Who knew books could be so witty?

I’m kind of a craft book hoarder, and I have always liked buying new.  But financial necessities forced me recently to take more advantage of the library and engage in many fewer impulse buys.  To my surprise, I discovered that I kind of like borrowing first.  I found the try-before-you-buy that the library offers to be a perfect antidote to my tendency to over-spend on books I may only read once.  But more than that, I realized that I don’t care so much about having a  “new” copy as I thought I did.

I’ve spent the last few years trying to make simple choices towards a lighter impact on the Earth.  Why, then, have I always been so quick to buy brand new books?

While searching online for appropriate advertising partners for my blog, I came across Better World Books. Full disclosure: I did join their affiliate program, but I assure you, I’d be writing this post, even if I hadn’t – I’m not a “pay per post” kind of girl.

Anyway, this company is great.  They sell new and used books at very nice prices.  They offer free carbon-neutral shipping (and the option of throwing them a few cents towards the purchase of additional carbon offsets).  Plus a portion of all sales is donated to literacy funds worldwide.

I found there a $10 copy of a $40 cookbook, which I’d borrowed from the library and fallen in love with.  So I bought it, saved some money, saved some trees, and helped further the cause of literacy.  Good deal.

Anyway, my order shipped today, and I was amused to receive a personal, rather chatty note directly from the book I ordered:

Hello Lisa,

(Your book(s) asked to write you a personal note – it seemed unusual, but who are we to say no?)

Holy canasta! It’s me… it’s me! I can’t believe it is actually me! You could have picked any of over 2 million books but you picked me! I’ve got to get packed! How is the weather where you live? Will I need a dust jacket? I can’t believe I’m leaving Mishawaka, Indiana already – the friendly people, the Hummer plant, the Linebacker Lounge – so many memories. I don’t have much time to say goodbye to everyone, but it’s time to see the world!

I can’t wait to meet you! You sound like such a well read person. Although, I have to say, it sure has taken you a while! I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, but how would you like to spend five months sandwiched between Jane Eyre (drama queen) and Fundamentals of Thermodynamics (pyromaniac)? At least Jane was an upgrade from that stupid book on brewing beer. How many times did the ol’ brewmaster have one too many and topple off our shelf at 2am?

I know the trip to meet you will be long and fraught with peril, but after the close calls I’ve had, I’m ready for anything (besides, some of my best friends are suspense novels). Just five months ago, I thought I was a goner. My owner was moving and couldn’t take me with her. I was sure I was landfill bait until I ended up in a Better World Books book drive bin. Thanks to your socially conscious book shopping, I’ve found a new home. Even better, your book buying dollars are helping kids read from Brazil to Botswana.

But hey, enough about me, I’ve been asked to brief you on a few things:

[personal shipping/order info removed]

Eagerly awaiting our meeting,

Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone

Amusing, no? I always enjoy it when companies get creative with their order-related correspondence. (MOO has some cute notifications, too, I’ve noticed.)

Have you done business lately with any companies that have impressed you with their commitments to the environment or to other worthy causes (or, corresponded with you in amusing ways)?  I’d love to hear about them in the comments!