10th You do not know it well enough. Period.
When I went through a painful period of loss, a well-intentioned known gave me a book that helped her through tough times. It was chicken soup for the soul. Anyone who knows me knows that I just cry even more.
Rule: If you do not really know someone you can not know its taste, so the book, he adored it may be inappropriate. Much of this boils down list, “You know, it’s good”, in fact, but there are some specific scenarios should be paid attention.
9th You do not know, is quite romantic.
A friend of the fellow for two months, which was his birthday. Birthday in early relationships are complex – the balance of personal and too intimate to sophisticated or expensive is sensitive. Decided to give him a copy – a copy, in fact – her favorite love story, Harold and Maude by Colin Higgins. It’s morbid romance between a young man obsessed with death (attending foreign funerals and fakes his own death) and lively, exuberant 79-year-old woman living to the fullest. My friend found it beautiful, meaningful and romantic.
Her lover, when asked how he liked the book, he shrugged uncomfortably. He found it “kind of creepy and gross,” and not finished.
My friend liked the book so well that he was surprised by his reaction, and due to the suspension. I’m not saying that it was Harold and Maude is a fault that slipped away shortly afterwards, but one never knows. Maybe the book can actually be romantically good test, when used judiciously.
8th Do you know is good politically.
Better to err on the side of caution, mixing politics and pleasure. Politics is something that often does not speak much between casual friends, and it may be difficult to estimate a person of faith. Do not assume. Otherwise, you can find staring at you in horror when they unwrap Stephen Colbert’s I am America! And so can you, or vice versa, Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck.
7th It’s a huge book nerd, and read everything. Twice.
Some people consume books, like the rest of us consume oxygen. They can read during sleep, management, delivery, skating, cooking. Voracious begins to describe. These are the people who are very dangerous to the book. Always keep your receipt and try to take it personally when four out of five books, we’ll get in the face and apologetic, “I read it, sorry … it was really good though!”
Better to give them a gift certificate.
6th Even if you do, just do not like books.
Remember when you were a teenager, and wore whatever your fashion era version was terrible (my ripped jeans, flannel shirts too, rainbow hair, combat boots), and parents would give you clothes, pleading with a smile that you could actually consider wearing a nice jacket and skirt decent? Yeah. It does not work. Similarly, when someone restricts their reading Cosmopolitan or WWE Smackdown, giving them books, try to make readers of them not for good. They will be unimpressed at best, insulting at worst, and the book ends in a closet – for jackets and skirts.
5th Even if you did not like the book you like.
How to read underwater action, bosom heaving, bodice rippers and stories about vampires Moody, when there are better books? So we decided, out of the goodness of our hearts, to intervene and correct the taste. But it’s probably more a question of exposure than one opinion. We all think our taste is the best (that’s our taste for all), but people like what they like, and the power of ‘em. I do not care if you are reading for entertainment, education, or escape – just keep reading! It is better to bet on something they will like, rather than trying to convert.
4th They gadget person.
Even if you know their tastes, and they have the reader throughout his life, it is not guaranteed. How to apparatuses and facilities are? E-readers are now common enough that some people get all their books, in the form file, and do not know how to handle real books anymore. But if you’re lucky, they pronounce it “vintage” or “retro”, and read it for its irony. Perhaps while listening to music on vinyl.
Third He became a minimalist.
Some people go through phases where you feel like “All my stuff owns ME!” And trying to get rid of things. At this point in their lives, they are probably using a library card (or, again, electronic reading devices) to possessions to a minimum. Nevertheless, I think there is no reason why they book – after reading, they would come back!
Second They are in college.
Although the student may love reading more than food, sleep and water combination, which the book as a gift for someone who the entire course load can be cruel. You remind them that they do not have time to read something other than textbooks, notes and dissertations on a long, dark months and even years. Better to give them a fist full of cash or some nutritious food than noodles. Although maybe it’s a little to remind them of the world can be a beautiful place where you can read. The book could sit on a shelf as a beacon of hope to strengthen their souls, to make that final push to the end.
First You studied the book correctly.
Did you know that Aunt Geraldine loves gardening and home, so you quickly buy her flowers in the attic. Or your nephew is interested in the Beat Generation, so it thoughtfully on the way to Cormac McCarthy. Ooh … so close. Gifts may be necessary to quickly and books are so highly personal items that will ensure you know that the book is important. Otherwise, a great-aunt Geraldine never stop screaming.
… And if you have read the above list, and feel safe that none of these scenarios is true, by all means proceed. This list is very tongue-in-cheek anyway, and books are often the best of all gifts, if it is chosen to love and wisdom. And for every book I have gifted the tank as a lead balloon, I am at least 10 have been met with joy, pleasure and real excitement. Not a bad way to stay on someone’s Christmas card list. I present a selection of books, which I gave as a gift, which was a big hit with the recipient – perhaps you have an idea that works for the booklover in your life. Happy shopping!