Do you write in books when you give them as gifts?

[BroccoliSpears]

Why do you or why don't you?

What do you write?

But isn't it part of the charm of a previous owner of the book saltire? I'd find it a shame that you can't read through the crossing out, but it's still full of charm surely?

oh chukky pig you havent lived

have some very dear inscriptions in books
i always do it
i like it

in my old and second hand books always wonder oh who was fannie withers or barney gurdey?
dont think it devalues a book por moi i mean not monetarily
dont care about that..

An old book with an old inscription is different though to me getting my hands on the first copy of the bible and scrawling "To Chezza, Top barbie, keep on Truckin', Chuks 2008".

Aura can I come round and smell your books?

Slight swerve - Why do some people throw away books or even give them away once they've read them? My exh#2 told me to bin my books . I couldn't get rid of any of my books. Does anyone else feel like this?

Well.

My books are all very important and like old friends. I always keep them.

DH's books on the other hand are clutter and need to be disposed of.

Funny that.

lol Chukky. Fair enough.

I can't throw out old books, which is why we're rapidly running out of space... Though, of all the reasons to have too much stuff, books are great imo.

I can pass on a good reading book to someone that I know would appreciate it if I know I'll never read it again, but never reference books. Or travel books for that matter - in my dreams I'm still going to take a year off to travel the world...

I do - for close family only, and for dh & the dcs especially.

I love having books from my (now dead) grandmother and great grandmother will their writing in. One was given from great granny to her daughter, then to my mum, then came down to me. It's a naff book but will go to my dd when she's old enough to appreciate it's heritage

Obviously wouldn't scribble in a precious/expensive/first edition (but then again, I've never bought one....)

Depends on the book. If it's a keepsake - e.g. for a special birthday/Christening - then I would write something on a bookplate, just incase they already have it. Wouldn't bother for a "bookpeople-split-multipack- cos-it's-cheap-jobbie.

If it is a paperback that wont mean anything, for example I sent a pile out to DB in the army on operation, then I don't.

But if it is a 'special' book, if I hope they will always keep it, a hardback, a limited edition, I always write a message, the year and who it is from in it.

Makes it different from getting them 'any' book, to getting them a book that you have thought of, that may mean something special when they read it back in a few years.

I have lots of books given to me as presents, and the ones I have kept and think of sentimentally are the ones with messages (makes me think they bought it for me rather than a job lot for everyone at xmas, 10 mins in waterstones lets get everyone a book...)

Sal what do you make of the electronic book thing?

I haven't seen on in the flesh, but if they are as good as they say I could be tempted.

I would be happy to have my lovely reference books inc cooking etc, treasured old books and favourite books on the shelves. And then have a eletronic thingy to take on the tube and read more "throw away" stuff.

Hmm actually think am going to go and investigate how much they are...

But it's not paper no character, no smell...

Solo I know, and have started a thread seeing if anyone has one that I expect to get a bashing on!

But it would be very convenient - I always feel a bit, I don't know, not good when I buy a book which I then subsequently don't get on with, but as it's a book I feel I have to keep it. Then it looks at me accusingly from the shelf and takes up room I would rather have for books I like.

Incidentally I was imagining me sitting with one on the tube. Have just realised I couldn't really imagine reading one at home...

Electronic books - it just doesn't feel right. I know it doesn't make sense to feel this way and all, but I've tried and it felt artificial. I also missed the smell and sound of paper.

Which one did you try Sal?

I used to but unless I'm giving a book to dc, I don't anymore. So they can be exchanged. Sad but true.

My mum, bless her, writes all over the flyleaf on the diagonal with lots of sentimental twaddle messages.

I've used dh's Sharp Zaurus (which is really more general pda than e-book), as well as a PSP.

I've also played with a Sony e-Reader in a shop, but haven't tried the Kindle yet. I can see the point of being able to carry so many books around, and can see if being useful for technical texts, but for enjoyment I'd always go for an actual book.

I think the Kindle is only available in the US though? If you know better that's interesting as they sound good. DH has been researching while I MN!

I think I see it as something that would be great for the commute, and the more cider I have the more I seriously entertain buying one...

I went into the bookshop today to select some books as I start my new job on Monday (back to work after mat leave - v excited!) and realised just how choosy I am. I left with nothing (also the baby started squibbling). I just feel that I might be much more adventurous with an e book thingy!

Noblesse... I've only written dull academic tomes, nothing actually, you know, interesting (except to me, but I am very odd!). But still people expect to be given a copy, and something has to be written in it.

Just for the record, would not write in old/valuable books.

I am 90% sure kindle is US only. Certainly was a couple of months ago...

wiki agrees en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_Kindle

Thanks FP - have you used any of them?

Sorry I'm really going off subject here...

lol chukky pig...best offer of weekend!..so far..
book appreciators sniffers welcome anytime!

No, haven't used them (am posting on your other thread too!) but did a bit of work on digital publishing recently and got quite excited about them (as a dyed in the wool book-y)