True wild catches

The Skies of Pern by Anne McCaffrey

2008-11-28T00:41:00.000-08:00

I released this on 19 December 2005 in the little stone play cottage in Birchgrove Oval in Sydney.

Three years later, an anonymous finder has picked it up and left this message:

Journal entry 8 by Members Plus details...AnonymousFinderMembers Plus details... from n/a, n/a n/a on Thursday, November 27, 2008

Found discarded in a local bin.

CAUGHT IN SYDNEY NSW AUSTRALIA

What a pleasure that it's been found after so long!

Read all journal entries on this book.

The Dispossessed by Ursula Le Guin

2008-08-26T00:51:00.000-07:00

I released this at the Oxfam shop in West Hampstead on February 16, 2008. It was picked up by an anonymous finder who wrote this message:

Journal entry 3 by Anonymous Finder from n/a, n/a n/a on Monday, August 25, 2008

brilliant, what a good book. I didn`t want it to end but I still read it in about a week and a half (even though I had many things to do and am not the fastest reader). I recommend it to anyone who likes philosophy or has ever thought about society in a critical way, its complex and very relevant as well as being a beautifully written story full of human character and set in a deeply and thouroughly imagined futuristic world that is so reminiscient of ours and speaks of deep human meanings and purposes.
Beautiful, profound, easy to read, exciting... I don:t know what more to say except that I think its the first book that almost made me cry at the end not because it was sad or full of loss but because it felt so deep and meaningful...

CAUGHT IN LONDON UNITED KINGDOM

book rating: 10 out of 10

Read all journal entries for this book.

Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult

2007-07-29T06:22:00.000-07:00

I released this at Offshore Cafe in Glasgow, where I am currently visiting family. It was picked up by another BookCrosser who left this journal entry:

Journal entry 14 by MikeWoods from Glasgow, Glasgow City United Kingdom on Sunday, July 29, 2007

I've just found this book whilst leaving another bookcrossing book in Offshore cafe. Lucky me or what ?

book rating: not yet read

Read all journal entries here.

Tutu-Mauve a la Radio by Lise Le Coeur

2007-07-07T10:54:00.000-07:00

I released this on the mass releasing walk at the 2007 BookCrossing Unconvention in Brighton on Sunday 1 July 2007. I left it under the stone archways at the entrance to the Brighton Royal Pavilion. It was picked up by a member of the public, who joined and left this journal entry a few days later.

Journal entry 5 by charliebean from london, Greater London United Kingdom on Wednesday, July 04, 2007

i didnt like the illustrations at all.
but its funny because ive learnt french this year, so i understamd all the text, but i was a bit disappointed by the story.

CAUGHT IN BRIGHTON SUSSEX UK - ANGLETERRE

book rating: 3/10

Read all journal entries here.

The Natural Health Bible: Stay Well, Live Longer

2006-11-09T03:17:00.000-08:00

I released this book in the Borojo Juice Bar in Clapham on 20 August 2006. One of the employees has found it, joined BookCrossing, and left this message.

Journal entry 6 by Wuasaby from London, Greater London United Kingdom on Thursday, November 09, 2006

I've found this book at the Borojo Juice Bar where I work, in Clapham North, London. A fantastic book, full of things I didn't know and others which I thought I knew, but were wrong. Still reading it.

book rating: 10/10

Read all journal entries here.

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy - AGAIN!

2006-09-09T14:47:00.000-07:00

I released this book this evening on the steps of St Paul's Cathedral in London. It was found and journalled almost immediately - even before I had a chance to make release notes. The Anonymous Finder has not joined (as yet) but left this lovely message (and even took a photo):

Journal entry 2 by AnonymousFinder from n/a, n/a n/a on Saturday, September 09, 2006

A friend and I were wandering around the Square Mile on a lovely late-summer Saturday evening when we chanced upon this book on the steps of St Paul's Cathedral. I initially thought the bag would contain a book of scripture, they being the only kind of free book usually available, but was pleased and surprised to find The God Of Small Things, which is one of those books I'd always vaguely meant to read after recommendations from friends.

Reading the post below it's a bit odd to see it's dated February 2006 and it is now September. Maybe the book fell down a wormhole or a rip in the space-time continuum or something. :)

I think I'll release the book at a main-line London station.

Here is a photo of the book in the wild, just after its capture:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonanamary/238613715/

CAUGHT IN LONDON UK

Read all journal entries here.

