In the aftermath of recent Black Friday price lusting, the giving spirit comes early this holiday season (and in book-form too!)

Baltimore’s own award-winning scribe, Madison Smartt Bell, will be reading from his new book, Zig Zag Wanderer, at the Ivy Bookshop at Lake Falls (6080 Falls Road) on December 11, 7pm. The evening will be hosted by the always excellent Jen Michalski. And, yes, FREE BOOKS are involved.

Let me explain:  The book’s publisher is a new Massachusetts outfit called Concord Free Press (http://www.concordfreepress.com), whose mission is to publish their catalog free in both print and e-format, to anyone anywhere – including at the reading. They only ask that the customer make a donation of any amount to any charity or individual of their choice. Its the kind of simple pay-it-forward philosophy that I can dig, especially this time of year. Their goal is to spread good literature freely and encourage giving at the same time. Here is a quote from their webpage:

“Think about it this way. No matter who published them or how good they are, most books go on a familiar trajectory—new, used, shelved permanently, dusty. Ours keep going from hand to hand, generating donations along the way. Readers are generally good people. We give them a chance to get a great book for free—and encourage contributions to organizations and individuals in their own community or further afield.”

Bell’s long and lauded career speaks for itself (If you haven’t read his trilogy about the Haitian Revolution, go to the bookstore now) and I am always excited when he puts a new title out. The form of this one especially intrigues me;  I am told it comes in an “infinite book format” that I will have to hold in my hand to understand. (Sounds cool, right? That mystery alone would be enough to get me there.) The collection contains 18 stories spanning two decades and takes place in the US, Haiti, and more. Here is a link to the Facebook invitation page: https://www.facebook.com/events/432988656823164/

I am a big fan of  great literature, free stuff, good causes, and a fun time, so you know you can see me there. And I love watching people receive gifts, so I hope I see you too.