nice start, and it’s not even 8 a.m. here.
I met and exchanged emails with so many of the Murder She Writes ladies last year. I’m incredibly grateful for all the support while I was gone but what’s better, the support for my fellow service women continues. I’ve got an address for a soldier up in Mosul from the unit that replaced us, so if you want, I can pass that along to everyone who emails me (I have her permission).
Books were a great way to escape last year and sending them along to my fellow sisters is a great way to show support!
Jess
Hi Jess! Thanks for letting us know about this need over there. Glad you are getting stuff to your friend in Mosul. I’m sure every package counts.
Jessica, thank you for your service!
What an excellent idea!
Hope you make it to 100 comments!
Thank you so much, Sara! We are well on our way thanks to your support.
Great great great idea, Laura!!!
Here’s hoping for lots of comments and thanks for your generosity
Hi Lori,
Thank you for the support. Our care package is growing by the minute.
Count me in too! I know I have several books I can send out. I’ll get in touch with Monica later today.
That’s awesome, Liza. Thank you for contributing.
Hi Laura
Great idea!
Few years ago, had a family friend stationed in Africa at an anti-terrorism base. My Brownie troop was doing cards and notes to send over. Sat. afternoon was sitting reading, and wondered if they had any books on the base. On a whim, I e-mailed 2 of my fav authors (Thanks again Julie Garwood and Catherine Coulter) and asked if they would donate a couple of books. I was willing to ship them myself. Not only did they donate, they shipped them over for me.
Count me in for a few books.
Catherine
Wonderful, Catherine. I am always impressed with the generosity of book lovers.
Our local Brownie troop sends cookies, and I heard from a soldier over in Afghanistan that Girl Scout cookies are a big favorite.
Laura & Jess – This is a wonderful cause. My husband served in Tikrit, Iraq for 9 months. He was on his way to Afghanistan when he was injured.
May you get hundreds of comments.
I appreciate it, Holly! Hope your husband is on the mend now. Thanks for your support of the book drive.
Jess – Welcome home.
My second comment. Yeah.
Laura, this is awesome! I have a bunch of books from National Readers Choice Awards. I usually send them to the local VA hospital. This year, I’ll divide them up and send some to our troops! I’ll be in touch with Monica!
That is terrific, Silver! Thank you very much. I’m sure some soldiers would love to share your collection. I go to lots of writers’ conferences and so here at home I’ve got an entire closet filled with books that have only been read once or in some cases never. Seems a shame for them to collect dust. Thanks for contributing.
The coordinators for the contest get to keep the extra books. I’m more than happy to send them off! And…does this count as another comment since I’m commenting to your comment?
Never mind. I’ll simply make a fresh comment! MORE books in the box!!!
Here’s one more comment for you, and I’ve tweeted it. And thanks for the contact. If anyone read my “Downsizing” blog yesterday, it looks like space (and walls) could be at a premium if we get the house we’ve been looking at. I’ll have too many books (no, that’s impossible–but I might have to part with some).
Well, if you’re parting with books, this will be a great destination for them! Thanks so much, Terry.
Does it have to be paperback? I have a few hardback mysteries.
Thanks for your comment! I am collecting paperbacks because 100 novels adds up to a hefty package. But if you would like to contact Monica directly to send your hardbacks, go for it! I’m sure she’d welcome them! Her email is at the end of the blog there.
This is a great way to show love and appreciation to our troops. I hope this is a huge success! Many heartfelt thanks to all of our men and women in uniform!!
I am sharing this on FB so I hope that you will get more hits!!
Double thanks, Anita, for helping with traffic. Hope we reach our goal! I think we’re way ahead of the game for late morning. Thanks for your help.
Laura, I’m happy to hear you’re carrying on the good work we did when Jess was overseas. I mailed her books, coffee, etc. and am happy to help send more books.
jan
Thank you so much, Jan! It’s great to see so much support for this.
Thanks for doing this Laura; what an awesome cause!
Jackie
If it came down to a choice, books or chocolate, books win out every time!
