A gift - book you didn't like
By SomeCowgirl
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
United States
November 11, 2008 2:54pm CST
If you were to ever receive a book, or if you ever have received a book you didn't like how would you tell the person who gave it to you you didn't like it? Would you tell the person? What if they asked you about the book? Would you tell them the truth, or would you try to find out as much about the book as possible?
I have never gotten a book that I haven't read but if I were to , or if someone were to ask me about the book, I would tell them that I hadn't gotten around to reading it yet, but as soon as I did I would tell them how I felt about the book. I might look up as much as I can about it, or read it even if it didn't appeal to me.
I'm not one to go into conflict with anyone, nor do I wish to hurt their feelings.
7 people like this
22 responses
@wayz12 (2059)
• United States
11 Nov 08
If I received a book as a gift, I'll simply say thank you and be grateful for the gesture. Since I'm a reader, I'll probably end up reading it. If later I'm ask whether I like it or not, I'll simply give an honest opinion. Whether I like the story or not will not affect the thoughtfulness of my friend's gesture.
A gift is a gift, and for me, its the thought that counts.
@patgalca (18366)
• Orangeville, Ontario
12 Nov 08
I was thinking the same thing. I would give an honest opinion because maybe that person got a recommendation from someone else and is interested in reading it themselves. Or if they have read the book, a discussion can develop. Isn't that what book clubs are all about? Besides, the person who gave you the book didn't WRITE the book!
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
12 Nov 08
I appreciate the response but I don't think you understood my question. I was asking if they asked you what the book was about, but you had not read it because you didn't think you'd like it, by reading the back of the book. Honest Mistake.
1 person likes this
@kaka135 (14931)
• Malaysia
12 Nov 08
I guess I'll tell the truth, not to hurt anyone's feeling, but if he/she is my friend, I'll let her know that I don't really like this kind of book. I find cheating a friend is not a good thing to do. To tell him/her the truth, so that he/she can know me better.
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
12 Nov 08
I can understand if they have a habit of giving you books for holidays, that it's only best to tell the truth. I don't think I could do so in a hurtful manner, and I would try to maybe compile a short list of books I like, by either author or genre. I wouldn't make it a long list, and I wouldn't actually give them the list, just have it as say a cue card so that I can tell them that "hey, I don't like that genre"
I appreciate the response.
Happy Holidays!
Happy Mylotting!
1 person likes this
@ailema4ever (2668)
• Finland
12 Nov 08
Tough question, but I think I'd do the same thing as you would do. I'd tell them that I haven't read it yet and then read the synopsis online or if I really have time, I'd browse the book without reading it in details so that when they ask again, I know what to say.
1 person likes this
@ailema4ever (2668)
• Finland
12 Nov 08
I understand what you mean. :-))) Well, you'll never know whether you're going to like a book or not until you start reading it anyway, right? ;-D Some books may be pleasantly surprising. ;-D
Happy Holidays to you too!
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
12 Nov 08
I know that atleast in school some books surprised me! Your avatar is cute!
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
12 Nov 08
I am glad that you would do the same, although I've thought about it, and think that maybe it would be better to read it. To each their own though, and I don't judge, after all that's what I was going to do.. and might still do..
I appreciate the response!
Happy Holidays!
@gemini_rose (16264)
•
12 Nov 08
I would not tell them, I would probably try to read it anyway I guess there is a possibility that I may even like it. If they asked me about it then I would say that it was not what I normally read but I would read it anyway. I hate the thought that I could hurt someones feelings by telling them that I did not like a gift that they had spent time on choosing.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
13 Nov 08
I think that now I would do the same. IT is better to just read it, especially if you could possibly like it, and never know that's a good read.
Oh yes, and I do think this discussion has taught us a lesson about book giving.
