Week 17: Leaving books behind

This week’s topic for the Weekly Travel Challenge is “Things to Purge.”

When I travel for work, I like to bring a couple of books with me to read to keep myself entertained during my train ride or flight. I like to give my eyes a break from looking at screens all day. I cherish those moments because it gives me time to breathe after running around at work all day.

Whenever I finish a book during my travel, I like to leave them around at public spaces hoping it would be picked up by the next person. The last book I left was on Thursday, I was taking a train to Irvine for a work-related conference. I finished The Wangs vs. The World by Jade Chang during my train ride and decided leave the book on the train.

Why do I let go of my books?

The obvious answer is I have less stuff to carry around, but importantly, I believe in sharing my books to the world.

Maybe I just have this romantic idea that whoever picks up the book, would find it a nice surprise.

I hope they may find inspiration and open up their mind. In this case, with The Wangs vs. the World, they would be inspired to take a cross-country road. Or learn not all Asians are good in math or science.

…or maybe whoever picks it up, they donate it to the library and it’s borrowed by someone else.

…or it ends up in the lost-and-found bin.

…or it ends up in the trash. Maybe someone dumpster dives?

That’s the book’s journey.

I left a few books this year in cafes, little free libraries, train stations, and other public spaces wondering who will read it next.

What do you let go?

Read more posts from the Travel Blogging Challenge:

Week 1: Your Favorite Travel Photo of You and Intro
Week 2: Little Known Travel Tips
Week 3: Funny Travel Story
Week 4: Travel Misadventures
Week 5: Top three cultural foods
Week 6: Unusual Travel Activities and Photos
Week 7: Inspiration for traveling
Week 8: 5 Favorite Blogs
Week 9: Gross/disgusting travel stories
Week 10: Best adventures while traveling
Week 11: What’s in my backpack?
Week 12: Happy and Sad Travel Stories
Week 13: Unique Cultures Encountered 
Week 14: Top 3 Travel Destinations
Week 15: Travel Regrets
Week 16: Scary and Cool Travel Stories

Who else is doing the challenge?

• Journey Through the Trees – Victoria
• Wandering Outside the Box – Winta
• Simply Emily – Emily
• Benjamin Lessard – Benjamin

Interested in participating in the Weekly Travel Blogging Challenge? Feel free to make your own today!