Central Booking

This guy. He's no one you'd know, but he has a mildly entertaining blog.

Why does he go by the name Diesel?

You don't want to know.

Why would I want him to read a book?

No idea. Maybe you really liked the book, and think it would be cool if someone else would read it. Or maybe you're just itching to write a review of a book you just read, and this is a good excuse. Also, he will post a link to your blog in his reading log and his reading list.

Why is he doing this?

He likes to read. Also, it's a publicity stunt to attract readers to his blog. You can read the full story here.

How do I suggest a book for him to read?

Write an entry on your blog telling him why you want him to read the book. Or why anyone should read the book, if you don't particularly care about this Diesel character.

How do I actually get him to read the book?

Link to http://www.mattresspolice.com in your blog entry. If you do that, Diesel will find you. You are also welcome to post a comment here linking to your blog entry, to make sure Diesel finds it.

Will he really read any book I suggest?

Yes, within reason. It has to be in English, obtainable through Amazon, not ridiculously expensive, less than 500 pages, have some redeeming qualities, and conceivably be of some interest to a normal adult male human. "Some redeeming qualities" means that you can actually write a blog entry convincing Diesel that it's not a complete waste of time. He is unlikely to read Harlequin romances, racist diatribes, pornography, knitting manuals, books on making things out of macaroni, etc. He also reserves the right to refuse to read several books by the same author, or in the same genre, etc. (Just in case you and 50 of your closest friends decide that you want Diesel to read every Hardy Boys book ever written.)

How long does he have to read all these books?

He has until November 28, 2007. That's one year from the start of this little exercise.

What's the deadline to suggest a book?

November 21, 2007 or until 52 books have been suggested, whichever comes first.

What order will he read them in?

Whatever order he wants.

How will I know when my book has been added to his list?

The list will be updated here. Probably about once a week.

What if he's already read the book I suggest?

He's posted a list of some popular books he's read here. If you end up suggesting a book that he's already read (and he doesn't feel like reading it again), he will let you know by posting a comment on your blog, if he can. Then you are free to suggest another book.

Can I suggest more than one book?

No. Unless you want to give him a couple of options, in case he' read one of them, or if you want to give him a choice between a few different books.

Any other limitations?

Diesel reserves the right to limit the number of books to 52. That's one book a week. If he gets more than 52 suggestions, he'll use his judgment to select among them.

How do I know he has actually read the book I suggested?

He will post a journal of his reading here. If that's not good enough for you, tough.

Anything else in it for me?

Not really, no. Just a link to your blog and the satisfaction of knowing Diesel has read the book you suggested.

What if I have more questions?

Post a comment to this blog entry. He'll answer it eventually.

Diesel looks forward to your suggestions. Try to not make him regret his faith in humanity.