I have had good luck releasing this book in religious-themed locations before. I previously released a copy at the Buddhist Peace Pagoda in Battersea Park and that was also journalled. Read all journal entries for that copy here.

The Wonder Spot by Melissa Bank

2006-08-18T06:14:00.000-07:00

I released this on 20 July 2006 in the dining car of the London to Glasgow train. I actually saw it get picked up and I received this journal entry today:

Journal entry 3 from Anonymous Finder from n/a, n/a n/a on Friday, August 18, 2006

My daughter passed the book on to me, and I will probably leave it in the Lake District where I am due to go to soon. The book was not my style and I found it boring.

CAUGHT IN LONDON LONDON ENGLAND

book rating: 1 out of 10

See all journal entries for this book.

How to be Good - AGAIN!

2006-07-15T03:02:00.000-07:00

I think from now on, I should only release copies of How to be Good by Nick Hornby and nothing else. I don't know what it is but I have had the most phenomenal luck with wild catches from this book. The first copy was released in a cafe in Sydney in August 2003 and resulted in MsScarlet joining. The second copy was released at the Barbican Centre in February and resulted in Solar-Flare joining. Solar-Flare has now released it and the person who found it also joined, leaving this journal entry.

Journal entry 4 by SAE from Bristol, Bristol United Kingdom on Saturday, July 15, 2006
What a brilliant idea! Found the book on 15th July in ladies' loos in The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol. Was intrigued when I saw the bookcrossing label on the cover. Will read it and take it on holiday to Northumberland where I will release it. Thanks!

See all journal entries for this book.

Close Range: Wyoming Stories by Annie Proulx

2006-02-23T08:29:00.000-08:00

I released this on 3 December 2006 onto the OBCZ shelf at Curzon Soho. It found its way to the Victoria line of the Tube and into the hands of an Anonymous Finder who left this entry:

Journal entry 9 by AnonymousFinder(3,238/5) from n/a, n/a n/a on Thursday, February 23, 2006
Found this book on a Victoria line underground train (Walthamstow Central station).
Took it home & it sat on a shelf for a while,Thought it was about time I gave someone else a chance to read this book.
CAUGHT IN LONDON UNITED KINGDOM

See all journal entries for this book.

How to be Good by Nick Hornby (2nd copy)

2006-02-17T09:47:00.000-08:00

How to be Good was one of the first books I ever released through BookCrossing back when I joined in 2003 and one of my first wild catches too (see this blog entry). I bought this copy from a charity store because I thought it would be fun to wild release the same book and see if I received another catch. I wasn't disappointed!

I released this on 15 February 2006 at the opening party for Tropicalia at the Barbican Centre. I left it in the greenhouse garden on the third floor near one of the bars. I've generally had good luck with releasing in art galleries and theatres - I guess people who are interested in art and culture are also likely to be into books.

It was picked up and the person who found it (who appears to be new to BookCrossing) left this journal entry:

Journal entry 3 by solar-flare(0/0) from Stroud, United Kingdom on Friday, February 17, 2006
Found it hiding away in the plants at the Tropicalia launch - so thanks Fire Dragon! Just finished my last book this morning so will get stuck into this one soon. The find prompted an interesting discussion with my work colleague, who I dragged along to the event, he admitted that he doesn't read books because he's not confident with his reading... a few drunken conversations later and he wants me to help him get into books being a kind of mentor and hard taskmaster. So this book crossing discovery has helped two of us!

See all journal entries for this book.

Blog now active

2006-02-12T05:53:00.000-08:00

In setting up this blog I have now completed a project that has been on my mind for ages. Please see this post for an explanation of what it's all about.

Saint Maybe by Anne Tyler

2005-10-31T14:24:00.000-08:00

I released this on Wednesday 12 October 2005 on the side bureau in the lobby of Copley Inn, Garrison St in Boston, Massachusetts USA. The person who caught it joined BookCrossing and left this journal entry:

Journal entry 7 by FinePrintReader(0/0) from Franklin, Kentucky USA on Monday, October 31, 2005
I was on a trip to the northeastern part of US and was delighted to find something "free" in a big city like Boston. Since I am an avid reader and knew of the author of this book, I was excited about the opportunity to find this book and learn of BookCrossing.
Book rating: 7/10

See all journal entries for this book.

The Switch by Olivia Goldsmith

2005-08-17T07:13:00.000-07:00

Proof that books can sometimes resurface and be journalled years later! I released this book on the back seat of a taxi in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia on Tuesday 30 September 2003. It was caught by an anonymous finder two years later!

