In this lean economy, one of the practices making a lot of sense to me is bookswapping. I've seen various websites like paperbackswap.com managing the book trades. I don't know the ins and outs on how they work. Nor have I ever used one. I see 10 readers there have my new cozy Quiet Anchorage on their "want list."

But if you own a bunch of books you've read and have no plans to read again, bookswapping sounds like a sensible idea. Of course the high cost of postage has to be factored in. I've heard of where recipients had to pony up the postage due on books mailed to them. Ouch.

From years ago, I remember this bed-and-breakfast in Bermuda offered a book swap shelf. The guests took a book and left a book. There was a stack of Agatha Christie titles, but I don't recall if I participated or not.

By Ed Lynskey
@edlynskey
Author of Lake Charles
"Satisfying."
The Rap Sheet/Kirkus Reviews