What is the best book you ever bought for yourself? And, why? What made it the best? What made it so special?
Do you give books as gifts? To everyone? Or only to select people? How do you feel about receiving books as gifts?
Of course I give books as gifts. Well, to be honest, these days I'm more likely to give bookstore gift cards rather than actual books. But I consider that the same thing – and, yes, I know a lot of people wouldn't agree with me there. But in the past, before the appearance of gift cards, I've given many books as gifts. Especially to our nieces and nephews. In fact, one of our grand-nephews only really knows us as the aunt and uncle who gave him that great dragon book that one year. We really need to see our kinfolk more often.
Personally, I love to receive books as gifts – whether it's a book I know I'm going to be interested in, or something unfamiliar that the giver chooses for me. But would I give books to everyone? Probably not. I always try to match the gift to the "giftee" – if I know someone isn't a reader, I don't think I'd be likely to buy him/her a book. I believe gift-giving should make both the giver and the recipient feel good about the experience.
The second set of questions is harder for me to answer. I've been buying books for myself for a long time. Trying to single out any one book as the best one, for whatever reason, is pretty much impossible. I suppose the first book I ever bought for myself would be the most special book, since it started me off on a lifelong book-buying habit that has inexpressibly enriched my life. Unfortunately, my memory of that first title has receded into the ancient mists, and I have no idea what it might have been. But whatever it was, it was definitely the best book I ever bought for myself.
I like to give and receive books, but I have some people on my gift list who would be unhappy with a book. Therefore, they won't get one from me.
ReplyDeleteI did not see the other part of the question; it's been changed a couple of times.
I hate that snow too!
I'm spending a lot of time matching books to their recipients, especially those who don't read much. I believe there is a book for everybody. Books are very personal gifts.
ReplyDeleteI’m a “piece of work” in terms of recipient of books. Over the years my friends have cringed from giving me books for my birthday owing to my eclectic taste. They also keep in mind that I’ve probably read some of the books they want to give me. Books do make perfect gifts, but by their very nature, books can also be a problem as tokens of affection. The delay factor is huge. Some books get a one-way ticket back to the used bookstore.
First of all, you don't look like an aging anything!
ReplyDeleteWe seem to believe the same thing--gift giving is for both to enjoy so I wouldn't push a book onto anyone.
I didn't see a part III to the question.
I've made a concentrated to give books this holiday season, but they had to be a good fit for the recipient.
ReplyDeleteHere's my post with my complete answer.