Happy Thought for 22 October 2026

Have a Happy Thought:

Books mean a lot to people. Knowing the people reading this email, books likely mean a lot to you.

The National Library of Latvia has been able to acknowledge and celebrate this nearly universal truth in a very special way.

This is through the “People’s Bookshelf”, which stores books donated by people – both in Latvia but also around the world, and in any language. Each book also contains a “message or personal story relating to the book on its title page.”

In other words, this is a way to share why this book is so special to you, and be able to share the book, and your why, with others.

 

Image: The People’s Bookshelf in the atrium of the National Library of Latvia. Grāmatu Plaukts

 

Want to see some examples of books and messages?

Of course you do 😊

 

A message from Sam Mostyn, Governor-General of Australia, accompanies this book:

On behalf of all Australians, I am delighted to gift this very special series of First Knowledges books to the People’s Bookshelf in the National Library of Latvia.

With warm wishes

Image: photo of the book cover of Songlines: First Knowledges. The Power and Promise. Grāmatu Plaukts

 

Or Shades of Gray by Jasper Fforde (a book that I personally also recommend), donated by Sophie Roger with the message “This message is dedicated to Jasper Fforde, an English man. This book is important to me because it is the only book I know about racism which does fully understand the subject matter, without pulling punches. It completely builds a universe that coherently explains the system which all prejudices are constructed. It is deeply moving. I often give it as a present. This is one of the books that are considered a precious friend.”

Image: title page of Jasper Fforde’s Shades of Grey. Grāmatu Plaukts

 

How about (although you might need to learn to read Latvian first) this Introduction to Christian Meditation, donated by Elza Leimane, saying that “Reading a good book also makes a person better! Let’s read those that uplift our thoughts! Choose to read spiritual literature! If a person chooses God, they are freed from all the snares of evil and will never go astray! Only with God can a person be truly happy! By reading this book and practicing Christian meditation, you will surely receive God's help, strength, and clarity in many things. May God bless you!”

 

Inscription on the inside cover of Ievads Kristīgajā Meditācijā Grāmatu Plaukts

 

Or maybe you will take a recommendation from Anne Rose Schön, who wants to recommend “Written in Blood” because “It is the most complete history written in English about my adopted country Haiti. Furthermore this book has the signature of one of the co-authors who happens to be a very close friend of ours. May this book help the lecturers to better understand the history of the only slave revolution ending in Independence: The history of the 1st Black Republic of the World Haiti.”

Inscription on the title page of Written in Blood Grāmatu Plaukts

 

 To donate a book, or to look up someone else’s donated book and read their story, check out Grāmatu Plaukts