They left this journal entry:

Journal entry 3 by AnonymousFinder(3,210/5) from n/a, n/a n/a on Wednesday, August 17, 2005
i was cleaning out my house and i found this book hidden behind the couch! i don't know how long its been there. i shall like to read this book and pass it on to somebody else.
CAUGHT IN SYDNEY NEW SOUTH WALES AUSTRALIA

See all journal entries for this book.

Breaking the Trust by Lucy Clare

2005-06-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

I released this on Sunday 26 June 2005 at The Writer sculpture, Hampstead Heath in London - Hampstead, England United Kingdom. I left it by the base of one of the chair or table legs, next to a copy of The True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey, which someone had released earlier. I'd planned to meet other BookCrossers for a picnic but it was very busy and unfortunately I did not spot anyone. I still had a very pleasant afternoon sitting in the sunshine with a good book.

It was caught by a BookCrosser who left this journal entry:

Journal entry 4 by inkognitoh(805/322) from West Kensington, Greater London United Kingdom on Sunday, June 26, 2005
The other bookcrossers can't believe we missed you. We had been keeping our eye on the Kelly Gang book and had turned away momentarily when we saw your book there as well. Initially a gent picked it up but he left it further up the hill in the grass. I grabbed the book and brought it with me. Looking forward to reading it. Sorry we didn't find you.

See all journal entries for this book.

Divine Secrets of the Ya-ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells

2005-06-21T14:37:00.000-07:00

I released this on Saturday 14 May 2005 at Tate Britain, Millbank in London, England on the floor of the Art Now video installation exhibit. The person who found it journalled after reading it but remained an Anonymouse.

Journal entry 3 by AnonymousFinder(3,205/5) from n/a, n/a n/a on Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Enjoyable if slightly on the too sweet side of things.
However - great fun to find a book in the dark space of the lightbox at Tate Britain.
Keep going!
Plan to release it at my breast cancer hospital ward - for someone else to be surprised and have fun with.
CAUGHT IN LONDON UK
Book rating: 7/10

See all journal entries for this book.

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

2005-06-12T14:25:00.000-07:00

I released this on Sunday 12 June 2005 at the Buddhist Pagoda in Battersea Park in London, England, UK. The person who found it joined BookCrossing and left this journal entry:

Journal entry 3 by codrington(0/0) from london, Greater London United Kingdom on Sunday, June 12, 2005
Picked up today - Sunday, 12th June at midday in front of the Buddhist pagoda, London, Battersea. Will leave in front of ancient castle ruins in Newtownstewart town, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, next week since I have already read 'The God of Small Things', and thought it could travel some more...
CAUGHT IN LONDON UK
book rating: 8/10

See all journal entries for this book.

The Pianist by Wladyslaw Szpilman

2005-05-31T14:30:00.000-07:00

I released this on Tuesday 31 May 2005 at the Starbucks on Hammersmith Road (opposite the Loreal building) in London - Hammersmith, England United Kingdom. The person who caught it joined BookCrossing and left this journal entry:

Journal entry 7 by itsjan(0/0) from Chiswick, Greater London United Kingdom on Friday, June 03, 2005
Passed on to me in Starbucks ! Am starting to read now..............
CAUGHT IN HAMMERSMITH LONDON ENGLAND

See all journal entries for this book.

Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg

2005-04-23T14:44:00.000-07:00

I released this on Thursday 21 April 2005 at Croydon Clocktower Cafe (underneath the library) in Croydon, England United Kingdom. It was found by a BookCrosser a few days later and they left this journal entry:

Journal entry 3 by neoliminal99(27/16) from London, England United Kingdom on Saturday, April 23, 2005
Was really pleased to find a book 'in the wild'. Have been releasing books for a couple of years, this is the first I have found. Bill

See all journal entries for this book.

The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor

2005-02-14T07:28:00.000-08:00

I released this on Saturday 12 February 2005 at the Royal Academy of Art in London - Central, England United Kingdom. I left this on a bench in the courtyard when visiting for the Turks exhibition. The person who found it joined BookCrossing and left this journal entry:

Journal entry 3 by martinaperry(0/0) from London, England United Kingdom on Monday, February 14, 2005
I was delighted to see the book on the bench at the Royal Academy! I don't know how long it was there for before I saw the yellow logo in the corner of my eye. I'd been hoping that I would see a recently released book for some time.
It looks interesting and I will try and read it very soon.
It has also encouraged me to release some of my own so that others can experience the pleasure of catching a book!