@Marie5656 (336)
• United States
13 Nov 08
Once Christmas my nephew gave me two books of cartoons..Calvin & Hobbs and Dilbert. Neither of which I am a fan of. So, I said thank you and a couple of days later took them to Barnes & Noble and returned them. Got a book I would enjoy. I did not tell him I did that. We do not live in the same state, so it was not as if he would come over and see I did not have them on my book shelf.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
13 Nov 08
I was wondering if anyone was going to mention a receipt - indirectly or otherwise, as you've done it indirectly. I kind of forgot about receipts myself until now, but yes sometimes you get receipts for the presents, usually because you don't live close so if it don't fit, or if you already got it, you can take it back to the nearest store.
Glad you found a book you'd enjoy though!
1 person likes this
@thecrazyjogger (3178)
• India
21 Nov 08
well u can always gift wrap it again n fwd it to some1 they [the ppl who sent u the book] dont knw
or u can sell it online or 2nd hand book shops
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
21 Nov 08
It wouldn't be write though, I mean, to send it off without their knowledge. It like lying, and what if they were to look for the book in your home?
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
21 Nov 08
Sometimes it could be from someone who knows you, but doesn't know you that well. Family tends to think of books they like, and figure you like them as well. Giving a crappy book back? That's like making trouble for someone who hasn't made trouble.
1 person likes this
@thecrazyjogger (3178)
• India
21 Nov 08
shouldnt they know u btter?
u can always say its not here IT IS A BIG HOUSE
or u can say some1 borrowed it
but they shud knw u good enuf\
or give them a crappy book bakc!
1 person likes this
@sunita64 (6469)
• India
12 Nov 08
Regarding this kind of gift I have no problems as I can digest every kind of books I receive. If I find them good I read them again and if I do not like then I do not repeat and pledge myself not to buy of that type. But somehow I never tell the giver whether I liked it or not.
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
13 Nov 08
I am glad that you can read a book no matter if it suits your tastes or not. It shows discipline. I appreciate the response.
1 person likes this
@kenzie45230 (3560)
• United States
12 Nov 08
Fortunately for me, my friends and relatives know the kinds of books I like and the authors I read regularly. Also fortunately for me, when I've been given a gift by people who doesn't know me as well but know that I'm an avid reader, they've been smart enough to get a gift certificate for a bookstore for me. 
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
13 Nov 08
glad to know you've got smart friends and acquaintances! I appreciate the responses.
1 person likes this
@fasttalker (2796)
• United States
12 Nov 08
I love to read. And I would probably tell them as much as I could about it and thank them for it. Then I would pass it on to someone else that might enjoy it. I see no point in criticizing it to only hurt the givers feelings. And everyone has different interests so surely I could pass it on.
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
13 Nov 08
Very true, not one person has the exact same interests. Passing it on to another person would be one way of finding a reader for the book. I think now though, that I would give the book a chance! I appreciate the response!
@bhanusb (5709)
• India
13 Nov 08
If I get a book from anyone as a gift I feel very happy.I use to go through the book and tell the prsson the good and bad side of that book.I never forget the person who gave me the book.I consider book as the best gift.
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
13 Nov 08
I am glad that you enjoy reading books, and I must agree that they are a very good gift indeed! I appreciate the responses.
1 person likes this
@germany_fan (511)
• Malaysia
12 Nov 08
a gift is a gift, i just accept it, then read it or not, that's depend on me... maybe just keep it tightly in closet waiting for the right moment to read... i believe on day it will come huhu lol
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
13 Nov 08
True, a book you might not like at the time, may be a good read later when your interests change! I appreciate the response!
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
12 Nov 08
I am glad that you were honest.
Have a wonderful day!
@forcashksd (228)
• India
12 Nov 08
Hi SomeCowgirl,
Well, a gift is what someone gives it to you to express their care towards, no matter you like it or not, they might have a feel that you like this book, your character might have reflected they while buying the book!
I feel it is really bad to express them as "I don't like this book!" Well, have it, though you read it or not, keep it with their affection :)
Cheers and regards,
forcashksd
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
13 Nov 08
After a lot of different responses, I've realized now, as I think a few other people have, that it's better to read it no matter what, as you never know if you like it or not. It's true that the thought is what counts!
