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Original poster

Is this an acceptable gift? What to do?

109 replies

PresentingPercy · 09/12/2020 11:34

A friend received this book (Don’t read this if you’re stupid) as an anonymous gift in her pigeon hole at work. No note with it. Plain white envelope. Her name but a slight error on the address. She doesn’t think it’s from a client. The info about the book is attached from the publisher. It’s the last sentence that’s the issue. Friend lives in South London. Any advice welcome.

Is this an acceptable gift? What to do?
OP posts:
Original poster
PresentingPercy · 09/12/2020 11:35

Probably posted in wrong section. Is she being unreasonable to be a bit worried?

OP posts:
Coriandersucks · 09/12/2020 11:36

I’m stupid so sorry, can’t help I’m afraid

ODFOx · 09/12/2020 11:38

I think that someone has sent her a book of funny short stories.

The fact that one of them says negative things about South London is most likely coincidental. Or is she worried that the sender might think she is considering becoming a serial killer?
You said that there was no note. Presumably she's checked the fly sheet for an inscription?

unmarkedbythat · 09/12/2020 11:39

I don't understand why she is worried.

Gemma2019 · 09/12/2020 11:39

If this was in her pigeonhole at work do you mean it was from someone internal? Or external as you mentioned an error on the address?

Whyistheteacold · 09/12/2020 11:40

It seems to have a jokey tone to it. Personally I wouldn't be worried at all, anyone who knows me knows that I love reading, especially anything to do with murder whether is true crime or fictional. So I guess it depends on whether or not this is something your friend would be into, as well as who would have acess to her pigeon hole. Any note left with it?

Whyistheteacold · 09/12/2020 11:41

Sorry, just seen no note with it!

SarahAndQuack · 09/12/2020 11:41

Usually a book without any notes and with publishers' info would be from the publisher, wouldn't it? Is there any reason a publisher might have heard of her and think she's someone likely to give a review?

A couple of years ago I got an unsolicited freebie copy of Gentleman Jack (the book the TV series is based on) because the publisher thought (wrongly, as it happens) that I might be a good person to review it. I was dead chuffed.

WiddlinDiddlin · 09/12/2020 11:41

Sounds like the kind of book i'd like.

Bit obscure whether its given as a nice gift or some odd sort of threat though?! Id be leaning towards secret admirer more than someone having a dig or trying to scare someone.

LagunaBubbles · 09/12/2020 11:42

Whats she worried about?

Ladybird345 · 09/12/2020 11:42

Surely it's just from someone who has a sense of humour? I can't see what is to be worried about? Unless I am missing something? I can see the South London reference but I would either assume it's coincidence or think someone thought the book was fitting as they where giving it to someone living in South London?

Catflapkitkat · 09/12/2020 11:44

I think it's a collection of obscure/bizzare short stories. I wouldn't say she had to be worried.

Does she write? Does she enjoy short stories? Have a quirky sense of humour?

MiddleClassProblem · 09/12/2020 11:47

I think you should have used capitals for the title as that but in brackets makes you sound like a twat.

But I think it’s a bit creepy to receive anything anonymously unless there is someone you know it would be from. Especially in the post!

TrialOfStyle · 09/12/2020 11:48

I can't see why she would be worried at all - unless she's concerned someone's cottoned on to her deviant hobby...?

TrialOfStyle · 09/12/2020 11:49

Or is this post actually a plug for the book, as I'm now tempted to read it.

Aprilx · 09/12/2020 11:50

I don’t see any issue. I also don’t know why you said “don’t read this is you are stupid”.

TrialOfStyle · 09/12/2020 11:52

@Aprilx

I don’t see any issue. I also don’t know why you said “don’t read this is you are stupid”.
I think that's the title.
HitthatroadJack · 09/12/2020 11:52

I would be VERY wary of expressing offence about a book called "don't read if you are stupid". Grin

If she is not amused (and perfectly entitled to find the book stupid) she can just leave it in the communal area.

burnoutbabe · 09/12/2020 11:53

that is the TITLE of the book?

it was published 20 years ago so unlilkly to be a publisher trying to promote.
weird gift from client/supplier i would guess.

MyFavouritePlace · 09/12/2020 11:54

I guess I am stupid as I don't see the issue!

PassataQueenofBritain · 09/12/2020 11:56

How old is that book? Is she perhaps lampooned in it by the author, and someone has recognised her and wants to give her the Heads-up???

MrsBobDylan · 09/12/2020 11:56

All of the things I will worry about today, this will not be one of them.

user127819 · 09/12/2020 11:57

@burnoutbabe

that is the TITLE of the book?

it was published 20 years ago so unlilkly to be a publisher trying to promote.
weird gift from client/supplier i would guess.

The title is Don't Read This Book If You're Stupid.

I too thought that was a comment from OP at first!

Suckmyfatone · 09/12/2020 11:57

Don’t read this if you’re stupid

I do hope that's the name of the book, otherwise you sound rather rude.

Lollyneenah · 09/12/2020 11:59

Depw dson her line of work- if she has difficult service users then yes it is a bit threatening

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