Unwanted 2nd hand gift, would you politely decline or pretend to be grateful?

[changingmine]

A friend has messaged me a photo of a 2nd hand book saying she bought it for me today. Friend has habit of bringing unwanted stuff she gets free or picks up very cheaply. I am v minimal, currently clearing out in preparation for move, the book looks shite and I don't want it.

What would you say?

Say you've read it.

Tell her you’ve read it? Read it and pass it on? Just pass it on?

Say that's very kind, I've got enough books on x /at the moment, why don't you keep it for yourself.

That's what I'd like to say.

I'd probably accept it and give it to charity

I am bad at this type of confrontation so I would probably accept and then give it to charity.

I'd accept it as it's lovely that she's thinking of you, even if she's got it wrong.

I understand not wanting loads of stuff, but a book? I'd read it then pass it on or leave it at a charity stall.

'Thanks, but not my thing'?

tell her you have got it somewhere...and say it's packed away cos you are moving and decluttering like mad so really cutting down on STUFF and keep saying that until she gets the message.

Thank you!! I'll say I've read it and pass it on.

So helpful all of you x
I hate things like this.

I need to know what the book is before I can say what I'd do.

You’ll have to read a summary online in case she tests you!

@Toorapid

I understand not wanting loads of stuff, but a book? I'd read it then pass it on or leave it at a charity stall.

I don't read books. I feel incredible pressure when someone gives me a book. She can't know that, it's something I've only ever talked about in therapy (and now in here) And I also feel incredible pressure about stuff, ugh, ideally there would be nothing in my house except essentials.

@LubaLuca

I need to know what the book is before I can say what I'd do.

The book

@AtlasPine

You’ll have to read a summary online in case she tests you!

Good thinking!!

@Hels20

I am bad at this type of confrontation so I would probably accept and then give it to charity.

How is this a confrontation?

Is there anything about the book that would have made her think you'd like it?

How far away are you moving?

If this is likely to be the last thing she gives you,I'd just say thank you and pass it on. If you're still going to be local I'd just say, thank you for thinking of me, but I've been having a big clear out before the move and I'm Going to be really minimalist when I move, I'm only reading ebooks. I m
Not going to be accumulating 'stuff'

She's not doing it FOR you, she's doing it gir herself. You don't have to be her safe.dumping spot!!

Don’t lie & say you’ve read it as that gives her confirmation she knows your tastes/likes!
I would be honest & say “that’s a really kind thought but it’s honestly not something I would read.”
That way you’ll give her the heads up that the random stuff she thinks of buying for you in the future, may not be accepted.

Platinumthumb the use of the word confrontation made sense to me, I feel uncomfortable about saying no thank you but irritated by the prospect of thanking her for something I don't want and will go straight to recycling.

Is your friend my sister? She is terrible for buying me 2nd hand crap l don't need, want or use . Keep telling her it a waste of money rather than the bargain she thinks it is

WitchesBritchesPumpkinPants

Good advice, thank you!

I'll probably get told off for drip feeding now but this friend blows very hot and cold. It feels like a "hey I'm such a great person bc I have bought you this book" as a cheap way out of being very unpleasant to me recently.

Speakingofdinosaurs
That is what I'd say if I was the sort of person I'd like to be! I so admire people who can be assertive.

@Forgothowmuchlhatehomeschoolin

Is your friend my sister? She is terrible for buying me 2nd hand crap l don't need, want or use . Keep telling her it a waste of money rather than the bargain she thinks it is

Maybe! Why do they do this?!

That's a weird book for someone who doesn't read! Are you a journalist or something in that field? Why would she think you'd want to read this?

@KindergartenKop

That's a weird book for someone who doesn't read! Are you a journalist or something in that field? Why would she think you'd want to read this?

She doesn't know I don't read, it's not something I advertise.

It's not something to be ashamed of! It's a weird choice of book though. Maybe she's having a clear out. How could she have bought it from a second hand shop? Aren't they shut?