2007-10-15 14:01:34 · 17 answers · asked by Theta40 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Absolutely NOT. I can't even imagine what is in the minds of the people who said "yes". Books are difficult to buy for people if you don't know their tastes, but it's no big deal if you give a book and they don't like it, or never even read it. Or perhaps it just has pretty pictures and sits on a coffee table or on a shelf. The only real etiquette question here would be in regards to the content, or title, of the book. It might be considered a bit tacky if you gave someone a book with a title like, "Getting Over Your Body Odor" or something like that.
2007-10-15 15:31:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should probably read the first couple of pages to get an idea of whether they'd like it or not. Sometimes you simply know that the recipient would not like the book after reading two sentences. But reading the entire book is a bit much, and you want to leave the spine unbent for them :) The worst thing is to see an unread book used as home decor a few months later.
2007-10-15 22:51:09 · answer #2 · answered by Sarah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do this more frequently now than I did in the past. After watching the movie "Forrest Gump," I gave the book to my grandmother, because I thought she would enjoy the story, but I expected that the book would be cleaner than the "Hollywood version." Surprisingly enough, there was more cursing, etc., in the book than in the screen version. She was somewhat offended and didn't even finish the book. So now, if I'm giving to someone who's a bit more particular, I make certain that it is a book I have read. But for others who I have a better idea of their tastes and know they wouldn't be offended, I go ahead and gift a book if it's one they don't have, would like, and I KNOW they won't be offended.
2007-10-16 16:36:31 · answer #3 · answered by JenV 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A book is a good present, just make sure it's a book that they would like. No, you don't have to read it yourself. Just find out if the book is good by listening to people who have read it. Or if it's is in the top ten and the person you buy it for likes to read and has time to read it.
Good Luck - good choice
2007-10-15 21:07:46 · answer #4 · answered by mary 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you don't have to read it first! But make sure you know the style of book the person prefers and read a few reviews before making your choice. Better yet, give a gift voucher from a bookstore.
2007-10-15 21:13:50 · answer #5 · answered by Miss Sally Anne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, my dad and I have completely different tastes in books, I buy him things he likes all the time...but would never be interested in reading the books.
2007-10-15 21:04:42 · answer #6 · answered by paganmom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it may be a book by an author or on a subject that the recipient particularly likes. You don't necessarily have to read it.
2007-10-15 21:05:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, dear one, that's not necessary. You can read the reviews and get an idea about the book. Also, if your friend has asked for the book, you just get it for him/her. I do check the reviews though. Good luck.
2007-10-15 21:34:53 · answer #8 · answered by Mercedes 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Sometimes if you know the person you can pick a book based on the description.
2007-10-15 21:05:02 · answer #9 · answered by FaZizzle 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No....my friend knows I love to read so she buys me books.....but she hates to read and has never read any of the books she give me.
2007-10-15 21:19:42 · answer #10 · answered by daljack -a girl 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