See all journal entries for this book.

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

2005-01-08T14:40:00.000-08:00

I released this on Saturday 8 January 2005 at the Monmouth Coffee Shop, beside Borough Market in London - Borough, England United Kingdom. The person who caught it joined BookCrossing and left this journal entry:

Journal entry 4 by rosyprimrose(0/0) from London, Greater London United Kingdom on Saturday, January 08, 2005
I noticed this book today, lying on a table at the Monmouth Street Coffee House at Borough Market. I knew about BOOKCROSSING because I'd found a book while walking in a London park with my mother-in-law. She'd taken that one home because she was so excited to have found it. This time it was my turn to be excited. I spent some time deciding whether to pick it up - did it belong to someone; would some irate person chase me down the street accusing me of theft? In the end I did, and it's now on my bedside table waiting to be read. Thank you to its former owner - I will read it and send it on its journey.

See all journal entries for this book.

Chocolat by Joanne Harris

2004-12-26T14:57:00.000-08:00

I released this on Sunday 31 October 2004 at Clapham North Pub in London - Clapham, England United Kingdom. It was a Halloween special release and in a goodie pack along with The Shining by Stephen King, a Chupa Chup, a packet of smarties and a BookCrossing limited edition label by the sinks in the ladies' bathroom. The person who caught it joined BookCrossing and left this journal entry:

Journal entry 9 by Megan81(0/0) from London, England United Kingdom on Sunday, December 26, 2004
Found this book on Halloween, 2004 at the Clapham North Pub. Will take it to New York this New Years to release it.
Havent finished reading it yet, but so far so good!
CAUGHT IN THE CLAPHAM NORTH BAR, LONDON ENGLAND
book rating: 8/10

See all journal entries for this book.

The Shining by Stephen King

2004-12-26T14:34:00.000-08:00

I released this as a Halloween special release (along with Chocolat by Joanne Harris, a Chupa Chup, a packet of smarties and a BookCrossing limited edition label). I left it by the sinks in the ladies' toilets in the Clapham North Pub in London - Clapham, England United Kingdom on 31 October 2004. It was journalled two months later and the person who caught it joined BookCrossing and left this journal entry:

Journal entry 3 by Megan81(0/0) from London, England United Kingdom on Sunday, December 26, 2004
Havent read this one yet, but am taking it to New York to be released.

See all journal entries for this book.

Shadowmancer by G. P. Taylor

2004-11-02T15:00:00.000-08:00

I released this on Sunday 24 October 2004 at Borojo Juice Bar, Landor Rd in London - Clapham, England United Kingdom. The person who caught it joined BookCrossing and left this journal entry:

Journal entry 6 by pdragon(0/0) from London, England United Kingdom on Tuesday, November 02, 2004
I found the book in borojo juice bar and have started reading it. So far so good and I'm over the moon to have my first book crossing experience.

See all journal entries for this book.

Confessions of a Reformed Dieter by A. J. Rochester

2004-08-16T07:53:00.000-07:00

I released this on the steps of St Stephen's Hall in Newtown, New South Wales, Australia in time for the 8.30am Weight Watchers meeting on Saturday 13 September 2003.

The person who found it joined BookCrossing nearly one year later and left this journal entry:

Journal entry 10 by b-lotus(0/0) from Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Monday, August 16, 2004
Hnest, challenging, but somewhat mad and obsessive view of relationships to food and exercise
This woman is pretty fucked up, but there are some useful things in there.
I picked this book up on the steps of the weight watchers meeting. I am sorry, but it has taken me a whole year to release it. Only took a couple of days to read it. Combination of too much work, small children, and lack of will.
The thing that worried me the most about this book is that AJ still seemed obsessive. It is just that the obsession moved from food (being fat) to food and exercise. As libris princess and fire dragon have both discussed, there are many issues around weight loss.
I have 40 kg to lose. Nearly 2 years into Weight watchers I have lost 20 of those - a great combination of more exercise and more sensible food choices, as well as grappling with emotional responses and food. I don't care how long the weight loss takes, just want to make healthier choices. Still got the feeling from AJ that it was all very manic, very all or nothing.
book rating: 5/10

See all journal entries for this book.

Less Than Zero by Bret Easton Ellis

2004-07-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

I released this on Friday 29 August 2003 at Barmuda Cafe, Australia St near King St in Newtown, New South Wales Australia.

