To hate receiving novelty books?

[BambooForDinnerAgain]

Actually I know IABU, because it’s the thought that counts and I am lucky to have people to buy me stuff. But I just wanted to know if anybody else gets this.
As someone with a birthday around now, I am in a rage of certainty that someone will be buying me whatever this year’s equivalent of “Five Go To Brexit Island” is. I know everyone’s busy around this time of year, and it’s an easy get out to buy something like that, but I dread getting these things and having to make a fuss and read out little snippets and go “oh listen, how funny this is”.
And after Christmas the charity shops will be full of them, so I know I’m not alone. Bah humbug.

Goldenhedgehogs

I’m not a big fan of novelty books as a general rule, I’d much rather get a book token.

Having said that, I’ve still got the copy of Go The F* to Sleep book we were given when DS1 was a newborn. That one still makes me smile.

I disagree.

You are right in that they are (mostly rubbish), but they give you a laugh and are easily recyclable, as opposed to all the other novelty gifts & tat made of plastic, or toilettries full of chemicals you won't use because you are allergic/can't stand the smell.

I have three copies of the same one .......

I love novelty books. But then I also love glittery tat no one else wants and random home made presents from other peoples children, so in fairness I may actually have no taste.

I don't mind anything that raises a smile

I'd love to agree OP, however Bored of the Rings makes me snigger like a 10 year old

I’m also studying an English lit degree so people always want to buy me books

I gave an unequivocal instruction to all my family and friends on starting my English lit degree NOT to buy me books. My Christmas reading list alone has 38 items on it. A few are more long essays or poems than novels/other book-length works, and some are reference books I'll skim, and perhaps read chapters of. But I have NO TIME to read books solely for pleasure, outside perhaps a very occasional one which I would like to choose for myself, since I won't get to read many.

And book tokens? They'd be spent on books for my course.

No books, no book tokens. Yes, I know I love reading. Yes, I know you want to give me something I'll love. But for the love of God, no books. Please.

Some are really funny. Meaning of liff for example

Go the Fuck to Sleep is best on YouTube read by Samuel L. Jackson.
I quite like the ladybird book of Mindfulness.

May I say a few words in defence of the novelty book? And notably the Meaning of Liff? I have a small collection of these books acquired over the years and sometimes, when life-stress just gets too much, an early night with the Private Eye Thrid Book of Boobs, the Meaning of Liff and maybe a couple of others can help me through a difficult time. I have an English degree, have worked in editing, but sometimes find a properly funny book is vital.

I also think the Ladybird Book of Brexit has some pointed things to say about the times we are in and I hope to find it in my stocking this year!

I agree blues. I actually love the meaning of liff. Bought a relative “scorn” by Matthew Paris and at recent family gathering was a nice focal point as people passed it round and read out particularly funny insults, triggered discussions etc. Some are shit cynical money grabbing ploy I agree but unfair to write off whole genre.

I read a lot and quite enjoy them.

I have a degree in English and i like reading the odd novelry book. I got dds teacher one about the school gate...dd said her teacher was laughing like a drain as she flicked through.

Yanbu. But I do love my guinea pig nativity story, and every rule has an exception.

Novelty even...blame the phone...not me