I’m with you, Mary. When I lived overseas, one of the toughest things was not having an English-language bookstore nearby where I could go and blow all my spare cash on books. Thanks for commenting.
LOVE this idea, Laura! Do you happen to know if you can get the media mail rate to send a package of books? Was thinking I’d like to try this in our chapter too. And maybe I’d ask people to chip in a buck along with their books, to help with postage. I know from my own experience that using media mail can save HUGE bucks, but you can’t include anything else, not even a bookmark.
Hi Sophie, This is a great point. After checking the requirements with USPS, it looks like the best option is to send only the books via media mail and then do a second package containing the extras, such as chocolate, bookmarks (many others who donated included these), and whatever else for the higher postage rate. That’s my current plan!
I seriously thought about coming here and commenting seven times — as the seven dwarfs — for more books. But I figured if someone found out it was me they’d think I was flippin’ insane.
Sometimes, I’m really impressed with the sort of thing my mind thinks of, really.
Either way, add one for me!
Hi Barbie,
I don’t think you’re flippin’ insane! It’s all for a good cause. Thanks for your help.
What a great idea, Laura!
Thanks, Lexi! I think this comment puts us over the halfway mark! We’ll be sending a lot of books.
fab idea, Laura! i’ll email mojo when i return home. I have boxes o’ books to send!
I know so many authors with boxes o’ books! That’s great. I’m sure they will be much appreciated.
I’ll pass the word along.
I follow Jessica on Twitter and I think she’s awesome!!!
Hopefully some authors will have some to send her.
Hey Jennifer, Thanks for spreading the word. Sure appreciate it!
This is a wonderful thing you are doing!
Thank you for the support. Always fun to keep people reading.
Super idea – here’s another comment!
Many thanks, Karen. We’re getting there, and it’s still early yet. What great support from all these book lovers.
Best of luck reaching your hundred! I am sure the books will be treasures.
Hi Sue,
Fingers crossed for that 100. Think we’ll make it. I know the women overseas would love to have 100 new titles to read.
Laura this is great!
Hey, Jen. Thanks and I’m so psyched about everyone’s enthusiasm. We’re putting together a lot of books!
This is a great idea! Good for you for doing it!
Hi Jen,
More books! More books! Thank you for the support.
GREAT IDEA!!!
Thank you for the support, Allison! We’re more than halfway there.
What an absolutely great idea! I love reading books. This is something to do where you just can relax from the day which is laying behind you and forget anything else.
Yes, I hear that escapist fiction is in high demand for these ladies overseas. I can only imagine. Thank you for your support, Sabine.
That’s great, Laura. Good luck with the book drive.
Thanks for stopping by, Jane! Another book in the box.
That is something I had never thought about. I’m the kind of person that hates to be without a book of some kind. My eReader has been a Godsend because I don’t have to haul around as much weight for books. I only have an ebook out, nothing in print yet, or I would donate a copy. But Hubby is constantly after me to thin the ranks of my book collection, and I can’t think of a better cause.
Hi Lia,
I’m like you. Couldn’t imagine being without a book at all times. Love to stuff those paperbacks in my purse as I head off on errands and appointments. Maybe one of these days I’ll get an eReader.
What a great idea! I have plenty of books to donate.
Wonderful, Eva! Keep ‘em coming! Monica will send you the details to make a direct donation.
Laura, this is a great project. My son leaves for boot camp on Monday and I’m always thinking about our service personnel and what they are doing without. Can’t write no more right now, tears are flowing again.
Hi Jill,
Best of luck to your son! You must be very proud. Hope he knows the folks at home are thinking of him.
Laura, here’s another comment. Drop that book in the box!
Thanks, Silver! We’re closing in on the goal. I appreciate your help.
Great idea and very timely. I just posted to a couple of groups about what to do with boxes and boxes of old books. Looks like I may have found a solution.
What an awesome project! Thank you and all of the wonderful people who donated books!!! And God Bless our service people!!!
Hi Sharon,
Glad to have your comment and another book for the box!
