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"It's happened to all of us: we're reading a book, something interrupts us, and we grab the closest thing at hand to mark our spot. It could be a train ticket, a letter, an advertisement, a photograph, or a four-leaf clover. Eventually the book finds its way into the world-a library, a flea market, other people's bookshelves, or to a used bookstore. But what becomes of those forgotten bookmarks? What stories could they tell? By day, Michael Popek works in his family's used bookstore. By night, he's the voyeuristic force behind www.forgottenbookmarks.com, where he shares the weird objects he has found among the stacks at his store. Forgotten Bookmarks is a scrapbook of Popek's most interesting finds. Sure, there are actual bookmarks, but there are also pictures and ticket stubs, old recipes and notes, valentines, unsent letters, four-leaf clovers, and various sordid, heartbreaking, and bizarre keepsakes. Together this collection of lost treasures offers a glimpse into other readers' lives that they never intended for us to see. "--… (more)
User reviews
In short I loved this book! The cover has a "read me" feel to it and once inside, the pages have an old feel to them. This is truly a collection of bits that have been found in random books by the author. Each page is filled with a photograph of the forgotten bookmark, a transcript of it along with a photograph and details of the book it was found in. There is no rhyme or reasoning behind the bookmarks used. Some are photographs, others are recipes and receipts, letters, postcards, beer mats and even a couple of actual bookmarks. The books they were left in are a mix of older books from the late 19th Century up until 2001.
These bookmarks are so much more than that. They are snapshots of someone's life, a glimpse into their world, even if for a short time. We have all done it, simply grabbed the nearest thing we could use as a bookmark, rummaged in a handbag,purse or wallet, or perhaps a notebook, even perhaps the corner from a magazine, book, newspaper. I have even been known to use an unused tissue or a square of toilet paper! It isn't just the book these marks were left in, or the mark itself, perhaps it is also where the former reader left the book mark. What was it on that particular page that they found interesting? Or did someone else stumble across the book with the page marked and move the book mark. Whatever the reason or cause this is a great book to disappear into, with pondering and speculation of a previous owner or world we, as readers can never discover.
Popek's book is a great peak inside the forgotten private lives of readers, and his blog offers a look at his latest discoveries. Perhaps because of my own experiences I find it more interesting than others might, but it's charming none the less. Click over for a look, and don't forget to check your books before you bring them back to the library!
Getting back to the book itself, Popek has compiled a large assortment of photos, letters, receipts, as well as miscellaneous items that he has discovered in the books he has. I envy the selection available to him. I am only a book buyer, so the amount of books to look through for me is limited. With Michael being a book buyer and seller for a store, there is an almost endless supply at his disposal.
I have only gotten part of the way into the second section of the book entitled "Letters, Cards, and Correspondence." Even though that isn't much of the way through the entire book, I can honestly say this will be a favorite to keep going back to for years to come. The photo's section alone is worthy enough of it's own book. I especially enjoyed seeing the pictures from Martinique disaster. There is a lot to learn about history from books, and not all of it comes from the text itself. Before seeing these photos, I knew nothing about the volcanic explosion of Mt. Pelee. Now I'm intrigued and will most likely research more into the event.
In the coming days I expect to have similar experiences with this book. There is a lot to discover within these pages. I can't wait to finish it, but I may go through the pages slowly to savor the experience.
On another note, the day I received my copy of the book, my girlfriend and I took a drive out to Oneonta, NY to check out Popek's bookstore as well as to meet Michael Popek himself. The bookstore itself was well worth the thirty mile drive. We found a good amount of books for very reasonable prices. Meeting Michael was fun as well. I enjoy talking to people about books, and hearing about how the blog/book came to be from the author himself was a real treat. I strongly suggest anyone in the area, or whoever is up for a road trip, to visit Michael's bookstore. You will not be disappointed..
I plan to visit the website more often, and I hope Popek will publish more of his fascinating finds.
Read this book if...
*you love non-fiction
*you love old books
*you love old treasure and mementos
Basically, a book about all the notes, pictures and other assorted odd things
I found this book interesting and unique.
A quick easy read, more pictures than reading actually so those that might just enjoy a bit of history might also enjoy this - even if they aren't as fond of books as I am.
Interesting enough for an afternoon’s worth of reading through it.