This Book Is Not Lost: Spreading Kindness and Connection Through Books

Books are more than just paper and ink—they are doorways to new worlds, inspiration for our dreams, companions through lonely nights, and guides on our journeys of self-discovery. I adore books. I lovingly arrange them by colour, dust their spines, and admire their beautifully designed covers as they sit neatly on my bookshelves. Each one holds a memory, a lesson, or a dream.

But recently, I have begun to question whether keeping these treasures tucked away is truly honouring their magic. These books, filled with stories that transported me to other realms and words of wisdom that shaped my personal growth and evolution, now sit unused. Their potential to inspire, comfort, or uplift someone else lies idle and dormant.

Realising this planted a seed in my heart, which has inspired a project I’m calling  “This Book Is Not Lost.” It’s about letting go, sharing abundance, and trusting the universe to connect the right book with the right person. Let me tell you all about it—and maybe, just maybe, you’ll feel inspired to join me and share your books too!

The Beginnings of “This Book is Not Lost”

It took me a while to have the courage to let go of my books. I considered them a part of my identity, shaping who I am as a woman and offering me a connection to friends by sharing our reading experiences. When I was ready to let them go, I started visiting the local street libraries. These charming little cupboards stuffed with books and often tucked away in parks or neighbourhoods became my outlet for sharing the books I had loved but no longer needed. Dropping off my books felt good—knowing someone would choose them and find something they might love felt rewarding.

But on a flight back home, I finished reading a book and put it in my bag, ready to drop it off at the local street library. An idea hit me: What if I made sharing this book a more serendipitous event? What if instead of neatly tucking it amongst the other books in my local street library, I left it in a random place and trusted the universe to deliver it to the person who needed it most?

And just like that, “This Book is Not Lost” started.

How It Works 

The concept is simple: 

1. Pick a book you have read. Whether it’s a novel that made you laugh and cry or a self-help book that changed your perspective, pick a book you are ready to pass on.

2. Write a note inside the front cover. This note is what makes the project special. Include on your note, the date you are leaving the book. Add the location where you have left it and a short thought or reflection about what the book meant to you. To personalise the gesture, add your signature or initials. I have created a page you can add to inside the book's front cover. Download and print the template. FREE DOWNLOAD HERE

3. Leave the book somewhere unexpected. A park bench, a coffee shop, a bus stop, or anywhere your heart feels called to.

4. Use the hashtag #thisbookisnotlost and share the experience on social media, inviting others to join in or simply to spread the word.

From there, the magic begins. Your book may travel miles or stay close to home, but its journey will touch lives in ways we can only imagine.

The Power of Letting Go 

For many of us, letting go of books can feel bittersweet. They are reminders of where we have been and who we have become. But I have found there is something profoundly freeing about releasing them into the world.

By letting go, we create space—not just on our bookshelves but in our hearts and minds—for new stories, new lessons, and new growth. We are also giving someone else the chance to discover the same joy, wisdom, or escape that we once found within those pages.

And isn’t that the essence of abundance? To trust that what we give freely will come back to us in some form, perhaps when we least expect it.

Imagine the possibilities. A young student finds a book about resilience on a park bench just when they’re feeling overwhelmed by exams. A weary traveller stumbles upon a novel at the airport that reminds them of the beauty of human connection. Or a parent discovers a children’s book in a café that becomes their child’s new bedtime favourite.

Every book has the potential to change a life, and through This Book is Not Lost, we can practice acts of kindness and set positive change in motion.

A Community of Book Lovers 

One of the most exciting parts of this project is its potential to express kindness, and see the beauty in our world. With the hashtag #thisbookisnotlost we can follow the journeys of these books and see the impact they are having on others.

You might leave a book in your hometown, only to find out months later that it’s travelled to another state or even another country. Or you might see someone post about how they found a book that felt like it was meant for them—because it was.

Each story adds a layer of connection, showing us how small actions can create ripples of positivity.

Let’s Make it a Movement

If this idea inspires something in you, I would love for you to join in!

Here’s how: 

1. Start with your bookshelf. Choose a book or books you’ve enjoyed but are ready to part with. It could be that novel you couldn’t put down or the self-help book that gave you an “aha” moment.

2. Prepare your book. Write your note inside, then think about where you’d like to leave it. You could also carry it with you on your next train ride or outing and just leave it behind. You can download the note template here and paste it inside the book.

3. Share. Use #thisbookisnotlost on social media to document where you left your book and what it means to you. Tag @This.Book.is.Not.Lost on Instagram and follow the account to see where other books are being left and found. I will share as many of the tagged posts as possible.

4. Encourage others. Share the idea with friends, family, or book clubs. The more people who join, the more stories we can create.

Why Do This

In a world that often feels disconnected, This Book is Not Lost reminds us of the small ways we can bring light to someone’s day. You and I both know reading a book can brighten our day in unexpected ways. Sometimes, the characters and words in a book have a way of making us feel seen, understood, and less alone. This simple act of kindness demonstrates trust—to trust in the universe and to have faith in the flow of life and its ability to guide the right things to the right people.

My Hopes for This Project 

I hope this project sparks joy—not just for the people who find the books but also for those of us who leave them. There’s something magical about knowing that you may have contributed positively to someone’s life in ways you may never fully know.

I also hope it inspires a mindset shift. What else are you holding onto that might serve others better if you let it go? What beauty might you find when you trust the universe and open yourself to new possibilities? 

So, here’s my invitation to you …

Let’s set our books free. Let’s share their magic with others. And let’s see how far this project can go.

The next time you finish a book, ask yourself, “Who might need this?” Then leave it somewhere unexpected and trust that the universe will take care of the rest. 

When you do, remember to share your experience with me by tagging @This.Book.is.Not.Lost

Together, we can create a movement of kindness, connection, and inspiration—one book at a time.

Oh of course … if you find a book share too and then start the process again!

OM xx

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