Books for Sale

I haven't been blogging in a while because we have had fantastic weather around here. Last week was gorgeous, and any time I had to myself while Ethan was napping (his sleep is 1000 times better than it was a couple weeks ago - all good again!) has been spent out of doors. Needless to say, since we do not have a laptop and the computer cords will not stretch to the backyard, I have not been on the computer all that much. But I've been meaning to write this post for a while now, so here goes...

Recently, I finished reading a great book Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. It is the true story of Mr. Mortenson, a mountain climber turned philanthropist. After a failed summit attempt of K2 in Pakistan, Mortenson was separated from his guide and ended up in the small village of Korphe, bordering the mountain. The people there welcomed him warmly and nursed the alititude sick Mortenson back to health. He was so impressed with their hospitality and moved by their generosity that Mortenson vowed to return to build a school in their village. He did so, after writing countless letters asking for donations. He ended up getting a very large donation from one sympathetic millionaire, and, long story short, started an NGO called the Central Asia Institute, which since the first school was built, has built 100's more. Mortenson, who lives with his wife and two kids in Montana, spends half of his time in Pakistan or Afghanistan, overseeing projects of the CAI. If even half of the book is accurate, Greg Mortenson is an amazingly selfless man.

Needless to say, I was very moved by the book and loved the idea that it all started because this man, pretty poor himself, saw a great need to do something to educate the young people, especially females, in Pakistan and other central Asian countries. The book takes you through September 11th and the rise and fall of the Taliban. Mortenson's resolve to keep building schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan despite the danger during wartime comes from his belief that education is the only way to combat the terrorism of fundamentalist groups. As an educator, I really connected to this idea. I thought, if only the money we spent on one day of the war could go to these countries in order to build schools where tolerance would be taught. If only...

I was definitely eager to give my support to the Central Asia Institute. Unfortunately, with me staying home this year, money is tighter than usual, and we've already given to our charities of choice this year. So, I decided I would have to raise some money. (I admit that watching Oprah's Big Give inspired me somewhat, as well.) First, I thought maybe I could do a book collection to send to the schools in Pakistan. But then I realized that these kids do not know English (yet) and would not have much use for my copy of Devil in the White City. So...then I decided I would sell books to raise money to donate to the CAI. There is a store near us that buys used books. I took Ethan there the other day and spoke to one of the managers, making sure this was a good option. I wanted to make sure that they would take any and all books, and they do. They will take old college textbooks, old guidebooks, old children's books, you name it. And they NEVER throw anything away. That was a big concern. He said if they cannot sell it in their store, they will recycle it. The books do not go in a landfill.

Yesterday, Will, Ethan, and I took our first load of books to the store. Will brought some old library books from LT that were up for grabs, and I cleaned out my bookshelf. We had about three large boxes of books. They gave us $24 for the whole lot. Not all that much, but actually more than I expected since most of the books were very old and not desirable. Really, the books that fetch a good price are newer books, books that people will actually want to buy, go figure.

This is where you all come in. I'm asking you to clean out your bookshelves and give those books to me (or Will) for us to take to the store and sell. We will then take all proceeds and write a check to the Central Asia Institute for Mortenson to continue educating young people, both boys and girls, in Pakistan and Afghanistan. We will take any book you'd like to give us, so think of it as a time to really clean out your cluttered bookshelf.

This is not an easy task for an avid reader, which I believe most of my blog readers are. I had a hard time parting with some of my books, but I tried to think if I would ever really be reading or referring to the book again. I admit I still have a pretty large collection of books, but that is because I like to keep a nice classroom library of books to loan. But I did try to pick out a few newer book that I thought would get a higher price at the store. And I admit I had no problem throwing some books on the sell pile, books I did not enjoy all that much.

So, please, let me know if you can help me out with this small fundraiser by giving me some of your used books. I will be happy to come pick up a box or two or you can get some to me next time you see me. Tell your friends and see if they have any books they do not mind parting with for a good cause. And, all you teachers out there, tell your students. I'm sure many of them won't mind bringing in a few books from home. (Maybe you can sweeten the deal with a homework pass or extra credit for book donations made.) And if you work at LT, just bring Will your books.

Thank you in advance for any book donations. If you'd like to learn more about the Central Asia Institute, here is the website:

http://www.ikat.org/

I will keep you updated about the book sales and, of course, give a final grand total. My goal is to raise at least $100. We're almost a quarter of the way!