Comments on: Gift Dilemma: WWYD?

By: Dina

Dina — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 18:40:22 +0000

In my opinion, a gift is a gift and should be appreciated no matter what it is. Who is the receiver to judge what is in a person’s heart to give? Gifts should not be expected. Any social rules that say giving anything as a gift is not okay totally misunderstand gift-giving. Once, a little kid gave me a peanut. It was lovely. One of my favorite wedding gifts was the 20-year-old wrapping paper used to wrap something I have now forgotten. But the used wrapping paper was so special, from the woman’s own wedding.

As a writer, I do have to mention though that if you buy a used book, the author gets no royalties and may have to continue suffering the life of a starving artist. So if the price different between Amazon and used is small, go with the new and help an author out… but that is a whole different debate.

By: Cacky

Cacky — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:41:15 +0000

I agree with Kathleen — so many wonderful books are out of print, or only available in paperback. After searching some time before found Hannah’s copy of The Bear Who Heard Crying in hardback, I’d say you made a tremendous find! But then, I’m one of THOSE people who gives used books. (Hooray for Titcomb’s in Sandwich, MA!)

By: Hilary

Hilary — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:34:01 +0000

I wouldn’t give a used book as a birthday/Christmas gift unless it was a special edition or an out-of-print one (one that wasn’t obtainable as a new copy). I would, however, give them at other times – i.e. ” I found a copy of this book at the used bookstore and I know you would love it”, or place them in my guest room bookshelf for people coming to stay. I feel the same way as the previous poster – I feel that it makes the giver appear cheap, and I would prefer to go without something myself and buy a new copy than give a used one. Sad, perhaps, but true…

Speaking of books – HUGE congratulations on finishing your novel! I would LOVE to hear more about the process. How on earth did you find time to fit it all in?

By: elizabeth

elizabeth — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:11:24 +0000

I was surprised how many people are enthusiastic about used books, based on the above comments!

I don’t mind receiving used books, but I try to only give used books if it is an out-of-print or difficult to find item. If I could buy it new at the local bookstore, then it just looks kinda cheap to give used. Silly social expectations, but they are real nonetheless.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:55:07 +0000

My grandma-in-law gives me about 10 used books every Christmas. Unfortunately they are not books I particularly want to read. Last year she gave me “Chicken Soup for the Mother’s Soul,” which would be fine, except we don’t have any kids yet!!!

I think it matters far more that a book reflects thoughtfulness towards the person receiving the gift than where it came from!

By: Wendy

Wendy — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:41:05 +0000

I think it is perfectly acceptable. You obviously enjoyed the act of purchasing it and the receiver would get no less enjoyment of it because it is gently used. Isn’t that the heart of gift-giving – the joy of giving and receiving.

I purchased “A Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Do it Yourself Diary” at a thrift store, intending to give it to my cousin’s son at Christmas. They were coming to join my extended family’s celebration and I wanted him to have something to open. I knew that he liked those books and that my own teen son would NEVER use that book at all.

The day I got ready to wrap the gift, I gave it one last once over and … sadly, discovered one page where a previous owner had written something. URGHHH! The poor boy received gloves instead. I think he would have enjoyed the book more, but I couldn’t bring myself to go ahead and give the gift after all.

I agree with the previous commenter, who stated that ANY gift of a book usually thrills me.

By: Andrea

Andrea — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:22:43 +0000

I love ANY book as a gift. As long as it is clean and in good condition, I see no problem for you to give it. Books are the best gifts, new or otherwise

By: Amy @ Hope Is the Word

Amy @ Hope Is the Word — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 02:45:19 +0000

I’ll weigh in and say that it’s absolutely okay to give second-hand books!

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:58:21 +0000

Give the book. Any child would love it!

By: Catie

Catie — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:31:55 +0000

I have received a used book as a gift, Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, and I thought it was great.

I think books are just fine to give second hand.