Sometimes you just throw lists out the window!

So yes. I'm a book fiend. I make lists of books i want to read or have read, read other people's lists of the same, see what the lists of "good" or "best" or "classics" have to say. If the reading overlords say that this book is one YOU HAVE TO READ (before you die) then part of me says back "yes, of course!" That's all the part of me that wants organization and continuity and order. It is the conformity part.

Then there's the REBEL part. the part that says "screw order! randomness is supreme! I'll decide what i want" and goes off and makes me read something i completely did not expect to pick up. Because i work night now (ugh) i was at Borders yesterday with a 40% off coupon and picked up a non-fiction book. I immediately began reading it blowing past the 2 other books in my schoolbag that i really really need to finish.

I read The Scavenger's Manifesto by Anneli Rufus and Kristan Lawson. It is part history, part philosophy, part screed and a smidge of how to. I picked it up for the how to part and unfortunately that isn't the best bit. It is interesting and informative but not what i really wanted. The history of society's prejudice against scavenging goes back to biblical times and the author's reference all those random rules from the old Testament. They move through the 60's counter-culture to 70's punk style to our modern notions of vintage and shabby-chic. They rail against modern consumer culture while admitting if it stopped there would be nothing the scavengers to find. The authors have some great pro-scavenging arguments. The problem is that i didn't need to be convinced! I had hoped the book would be more about the details of Dumpster diving or how to score the best finds at flea markets. The authors advice comes down to "free your mind" and to be curious and always searching. I found out that i am already considered a bit of a scavenger! the whole getting books and movies from the library or used bookstores thing apparently qualifies me! woo hoo. It isn't a bad book but i am giving it a 4.

so in the spirit of freeness and scavenging i am going to have my first giveaway! anybody want this book? leave a comment! Personally, i think it would make a great present to give someone who can't comprehend why anyone would want to go to yard sales or used bookstores. I guess i'll set the date for April 8 as the deadline. Good luck.