The first page…
One of the perks of bookselling is access to the Advance Reading Copies that publishers use to draw retailers’ attention to new titles. Five years ago I stood ahenny in ABC Amsterdam’s office, looking through the stacks and stacks of these free books. The table sagged under the weight of them. There were more than any of us could ever read, and since we’re not allowed to sell ARCs, I was about to throw most of them into the paper dumpster in our warehouse.
Fellow bibliophiles will understand what a horrible task this was.
Wouldn’t it be nicer, I thought, to give these books free to a good home? The next year, this thought would turn into ABC’s You Review program.
Four years later, more than one hundred ABC customers have taken part in You Review, reviewing almost three hundred books. We gave each of them an ABC gift certificate in addition to their free book, to thank them for sharing their opinions. Often those opinions differed from the mainstream – flops were praised and prize-winners slated, and that was what made it so enjoyable.
The last page…
Later this month, Do You Read Me? will go from two blogmistresses to one when I leave ABC and return to the UK and Sophie takes over the blog on her own.
You Review has always been fun to do – we do love giving you things for free – but it’s also the most time-consuming section we have. So for the foreseeable future, You Review will be taking an indefinite hiatus.
You’ll still be able to enter our draws to win free books, tickets to movies, shows and events, and other prizes. And you can still share your views about the books you read by submitting a review in our online store. Whenever we are ready to start up the review program again, you’ll read it first here.
Thank you to everyone who has taken part in You Review. You’ve all been wonderfully friendly, professional, talented and opinionated. It’s been a pleasure to meet you, and to share our love of books together. Happy Reading!
Tags: ABC News, You Review
It was a tough decision to make.
But I promise that bringing back the You Review program is on top of my list – just as soon as I’ve settled into doing ALL the blog work as opposed to half (as well as some of Hayley’s other duties). So please be patient!
Aaaaw, such a pity that you’ll leave us, Hayley.
All my best for your new life in UK, hope you find an equally interesting “book job” over there.
And welcome to Sophie.
Andrée
All good things come to an end Hayley, we’ve had a great run and thanks for all your hard work. All the best for your return to the UK.
David
*sniff*