to think that is odd, that my mif does this???

[lovecamping]

i got a book on christmas day from my mif, it was one that i'd wanted so felt pleased. then she said 'i hope you dont mind but i've already read the book and tried really hard to keep it clean'. I know it makes sense in a recycling/eco way and its almost sensible. But there is apart of me that thinks you just dont use something that you would give away as a present. its slight odd.

i know i'll get slated but just wondered if its really just me ....
thanks

what is a mif? is it like a milf, only you are more reluctant about it?

YABU - not a big deal at all.

I wondered Mitchy

I think it's rude! If she bought the book for you she could have let you read it first and then ask to borrow it.

Oops, sorry i meant my MIL (mother in law) so sorry

rofl at mitchy

But yes it does seem a little odd, even if I'd had a peek I would not have mentioned it. I think I would rather say that looks really interesting can I borrow it when you've finished.

I think YAB slightly U too - it is slightly odd to mention that you have read the book (was she implying she had failed to keep the book really clean?!), but I do this all the time with books and DVDs!

I do think it's unusual but not in a bad way, if you know what I mean. I've given people "used" gifts in the past but I've always run it by them before.
It wouldn't bother me in the least, largely because I absolutely love charity shops and 2nd-hand anything.

she's s cheeky cow imo. esp if it was a paperback. was it 'thumbed'?

she def could have borrowed it after, it was meant to be something especially for you, not her.

Why did she tell you?

I've given and been given books for many christmas and if the giver wants to read it they usually say something on the lines of "Its looks great, when you've finished it can I borrow it please?" never had one where someone has read it first!

I bought SIL "Nigella Christmas" last year and photocopied a couple of recipes before wrapping it! I didn't tell her though.

OP, I don't think reading the book is that odd if one takes care to keep it in pristine condition, but telling the receipient that it has been read is a bit

exactly bb99, i have no idea why she would need/want to tell me. this woman really makes no sense to me.

Maybe she is really really really honest and can't help herself

Once my friend bought me a book, and asked if she could borrow it when I have finished reading it. I thought it was a bit stupid that she didn't read it before she gave it to me. It's not like some words fall off the page every time it is read. It's a book. When someone gives you a book, they are rarely buying you the item, they are buying you the story IMO.

Mind you, I never understand people who keep their books pristine. As long as you can still read it, I don't care what condition it is in.

Although the OP's MIL could have just said she had read it, and left it at that, because then the OP doesn't know if the MIL has her own copy. She didn't have to say that she had read that particular copy.

I always read books before wrapping them too! I love giving books as pressies!
I wouldn't tell the person though and I wouldn't fold over the page corners to mark my place!

YANBU. Luckily it was a book she bought you and not a bar of soap!!!

I have never heard of anyone reading a book before giving it, it would never occur to me to do it. You might crack the spine or bend the pages or whatever. I would ask to borrow it afterwards.

Same as I wouldn't use anything else I was giving as a present. But then I wouldn't buy people things from charity shops etc as presents either normally.

Actually that's a lie, DH bought DD a bouncing ball which lights up (?) for her stocking and I had a go with that