When considering what to do with the small ammounts of money we put aside each week a new idea struck me.

The idea was simple - give away books. Give them away in such a way that encurages them to keep being given away and that also allowes the recipient to return the book to an earlier "owner" if they can find no one to give the book to. Further more it would be good if others were able to release books from the dusty shelves where they seem to spend most of thier life.

It is also not lost on me that those who partake in this act of giving away books might also be given books by future owners inspired to free some of thier own collection. It might never happen but it is always possible.

To this end I created the Laity Online Book Share page and an "open docuemnt" formated file to enable anyone to print and stick a small notice in the book saying that this book had been given to be read and given away again.

Then just a few days ago I visited the local Christian Bookshop with the money we had saved and purchased books.

To my delight I found many second hand books going for as little as 50p (about US$1). I liberated a choice selection of these bargan books some of which I had read or heard of and others that seemed worthy or a look. I obtained classics by Nicky Cruz, Adrian Plass (lots of Adrian Plass) and C.S.Lewis.

I also purchased new a number of titles such as "The Ragamuffin Gospel" by Brennan Manning, "Jesus Freaks" by dc Talk and the Voice of the Martyrs.

Before I give any of these books away I intend to read them and review them. After that I intend to give them away.

This is such an important thing that a new column has been created. I doubt it will be as popular or as frequent as the "All Members Soap Box". I will endevour to provide you with every detail you need to seek out copies for yourself.