Secret Book Stuff

Secret Book Stuff is a kindness project to spread the love of literature and create a little more magic in the world. Who doesn't love a random compliment, a smile from a stranger, a pay-it-forward coffee, or a good read left on their doorstep/desk/mailbox?

For the past twelve months, I've been wrapping good condition pre-loved books in 100% recycled brown paper and biodegradable hemp twine and leaving them as random acts of kindness around Newcastle's cafes, bus stops, doorsteps, etc.

Pretty soon, the idea (and Instagram) caught on, so I created a basic website where people could cover the cost of postage to have a book sent to a friend anywhere in Australia. As a writer and hectic bibliophile, my favourite part of the 'job' has been acting as a 'book doctor' and choosing the perfect book to be sent, with a handwritten personalised message inside.

Last year, I collaborated with The Grateful, donating flowers AND secret books to the John Hunter Hospital and Ronald McDonald House. I also donated 200 books to the Newcastle Basket Brigade to put in hampers for disadvantaged families at Christmas time, and donated 250 secret books for gift bag goodies to a charity fundraiser event for women called She the Change.

For the past few months, I've also been holding a Secret Book Stuff stall at local markets like Hunt and Gather and Olive Tree, selling secret books and donating proceeds to local charities like Newcastle Basket Brigade, Soul Cafe and the Centre for Ecological Learning. So for each book sold, that funds two book donations to a charity!

Fondos becados por Newcastle (September 2018)