Some days ago I bought a book at Better World Books, a singular online bookstore that defines itself as "a pioneering social enterprise — a business with a mission to promote literacy". "Better World Books collects and sells books online to fund literacy initiatives worldwide".

"The online bookstore with a soul" sent me a message today confirming the shipping of my book. This seems just normal. What makes it special is how they did it. Take a look for yourself:

Hello Luis,

(Your book(s) asked to write you a personal note - it seemed unusual, but who are we to say no?)

Holy canasta! It's me... it's me! I can't believe it is actually me! You could have picked any of over 2 million books but you picked me! I've got to get packed! How is the weather where you live? Will I need a dust jacket? I can't believe I'm leaving Mishawaka, Indiana already - the friendly people, the Hummer plant, the Linebacker Lounge - so many memories. I don't have much time to say goodbye to everyone, but it's time to see the world!

I can't wait to meet you! You sound like such a well read person. Although, I have to say, it sure has taken you a while! I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but how would you like to spend five months sandwiched between Jane Eyre (drama queen)and Fundamentals of Thermodynamics (pyromaniac)? At least Jane was an upgrade from that stupid book on brewing beer. How many times did the ol' brewmaster have one too many and topple off our shelf at 2am?

I know the trip to meet you will be long and fraught with peril, but after the close calls I've had, I'm ready for anything (besides, some of my best friends are suspense novels). Just five months ago, I thought I was a goner. My owner was moving and couldn't take me with her. I was sure I was landfill bait until I ended up in a Better World Books book drive bin. Thanks to your socially conscious book shopping, I've found a new home. Even better, your book buying dollars are helping kids read from Brazil to Botswana.

Imagine, you read the subject of the message and you think another confirmation message from the bookstore, you open it and, unexpectedly, you find a message written by the book you bought who is telling his story: how he was rescued from a landfill, who were his neighbors and how much he is looking forward to meet you!

I wanted to share it with you as example of a lively and emotional story "made to stick" in the words of Dan and Chip Heath.