a book for a gift

A book is a wonderful book to give someone. It doesn't naturally have to be a novel. For a friend that's having a baby, you can find a book on pregnancy, once she has the baby, a book called the first year. For couples that's getting married, or buying a house. There's books on everything. You can find out who's there favorite author and get them a book by that person, doesn't matter if they already have it or not because they love that author. With these ideas, you don't have to read the book to know if they will like it or not. If it relates to them, they will like it and of course read it.

I did up a little gift basket for my sisters one Christmas and put in a new paperback in each one. One sister turned to me and said, "I suppose you want to borrow this?" I said no. I picked something on the best sellers list hoping they haven't read it. I think that is the hardest part in buying a book as a gift, how do you know your friend hasn't already read the book? My father was very hard to buy books for because he was an avid reader for years. In cases like that it is easier to buy a gift card to a bookstore so the giftee can choose their own book. To answer your question, I think on one occasion I read the book before giving it as a gift. I would have to have lots of time before the actual date of gift giving in order to read the book first. Books are very personal and I think very hard to buy for people. I have taken to buying books from new, local authors so I know my family or friends haven't read them. In those cases, yes I have read the book first, but my own copy, not the one I am giving as a gift. If I am giving a book as a gift to someone who has totally different tastes in reading than myself, I wouldn't want to read the book so I wouldn't.

It depends on the recipient. Some people might enjoy the latest best seller while others would prefer a classic or even a first edition of a specific book. I wouldn't necessarily suggest reading the book unless you just happen to like what you bought. You also need to make sure that the person you are buying the book for likes to read and what type of book they like to read. Some people like to receive coffee table books and some like cook books. The best thing to do is know who you are buying for and what they like. If it's for a child, don't buy it just because the author is famous. As a writer of children's stories, there are some famous people who have children's books out there but the quality and content are questionable. I highly recommend Jamie Curtis' books and I think there are a couple of other famous authors who are actors who have written very good children's books. Make sure to read those before buying them. Don't just buy them because the author is famous, though.

I've received books as gifts several times now. I only finished reading one of them. That was way back when I was about 12 or 13. It was a Sweet Valley High book, that's why I finished it. The other books I got were all self-help books and a Bible. I did read them, a few pages, then nothing. Not that I don't like self-help books... I don't know. They just can't keep my attention for that long. Although I'd finish those other books in the future. I placed them in my Unread Books Cabinet. I think if you want to give a book to someone you know but not that much, give the self help book. It's like a generic kind of book. But I think the best circumstance to give a book is when you really know the person, and you know what kind of books that person likes and if he or she has that book already. I guess it's best to ask what book they would love to have but still can't afford or whatever. Sometimes it's better to ask them outright what book they want. I've only given a book as a gift twice. One wasn't exactly a gift. It was for my Dad. It's a book of Donald Trump, how to be rich like him or something. That was kind of a waste since my dad wasn't into reading, but I kind of hoped he'd read it for me, since I gave it to him, although I charged it and he's the one who paid lol. But my mom said that until this day, he only got to the first page. Gave it to him about a year ago. The other one was for my friend's 18th birthday. For a person who had everything, I really had no clue what she wanted. So I thought of what interests her. She's into fashion, especially retro. So I found her a book that's about fashion through the ages. It had pictures and stuff so I know she'd like it. A friend of mine gave me a book of 1001 kinds of cookies and how to make them. She knows I love to bake. And I really did read that book cover to cover. I've yet to try out one of those recipe in the future. So I guess my only advice is to know their interests. for those who don't like to read, look for books with pictures.

i will read it..a book as a gift is what i waiting for but i never get it..for me a book can give a sentimental value. sometimes the person that gave other person a book as a give might wanna tell something to the receiver that he can't tell directly or the book might related to the person..

I would go to amazon.com first and find some reviews and feedback. About giving it as a gift, it really depends on who you give it to. Age - Giving a comic book to a child Relevance - Management books for a manager Occasion - "how to survive college" book for a HS graduation and some others...

i think it all depends on who you are going to give the gift to. first off, if he isn't into books, naturally, your book won't be appreciated. but if he like reading, then maybe you should know his interests -- does he like fiction, psych books, instruction books, poems, short stories.... it depends on how well you know the person to be able to determine what particular book is best to give him. it doesn't have to be something you've already read.

First, I should know my recipient's preferences in terms or books. Some people are not fond of reading books, so they are out of the question. If the receiver is fond of books, consider his/her favorite author, then the type--romance, adventure, technology, etc. Then also whether he/she has read the book or not. I for one, if ever somebody gives me a book, authors like Sheldon or Steel would thrill me no end, or Judith Krantz...they are my favorites...I don't generally buy books on impulse, I choose my favorite author so I'm a little bit biased on book selection. Then I am also choosy with the plot, say romance with some unpredictable twists would be awesome, but the predictable ones are lousy and boring....Next time you buy a book for a gift, make sure that the recipient would appreciate it....know the person's preferences....

I think more so than a book, most of the time a gift card to the bookstore would be a better option. Now, if you know for a fact a book that the person is wanting, that is a different story. But just chosing a book for someone can be very difficult, even for someone whose taste in books you know. I'd say the bookstore giftcard would always be the best bet...I love when I receive those!!!

I think the second answer was quite right..If the person doesnt like reading its pointless to give a book to him/her. I guess its also important that you know what the book is about, if its to encourage the recipient to read.

For high school graduation we give the book by Dave Ramsey "The Total Money Makeover". It has turned our life around and everyone should be aware of the information in that book, even if they chose not to live Dave's way. We have given books as wedding gifts in the past. They were couple devotional books. I don't normally give books for weddings, but kind of depends who it is and how well we know them. I think you should give a book if you know it's very good, even if you haven't read it yet. I guess for me it all depends on the situation and the people you are giving the book too.

If you're not sure that they will like the book you pick out you can always go with a gift card from the local book store. I have done that when I wasn't sure if my dad had a book already or not. That way they can pick a book that they will enjoy reading.