Recently, a coworker of mine gave me a book. She simply said, “Here you go. I’ve read this and I think you’d like it. I don’t want it back – just pass it on when you’re finished.”
Now, while I recognize this was a generous and friendly offer, I have a few problems with this.
First, we don’t read within the same genres. From the back cover copy and first page, it isn’t something I would pick for myself.
Second, I don’t understand giving books away. If I have a book, that’s my book, and you can borrow it, but I want it back! C’mon!
Third, books are great gifts – but “just because”? It doesn’t make sense! And I’m supposed to “pass it on” – but it’s MINE now….
And lastly, if I take this book, then what’s to say she won’t pass all her castoff books to me in the future? I don’t want to make this a normal think in our relationship.
*sigh*
Ok, I’m off my soap box. I’m gonna go read and calm down.