It was caught by an anonymous finder who left this journal entry:

Journal entry 6 by AnonymousFinder(3,210/5) from n/a, n/a n/a on Sunday, July 18, 2004
I will be leaving this book at Kawa on Crown Street in Surry Hills
CAUGHT IN SYDNEY NSW AUSTRALIA
book rating: 7/10

See all journal entries for this book.

Crawling at Night by Nani Power

2004-06-19T14:52:00.000-07:00

I released this on Monday 5 April 2004 in the magazines rack at the Sushi Bar on Devonshire St in Surry Hills, New South Wales Australia. It was found and journalled a couple of months later by a BookCrosser who left this journal entry:

Journal entry 3 by bigyahu(15/5) from sydney, New South Wales Australia on Saturday, June 19, 2004
Picked it up from the magazine rack in the Sushi Bar in Devonshire Street, Sydney while waiting for some takeaway lunch - salmon rolls and tempura don. Found the first page so interesting I ended up eating-in and reading. This is my first bookcrossing pickup, so thanks Fire-Dragon! I'll drop my current read in a coffeeshop nearby in a few days and begin reading this properly.

It was later found by an Anonymous Finder in San Francisco in the United States so it seems it's still travelling! See all journal entries for this book.

Forever by Judy Blume

2004-05-19T07:36:00.000-07:00

I released this on Saturday 7 February 2004 at Lou Jacks Cafe in Newtown, New South Wales Australia.

It was found by a girl who joined BookCrossing and left this journal entry:

Journal entry 3 by mini-steph(0/0) from Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, May 19, 2004
The book was excelent. Especially as a teen who is itnot books which tell of teenage experiences and so on. I first caught the book when i was in a cafe in New Town after a softball match at a near by feild. I went it an ordered a strawberry frappe(the bomb) and while i was waiting i woundered over to where the magazines were. Whilst waiting i saw the book "forever" and read the back. It sounded great, and that was when i saw the book crossing sign. I took it up to the counter and asked the man if i could take it home n read it n he said "sure thing" so i did.

book rating: 10/10

See all journal entries for this book.

NB I have not included other catches from Lou Jacks because it had a small OBCZ shelf. I decided to include this one because it was so obviously found by chance rather than by another BookCrosser or someone using the 'go hunting' pages. And I thought the journal entry was sweet.

Diamonds are Forever by Ian Fleming

2004-01-15T07:45:00.000-08:00

I released this on Tuesday 13 January 2004 at Blockbuster Video in Enmore Rd in Newtown, New South Wales Australia. The book was directly behind the 'Diamonds are Forever' DVD.

A BookCrosser hunted it down and left this journal entry:

Journal entry 4 by Alectoness(75/99) from Kelburn, Wellington New Zealand on Thursday, January 15, 2004
Wow, so cool to wander through the aisles of the local video store, hunting down a book (I'm such a nerd ;o) ). Will read and re-release.

See all journal entries for this book.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson

2003-10-12T07:17:00.000-07:00

I gave this as a RABCK on 20 August 2003 to the girl on the door at a Latin Motion salsa class in Sydenham. She said she'd been wanting to read it for ages. She said she didn't have a computer but promised to make a journal entry next time she's on the internet. I told it was fine if she couldn't but just to pass the book along when she was done. It looks like she never made it to a computer but BookCrossed it offline - two months later it was caught by someone at a bus stop in Gladesville (the other side of town)! This person joined and left this journal entry:

Journal entry 3 by BradStrongfield(0/0) from Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Sunday, October 12, 2003
I caught this book around 3.30am. I was walking to work as usual when somthing caught my eye sitting on a seat at a bus stop. I walked passed ignoring it at first then curiosity got to me and decided to stop and take a look. It's a book I discovered. Why would sombody just leave a perfectly good book at a bus stop? I thought. Then upon opening the book I relised the book had been left for me with a little tag saying "Free book, Free book." Confused I thought I'll take it with me and check it out when I get home.
Reading the little tag left inside the front cover, I noticed a website to visit and a code to enter. At the time I didn't have the net connected. Some time after reading the book I now have access to the internet so here I am telling you the story of how this interesting concept of book crossing came into my life.
My plan is to release this book somwhere in Port Macquqrie, Being where I grew up I thought it would be the perfect place to let my book go.
CAUGHT IN SYDNEY NEW SOUTH WALES AUSTRALIA
book rating: 8/10

See all journal entries for this book.

