Another spontaneous, surprising and sweet twist for “Going Home” and for Battenkill Books. A number of people have been purchasing copies of “Going Home” and asking that they go to animal shelters or rescue groups, which all deal with loss almost constantly. It’s a powerful idea, buying local, helping animals, supporting a bookstore, supporting my work and the farm.  The Battenkill Experiment keeps evolving in wonderful ways. When “Going Home” came out, I got the box I was entitled to from Random House, but they were quickly given away, donated to shelters who asked for signed copies for fund-raising.

I got scores of requests from shelters and rescue groups for copies of “Going Home” but couldn’t afford to keep buying copies of my own books and shipping them out. But in recent days people have been buying copies of the book from Connie Brooks at Battenkill and very generously asking that they be donated to shelters, and those purchases coincided with requests for signed books that we were able to fill. Connie and I will talk about how best to do this, and it’s up to her,  but one idea would be for people to contact their local shelters and rescue groups, and if they wish for a signed or personalized book, they can be purchased from Battenkill, and I will sign them and Connie will ship them out, as she does now.

People can also provide the names and addresses of shelters, and books can be purchased from Battenkill and shipped to them as holiday gifts or surprises. I will make sure to sign each one, and personalize them to the shelters and thank them for the work they do. People interested in this very heartwarming and generous idea can call Battenkill at 518 677-2515 or contact her at www.battenkillbooks.com. What a great way to buy local, support bookstores, help shelters, feel good. Shelters and rescue groups have been especially hard hit in recent years. I will purchase some copies of “Going Home”  and contribute to this idea. I know of some shelters that would benefit from this. People who can afford it might consider donating a copy to their local shelter or rescue group when they buy a copy for themselves or family and friends.

Orders are building for the holiday shopping period, and we are aiming for at least 1,000 books sold. Several weeks to go.