What an awesome idea!! I’m in the middle of packing and was about to donate a bunch of books to the library but now I have a better place to send them. Thanks for the direct email
Hope you get 100 comments!
Hi Katie,
So glad we could get your books on their way to some servicewomen. Thank you for contributing.
What a wonderful idea! I hope you reach the 100 goal!
Jennifer,
We’re getting very close. Thank you for adding another book with your comment.
What a great idea! I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have a book to read.
I’m always donating books I’ve read to the local library!
Hi Sandi,
Glad you have a new spot to send used books! Thanks for donating.
Oh, Laura….I’m baaaaack! Me? Stalking MSW? Nawww. MOAR BOOKS PLZ! KTHXBAI.
Thank you again, Silver.
You can get more books in my name. You can also get books in name of:
1. Sneezy
2. Sleepy
3. Dopey
4. Doc
5. Happy
6. Bashful
7. Grumpy
HAHA!
Got ya, Barbie. LOL.
My husband is retired Navy and over the years I sent dozens of care packages. I think it’s a wonderful thing to include books. I know I would go crazy if I didn’t have a book to read, especially if I was away from home and family.
Hi Leslie,
I know what you mean. I love reading to escape and relax. Can only imagine the stress level over there. And with the pockets of downtime, too, I think books are especially welcome. And chocolate. And Girl Scout cookies. Thanks for commenting.
What a great idea! And thanks for the link so we can donate too. I hope you get to 100!
Thank you for your help, Gwen! It’s a wonderful cause.
Thanks for doing this! Add another book.
Jane
Many thanks, Jane MP! There has been so much support from Austin RWA. Lots of books.
Great idea. They do so much for us.
yes, the do, don’t they? Appreciate your comment, Joyce. Thanks!
I’m baaack! Commenting again.
Hey, you’re over halfway there…your goal is within sight!
Hi again, Sara! More comments welcome. We’re sending lots of books.
Forgot to say…good luck! D’oh! There’s another comment. Heeheehee…
Hi Laura, As an Air Force vet I want to do my share – send a book! As a voracious reader (about 500 books per year) I will contact Monica and do some sending of my own. Thank you for doing this.
Suzanne,
That is great! I’m sure they will appreciate your efforts. And WOW that’s a lot of books each year. Bet you have shelves full that you don’t need, huh?
Hi Laura, Yes, shelves and stacks on the floor galore. I usually box most of them up and ship them to my sister, another AF vet, or send some to the local women’s shelter. But now I can share in another direction.
Well i’m over in the UK but our guys are over there too so i’m hoping my comment will help you get more books over to the service people
Jen Leeland over at Romance Divas sent me. You’ll be seeing a LOT more of us if i know our members – GOOG LUCK
Hi Ayla, Thanks for your support from the other side of the pond.
I’m guessing soldiers everywhere appreciate care packages from home. thanks for stopping by MSW!
This is so wonderful! Triple Kudos to you! I believe that generosity starts right here at home. What a great weekend to do this!! Bless You!
Thanks, Lisa!
Glad you got the 100 comments, congratulations! I will contact Monica directly to send more books.
Great, Monica! Appreciate your support.
This is an awsome idea! I’m sorry I missed the comments drive, but I’ll find something to send to Monica.
Hi Sasha,
Thanks for contributing!
i have donated before great thing
good luck
Thank you.
You go! This is a brilliant idea. I’ve loaned a boxful of romance to my aunt, but as soon as I get it back, that’s where those books can go.
Happy Easter!
Thank you, Gillian. That’s very generous.
I admire what you are doing!
Many thanks, Joyce. Can’t take credit for the idea because it came from my local RWA here in Austin. But good to see it’s catching on.
Well I see you made the 100 mark – let’s try for 200 now. Those service personnel need our support and love.
Learned about this from Jen Leeland over at Romance Divas.
Thanks for stopping over, Ilona! Appreciate your support.
Thanks so much everyone for helping with this. I got a ton of emails from this blog post. I appreciate everything you all are doing to help
Monica
Comment! Even though you’re past 100.