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AIBU?

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Original poster

To expect people I know to read my book?

464 replies

bethc765 · 04/02/2022 15:32

In October I released my first book. It's something I've been working on for a long time and something I've dreamt of since I was little.

It's been really well received, got a brilliant critical reception and I've had excellent feedback from readers.

But not a single person apart from my DH has even bought it. I was out with a friend recently and we went into Waterstones and I pointed it out and she remarked "oh i didn't realise it was a proper book and in shops and stuff".

I have a signing event coming up in March and mentioned it in passing and my friends seemed perplexed as to why anyone would want a book signed by me.

I support my friends with their endeavours so I'm a little bit hurt that nobody I know has shown the slightest bit of interest in something that was really important to me. I'm not even asking them to read it- just pretend they have!

OP posts:
1AngelicFruitCake · 04/02/2022 15:38

I’d love to write a book! How long did it take?
To be honest I think it’d be more appropriate for you to give them a copy but perhaps that’s just me!

Frazzled50yrold · 04/02/2022 15:38

That's quite sad and disrespectful and I'd look at the friendships to be honest

cultkid · 04/02/2022 15:38

I'm looking for a new book to read, I'll support you. What is it?

HacerSonarSusPasos · 04/02/2022 15:38

Would be*

HacerSonarSusPasos · 04/02/2022 15:38

Oh OP, that sucks and I would be a litte sad if i were in your shoes too.

Is it fiction or something that would appeal to the majority of people? The only cirscumstance in which I would give them the benefit of the doubt wod be if the book's subject was some kind of niche that most people can't relate to (like the dietary habits of 12th century monks or something).

fairylightsandwaxmelts · 04/02/2022 15:37

Congratulations on getting published!

However, YABU to expect people to buy it and read it if they don't want to. A friend of mine writes - I read a sample of her first book, but it's really not my type of novel and I wouldn't like to feel pressured into buying it just because we were friends.

Iamanicepersonreally · 04/02/2022 15:37

I think you're being a bit precious.

ClumpingBambooIsALie · 04/02/2022 15:37

I would avoid reading a book specifically because it was written by a close friend/family member. What if it's got a sex scene in it?!! Grin

Itsalmostanaccessory · 04/02/2022 15:36

I didnt even tell my friends when my book came out. Wrote under a different name and everything.

I wanted to wait and see what the reviews said!

I might tell them now... but I dont want them to feel like they need to read it and report back.

FiloPasty · 04/02/2022 15:36

You need new friends!

Thesearmsofmine · 04/02/2022 15:36

YANBU, even if they don’t enjoy reading they should be supportive and interested. Well done OP it’s a huge achievement.

Twixie2022 · 04/02/2022 15:35

YANBU - Well done OP! It’s something I would love to be able to do! Massive achievement! Xx

OneRingToRuleThemAll · 04/02/2022 15:34

YABU. People have their own budgets, time commitments etc. It's great you are published, but I wouldn't expect someone to buy and read your book just because they know you.

Tink626 · 04/02/2022 15:34

YANBU

Congratulations on your book! It's a major achievement to get a book published.