My favorite gift is books.  At Christmas time every year there is never a question on what I want; books or music.  I have been reading Patricia Cornwell.  She is an author that is an actual Forensic Pathologist in real life.  She writes fictional stories about Kay Scarpetta a Forensic Pathologist from Richmond, Virginia.  Dr. Scarpetta, along with her partner against crime Pete Marino, join forces to solve mysterious homicides.  The unique thing about Patricia Cornwell is she writes about her own forensic experiences.  So, while you read for enjoyment you are also learning about a very unique field.

One day I was on a quest to get every book in the series.  I had started in the middle and wanted to know how everything started in the series.  Well…I went to the book store and spent $40 on four books.  Yikes!  That was expensive and I had over 11 more books to get.  Then a friend told me about a web site where you can trade books, music and games.  What a great idea.  This site has become my favorite site to visit.  All you have to do is enter the books that you have and are willing to trade and then enter the books you want to add to your collection.  The swaptree.com website will match you automatically with other members to setup trades.  The user looks at their want list and if you have a match it shows “Get It.”  The user views what you have in your list and then they offer you a trade.  You have the option to accept or reject the trade.

 The best part about this website is you only trade items.  All you pay is shipping to send your trade to your trade partner; no other costs are involved.  In a matter of two weeks I have traded 11 books.  So when I paid $7.99 to $9.99 per book, I now pay $2.61 in shipping costs to trade books with people.  The website will even print the postage for you so all you have to do is find an envelope to send the item. 

 One thing to keep in mind, the condition of the books must be rated.  Other’s opinions of very good may be different from your own.  Make sure you follow the guidelines set on this website on rating the condition of your books.  If you receive a book in a different condition than described and it is unacceptable, the website will intervene to resolve the issue. 

This website is not just good for books but for Music and Games as well.   Choose your favorite Play Station or WII game and trade with a member of the site. 

I am almost out of books to trade so I better get reading so I can trade more!! 

 This site is a must see www.swaptree.com

I do love to read but since I got hooked in the internet, I have not been that good with books. :P But I am really trying to get back to it and the site you mentioned above is truly a big help. It will encourage me more to get back to reading. Thanks for sharing... :)

I was really surprised when I read that one of your favorite authors is also one of mine.I don't know if I could permanently part with one of my favorite books, but you could always borrow.:)