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ArcaMax, a leading source of family-friendly content, launched their free Book Club( http://www.arcamax.com/books/ ) last December, and it has grown considerably sincethen, both in size and readership. Thousands of subscribers are taking advantage ofthe opportunity to read more than 600 books free by e-mail, sent one chapter a day.
Hugh Spain, Managing Editor of ArcaMax Publishing, understands the appeal. "It'sso much more convenient," he says, "especially in a day and age where we 'just can'tmake time' to read something. It's a lot more encouraging to receive it bit by bit,right where you're bound to see it."
While reading by e-mail is the main service of the Book Club, kids will more likelybe attracted to the other features. Another way to read, for example, ischapter-by-chapter directly from the Web site. When they are done for the day, they(or their parents) can enter an e-mail address to which the Book Club will send thenext chapter the following day, making it easy to keep one's place when reading morethan one section at a time. For help with reports and research, the Book Club alsohas a listing of 100 featured authors, including photos, a short biography, andavailable books for each. These -- as well as literary quizzes and quotes fromclassical and modern authors -- are also available in the weekend Book Club ezine,which all subscribers receive automatically.
A list of books favored by teachers in schools across the country is just one partof the ArcaMax Back to School section ( http://www.arcamax.com/backtos chool/ ). TheWeb site also offers fun trivia quizzes, current stories on children's health issuesboth in and out of school, and money-saving tips, including how to plan ahead forcollege. In addition, ArcaMax readers have contributed parenting and school advice,from how to save time in the morning to getting kids to do their homework.
Spain adds, "This time of year tends to be stressful for both parents and kids, butwhy should it be? Our business is offering free, fun information to the entirefamily. We're helping the kids by making learning through reading more accessible,and we're giving parents advice that will make the transition into the school yearmuch easier."
In addition to the Book Club and Back to School feature, ArcaMax publishes more than40 online newsletters featuring "family-friendly news and fun" ranging from puzzleslike crosswords and sudoku to around-the-house tips like free recipes and petadvice. For more information or to subscribe, visithttp://www.arcamax.com/c gi-bin/reg .
