Thursday, December 18, 2008

Booking Through Thursday - Generosity

Do you give books as gifts?

To everyone? Or only to select people?

How do you feel about receiving books as gifts?


My Response:
I carefully choose each gift for each person. Like most of you, I've spent hours trying to find the perfect gift. I have given books as gifts and plan to continue in the future, but I am very careful about matching the book with the reader. Some people on my gift list don't like to read, and I'd never give those people a book; that would be thoughtless.

Once I was part of a group that received the same book for a Christmas present. A member of my book club gave everyone in the group the same book with the intention that the gift would be our next group read.

My family and friends know the way to my heart. Most special occasions in my adult life have been punctuated with me receiving books. There's something about opening a book-shaped package that causes me to twitch with excitement. I generally squeal and hug the precious tome once I've seen the title. That's my Perfect gift.


BTW: I'm having several book giveaways now. Check my sidebars.

21 comments:

Free Education Consultancy said...

Nice Article! Nice blog!

Dot said...

I really like giving books as gifts but I am still anxious until the person opens it as to whether they will truly like it or not! I love book shaped presents under the tree, very exciting!

Anonymous said...

Getting the book you really like is indeed very nice! Occasionally I give out comicbooks for those who don't have time or inclination to read a book.

Beth F said...

Well, yes, I agree -- some people won't take to books at all, even if it's a hobby-related book.

Kathleen said...

I wish there was someway to make those who don't read books see why it's so much fun and important to read books.

Melody said...

I agree, Sally! When it comes to buying books, we have to match the books to the right readers, then again gift cards are the perfect gifts!

Brooke from The Bluestocking Guide said...

Getting books is fun! Thanks for stopping by.

Bonnie said...

Sally, I'm with you on not giving books to those who don't want them. I just can't relate to that though as I always want books, LOL!!

Robin M said...

I love giving books as gifts and try to match the book to the reader. Works most of the time. Would never give a non reader a book - it would be wasted. My family also knows I love books and will pick stuff from my amazon wishlist which makes me very happy.

Robin of mytwoblessings

Anonymous said...

Like I've mentioned in my blog, I've never received books as gifts. I can understand your excitement though.
You know, when I go to a library or a bookstore, I felt like a little kid in Toy's R Us, shhh.

Eidin said...

I like your blog a lot.

For some of us, seeing the book-shaped present is a thrill in itself.

Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Anonymous said...

Your answer is very interesting and fun to read. My friends have been a bit creative to wrap up my bookish gifts---sometimes the packages don't appear to be book-shaped! That's doubled the fun! :)

-.- said...

You do have to be very careful when giving a book as a gift. Nice post! And I've posted your giveaways at my blog as well.

~ Popin

Ted said...

That's the way to my heart too. And I love when people inscribe the book, although that seems to be old fashioned.

jlshall said...

I always find it so hard to believe that some folks just don't like to read. How can they deprive themselves of all that pleasure?

Anonymous said...

We agree :) Thanks for visiting my blog :)

Staci said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog! I love your answers!

Nicole (Linus's Blanket) said...

I really want the book recipient to like what I get for them which is why I won't give a book as a gift unless I am pretty sure of the persons taste.

Anonymous said...

Books are one of those gifts that never loses their appeal to us bibliophiles!

Anonymous said...

Yes, the gift has to be a good fit for the recipient. I've been very creative this year; hopefully it will work out well for everyone :)

My full answer is here.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your comment - I love receiving books too but you're right... giving a book to someone who doesn't read doesn't make much sense either.