I appreciate the response
@connieconstance (134)
• China
12 Nov 08
When someone give you a gift-book, accept it and say "Thank you!",that is right and a show of courtesy.And I think most people will do like that,so do I.Though there are no gifts(including books) I have received that I didn't like at all,I will still cheefully accept a gift-book I don't like.Maybe I will read the book well,and know why did he/she choose this book for me.Does he/she really know me ,or want to tell me something,such as if I should change myshelf in some place,or that is just a joke? But in any case,when I receive gifts,that means there is still someone remember me.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
12 Nov 08
I try not to be rude and will not be rude intentionally. I'll most likely lie to save the person from being hurt.
I appreciate the response!
@laglen (19759)
• United States
11 Nov 08
I think it would be ungrateful to complain about it. I receive a lot of books as gifts, I always thank the person and try to read it. I think to myself, why did this person get this for me? I can usually figure it out by reading it why they gave it to me.
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
11 Nov 08
I don't like complaining about it myself. I agree that reading it would probably give insight as to why they gave it as a gift. I appreciate the response!
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
12 Nov 08
After reading a lot of the responses, I would have to say that I agree with you. It's better to read it as you never know , it might just be an interesting book after all.
I appreciate the response!
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
12 Nov 08
I don't think I would mention not liking the book to the person who gave it to me. Not unless there was something offensive about the book. A book is a very personal thing for me, I always want to know why a person thought of that book for me, so if there is a misunderstanding about the offensive thing in the book I might talk with them about it. But I would still be very grateful for having recieved a gift.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
12 Nov 08
I would wonder why anyone would buy a book that was kind of offensive, and I'd want to know why. Sometimes I don't think people really know that it is offensive, they just buy a book they think you'll like. Often this happens with people who don't read. A whole author's collection could have offensive materials, and well, if they are a best seller that would be the first choice. I don't think I'd like to mention to anyone that I didn't like the book either, I wouldn't want to hurt anyone's feelings.
I appreciate the response.
1 person likes this
@lazeebee (5461)
• Malaysia
12 Nov 08
Well, I have yet to receive a book I don't like. Usually if anyone would to give me a book, they would ask me for my preferred genre or author.
However, should I receive a book I don't like - I would most probably skim through, get the gist of what the book is about, so that if someone were to ask me about the book, I can at least say something about it!
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
12 Nov 08
That's a smarter thing to do if'n your not going to read it. I know that I would do the same thing, but after all these repsonses I've been getting, I think I've been guilted into the next time I receive a book, reading it even If I don't think I'd like it. Glad you have friends and family who know what to give ya!
Have a wonderful time mylotting!
Happy Holiday Season!
I appreciate the response!
@crimsonladybug (3112)
• United States
12 Nov 08
Psh.... people don't give me books unless I ask for them. I'm the one who gives books as presents LOL But I think if someone had the insight required to give me a book, provided it wasn't a Harlequin romance (because that would be a clear sign they know me not at all) I'd be grateful. I have a six foot tall bookcase completely full of books that I have collected, mostly, over the past four years (some are relics from college but most are relatively new), if I piled up the ones I still haven't read they would probably come up to at least my waist, so what's one more? :)
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
12 Nov 08
Your a smart one then, or the gifters are. I think that's the best way to go unless say they lived with you, and then well I would hope they would know the genre of books you like. I know what my fiance's mom is a fan of, now when she gets a new author that's when my fiance and I have to wonder if she likes the author. You sure have a lot of books, I'm just starting out. I had a few more then I do now, but I left them at a friend's house a few years ago, and the friend's mom left them outside...
I appreciate the response!
Happy HolidayS!
1 person likes this
@qiqiwonder (122)
• China
12 Nov 08
i havn't received a gift-book,but i think if i encounter this situation,i'll find other things to transfer the topic.i want hurt their feelings too.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
12 Nov 08
so you would change the subject? Well I suppose that's another way to go about it, but then again how long before they ask you again? They might wait until another day or later on. I guess then you'd have to say that you appreciate the gift but haven't gotten around to reading it... even that could make them think.....
I appreciate the response
and Happy Holidays!
