Florida Author To Give Away Over 1,000 Books This Holiday Season

Every year, local author, Michael Lister, sets aside several copies of his novels to make available free of charge during the holidays. This year, because of the weakened economy and how many fewer people are employed—or possibly will be in the near future—Lister is giving away more copies of his books than ever before.

"My goal is to give away over a thousand copies of "Blood of the Lamb" by the end of the year," Lister said. "And hundreds of my other titles, "Power in the Blood," "Flesh and Blood," "North Florida Noir," and "Another Quiet Night in Desperation." "It's something we've done for the last several years, but we're kicking it into overdrive this year. It's a small contribution, but it's something."

Perhaps as a single gift, a hardback book ranging from $20.00 to $24.95 is small, but it adds up. If Lister meets his goal, he will have given away over $20,000.00 in books away just this Christmas alone.

"It feels so good to give," Lister said. "Giving any kind of gift is rewarding, but when it's something you've created yourself, it's all the more special, all the more personal."

Those receiving copies of Lister's novels, which are all set here in the Panhandle, can accept them as a gift for themselves or give them to someone on their list.

"A book is the best entertainment value around," Lister said. "As Stephen King wrote in "Entertainment Weekly" this week, the average price of going to see a movie is around $24.00 (not including babysitting or travel). ‘For that same $24—less, with a discount—you can buy a new book and be entertained for days,' King says. ‘My point? Books are still the best bang for your entertainment buck.'

Lister adds, "I hope that during this time when we all have less disposable income, more people will begin reading again. And it's not just about entertainment. Books nourish us, make us better people. Few things enrich our lives or make the world a better place more than reading."

But this isn't just about giving away books to people who might need an extra present this year. Lister is quick to add he has another goal, too.

"This isn't me just being altruistic," Lister said. "In addition to the joy of giving, I hope to gain more readers. Anytime someone reads one of my books my hope is that they will find the experience rewarding enough to read another one someday."

To receive a free copy of one of Michael Lister's novels, all you have to do is drop by one of these locations: Puzzle's USA, The News Herald, The Gallery Above, Willie Pollard's State Farm (in Panama City), Palm Tree Books (in Port St. Joe), or The Tupelo Theatre (in Wewahitchka).

You can also email your address to MichaelLister@mchsi.com or mail it to Michael Lister, P.O. Box 35038, Panama City, FL 32412 and a copy will be mailed to you.