How to be Good by Nick Hornby

2003-08-17T07:22:00.000-07:00

I released this on Friday 15 August 2003 at Barmuda Cafe, Australia St near King St in Newtown, New South Wales Australia.

A newly joined BookCrosser went hunting for it and left this journal entry:

Journal entry 3 by MsScarlet(0/0) from Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Sunday, August 17, 2003
Found the book in Barmuda - the kitchen staff had stashed it out the back having not read the label. I gave them the 25-words-or-less-Bookcrossing-brief so they will know what to do if they catch another wild one. Fully intend to read How To Be Good as it's one of Hornby's I haven't read yet, maybe while devouring one of Barmuda's legendary steak sandwiches...
will release as soon as I have finished it.

See all journal entries for this book.

Back When We Were Grownups by Anne Tyler

2003-08-15T07:25:00.000-07:00

I released this on Friday 15 August 2003 at the News Limited coffee bar in Surry Hills, New South Wales Australia.

It was caught by a new BookCrosser who left this journal entry:

Journal entry 3 by Diamondave(0/0) from sydney, New South Wales Australia on Friday, August 15, 2003
Found at 3.30ishpm August 15 at News Ltd coffee bar. The author's eye caught my eye, followed by the title. Having read about bookcrossing last weekend but until now not visiting the site, I was thrilled when I saw the tag sticking out the top once I picked it up and then confirming its origin.
This is great fun!!!
I intend to read it before deciding on the next stage of its journey.

See all journal entries for this book.

True wild catches - what's it all about?

2003-08-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

Actually I am writing this on Saturday 11 February 2006 but there is a reason for the difference in dates, as I will explain. Tuesday 12 August 2003 is the day I joined BookCrossing. In the last two and a half years I have had an enormous amount of fun - reading lots of good books, meeting lots of great people, reading what other people have to say about books on their journal entries and forum posts, and enjoying the serendipity of tracking a physical book as it travels through the world. My life has changed radically in the mean time - I moved from Sydney, Australia to London, England for starters - but my love of BookCrossing has remained a constant.

I have released books in all sorts of different ways, including:

releasing at meetups (monthly drinks or coffee sessions with other BookCrossers in the same town) or conventions (annual events for BookCrossers in the same country)
releasing at official BookCrossing zones (OBCZs) - cafes, pubs, cinemas or anywhere where there is a dedicate shelf and a sign explaining the concept
giving them to other BookCrossers directly, whether in person or by post
giving them to friends in the hope they'll join BookCrossing
trading books with other BookCrossers through the site, through CasualReader's BookRelay site or through other sites such as sf-books.com
initiating or participating in bookrings and bookrays (where there is a list of BookCrossers who read the book and then post it to the next person in turn - a ring goes back to the owner and a ray goes forever or gets released in some other way)
donating books to charity

But by far and away, my favourite way to share books is the wild release. This is when you leave it for the general public to find - whether it's on a park bench or on a bus seat. A label inside the book explains the concept of BookCrossing and invites them to record the fact that they have found the book on the website. Sometimes my releases are random and sometimes they are thematic - for example, I released The God of Small Things at the Buddhist Peace Pagoda in Battersea Park and Chocolat and The Shining along with a bag of sweets at a Halloween party in a pub. I've released books in Turkey, Austria and China among other places, although I do find my catch rates are higher when I'm in an English speaking country.

According to my stats on bookshelf page, I have released 150 books in the wild. This includes books released at meetups and OBCZs but it does not include rings, rays, trades, RABCKs etc. Basically if I know who the book is going to, I will make a journal entry explaining that rather than a wild release. Some BookCrossers do it differently, but this is the way I do it.

However, in my mind it's only truly a "wild catch" if I released it in a completely non-BookCrossing environment. If it was released at a meetup or in an OBCZ, the chances of a journal entry are much higher and therefore it's not as special. This blog commemorates my "true wild catches" - those journal entries received after I have left a book in the wild away from other BookCrossers. There are many more wild releases that have never seen the light of day (yet) but I think I've had a pretty good success rate. I have had about 20 wild catches in 30 months. Many of the finders have gone on to join BookCrossing although they often do not remain active.

I have trawled my bookshelf looking for these wild catches and cut and pasted them here (I will have to double check later to make sure I haven't missed any!). Each wild catch is blogged under the date when it was journalled by the finder. However, I wanted this post to appear as the earliest post, hence the change in date. From now on, I plan to record all wild catches as they occur.

Enjoy!