L is for Librarything
Ahh, Librarything.
Where would I be without it?
Well, for one, I wouldn’t have a complete catalogue of all my books. Now, if there’s ever a fire or a flood, I have a record for insurance purposes of all the books I own.
But cataloguing your books is only one perk of using this site, which I vastly prefer to GoodReads. And before you ask, no, Librarything isn’t just for libraries or librarians! Really, the “library” part in the title refers to the ability to catalogue, categorize, and provide information about your books and others.
Over at Librarything, I’m also an active member of the group “75 Books in 2012” – our challenge is to read 75 books each calendar year, and this year is my fourth time in the group. Admittedly, we’re more about the books than the numbers, so even if you only think you’ll read 20 books this year, we’ll still let you in and welcome you with open arms!!!
It’s a place to go to discuss books with like-minded individuals, where religious and racial and political differences are actually discussed like civil individuals, with respect and deference and logic leading the way – seriously, where else on the internet can you find that?!?!
Since joining Librarything and the group, I’ve expanded my reading horizons in ways I could never have anticipated. I used to read ONLY fantasy or sci-fi, but now I’ll pick up the occasional literary novel, oodles of non-fiction, contemporary dramas, cozy mysteries, maybe even a romance or a western or *gasp* something mainstream. If it’s a good story, who cares what genre it is?
My TBR list has expanded to include well over 500 titles, and it’s growing! And in the process of reading and recommending books, I’ve made real, sincere friendships. The group supports each other, encourages each other through hard times, and bonds together for strength (such as this past January after the death of a long-time group member). We celebrate each other’s achievements and victories (beating cancer! getting married! having a baby! a new job! going back to school!), and every year there are multiple REAL LIFE meet-ups of group members.
I haven’t had the opportunity to attend one of these yet, but a few of us are in discussion about a Toronto meet-up… so, fingers crossed!
If you’ve never hopped onto Librarything to take a look around, what are you waiting for? Come find me in the 75’ers group, and let’s talk books!
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