Comments on: To book-gift or not to book-gift?

By: Sarah Statz Cords

Sarah Statz Cords — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 03:05:07 +0000

Christina,
Oh, my heart goes out to anyone who ever wanted books and got clothes! Ugh! Books: accept no (gift) substitute.
See? Great story about “The Hunger Games.” I firmly believe loving a book is almost as much a matter of timing as it is of anything else, and that is a perfect case in point. That’s why I don’t ask people about books I’ve given them–I don’t want them to feel they’re on a schedule.

I am a huge, huge fan of gift cards of any sort, and gift cards to bookstores are the best. Nothing is better than waltzing into a bookstore and picking out whatever you want with a gift card. When I get gifts like that I save them for down days and use them as a treat. Asking for the gift receipt is a GREAT tip too; makes sense that some bookstores would allow for exchange, since it’s such a retail standard. Thanks for all the great suggestions!

By: Christina

Christina — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:18:31 +0000

When giving books as gifts, it also doesn’t hurt to ask if you can have a gift receipt. Some booksellers will allow the return of books that haven’t been read. That way if the recipient in the meantime has purchased the book or would rather have something else they can return it. Our local bookstore allowed me to exchange a book I purchased for my dad for another he was more interested in.

Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble allow for return and exchange of books.

By: Christina

Christina — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:11:27 +0000

As a girl I always wanted books as gifts but my parents always preferred to give me clothing instead. My sister and other relatives have given me books as gifts and I usually enjoy them, especially when chosen off my Amazon.com wishlist. I like to give books only if I think they would be enjoyed by the recipient. Last Christmas I gave my sister a copy of The Hunger Games which I loved and thought she would like. She tried reading it and couldn’t get into it so it sat on her bookshelf unread until last month. She said she was bored one day and decided to give it a try and ended up loving it so much that she rushed to the bookstore to buy Catching Fire.

I have received some strange books as gifts however. The worst was one on singleness and basically “what to do while you are waiting for Mr. Right to come along”. The funny thing was that I’d previously had a conversation with the friend who gave it to me about how happy and content I am as a single woman. I guess she interpreted the conversation somewhat differently!

What do you think about gift cards to book stores instead? Those are my favorite gifts to receive!

By: Sarah Statz Cords

Sarah Statz Cords — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:24:27 +0000

Melanie,
I too LOVE to get books (especially when the alternatives including questionable cardigans with snowmen or bird patterns) and never mind getting them. It does seem odd that people would stop giving you books when you became a librarian (isn’t that a signal, usually, that you like to read?) but you’re right, maybe they figure you don’t want to take your work home with you, or you would be too “discerning” to enjoy whatever book they might choose. I myself have the idea that fewer people are reading, and are therefore as uncomfortable in a bookstore as I am in any kind of other store.

Venta,
Yes, I do believe you have to let your book choices go, and accept it even if they aren’t enjoyed. I’m so glad your brother-in-law tells you what he DOESN’T like–that indicates a degree of comfort and friendship, doesn’t it? And I firmly believe that hearing what people don’t like is a good way to start learning what they do, so maybe that info helps you find him more enjoyable books.

The “be careful with humor” rule is excellent. I might also add to that, don’t buy a book solely for its kitsch or title value–when I think of all the copies of Harry Frankfurt’s “On Bullshit” that sold as gag gifts (I really didn’t think it was a very good or interesting book myself), I just get sad.

BTW, FU Penguin? Hi-larious.

By: Venta

Venta — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:20:28 +0000

Every Christmas I give my brother-in-law a book. He likes sports and history, so finding something is easy. What I once found irritating, but now find very endearing, is that he will tell me when he didn’t like a book I gave him. At one time it hurt my feelings, but now I’m fascinated by his reasons for not liking the book.

Another possible rule: Be careful with humor. I have a fairly adolescent sense of humor, so I love FU Penguin, but I’m not sure my sisters or brother, who have kids, would find it appropriate.

Me – nothing makes me happier than getting books as gifts. Sometimes I’m surprised especially when I receive books by Kristin Hannah or Jodi Picoult. I read them, and I appreciate the thought, but I wonder.

By: Melanie

Melanie — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:17:30 +0000

I would love for my friends and family to give me books. I don’t know if they are intimidated by the fact that I have a whole library to read from, or if there is another reason. We always used to get books when we were kids, but when I became a librarian they stopped giving me books. It’s fun to figure out why a person gives a certain book. When I get ARCs or other free books I love deciding the right person to give them to.