A book.
Giving a book as a present to someone who loves books can be very tricky, especially if that person has piles and piles of books in their possession. I have friends and family who love to read so it's always a problem for me to buy a book for them during birthdays and Christmas. I'm always wondering if they'll like the book; if they read the book, or if they already have it in their collection.
With my birthday coming up, I gave my mom a list of some books that I would like to have. I chose about four books from my overwhelming wish list. The four books were all classics since I wanted to expand my classic book collection after I finished the Classics Challenge 2009. I told her to choose one book from any of the four, and that way I can be at least surprised when I get my birthday present.
Want to see what I got?
I got all four! Needless to say, I was shocked and very pleased. I expected one or maybe two books, but she bought four instead! Then my mom apologized (Apologized!) that she didn't give me a hardback book. She wanted it special since it was my birthday. I assured her that wasn't necessary. I was very happy with what I got.
I love books, no matter what they look like - hardback, paperback, fat, skinny, tall, or short. I even buy used books, but I draw the line if I see some notes written on the side. I think writing notes in a novel (textbooks are okay) is a sacriledge. That's just me though since I'm anal. ;)
Before ending this post, I just want to say: Thanks, Mom. You really are the best, and I love you.
Hmmmm...now what am I going to read first?
From left to right: The Age of Innocence (Wharton), Nicholas Nickelby (Dickens), The Bostonians, and The Portrait of a Lady (Both by Henry James). In the back: my coffee mug, my clock, the base part of my lamp, and two other books I'm currently reading. I think I need a bigger nightstand.
nice haul and Happy Birthday! We pick names for Christmas in our extended family and if they say they want a book I ask them to do an amazon wish list.
ReplyDeleteOh, and congratulation on being able to narrow it down to four!
Yes, it's best to actually tell people exactly what you want if they're planning to buy you books...
ReplyDeleteOn second thoughts, I just prefer to buy them myself; my present to me :)
Thanks, Book Dragon. It was a tough choice to narrow it down to four, actually. ;) Having family members make a wish list is a good idea.
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday. I'd have a hard time deciding which book to read as well.
ReplyDeleteHi, Tony. I can totally relate. Ever since I was in high school, I would give myself a book as a present during birthdays or Christmas.
ReplyDeleteHello, Helen! I absolutely had a grand time reading Portrait of a Lady. Isabel Archer is truly a memorable character.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! Enjoy your books
ReplyDeleteHi, Peter! I'm glad that you enjoyed Portrait of a Lady. You just helped me choose what I'm going to read next. I'm now reading The Age of Innocence.
ReplyDeleteHi, Diane. Thanks. My birthday isn't until next week. I just got my present early. :D I'm reading The Age of Innocence. For some reason love triangles are interesing to read...though I wouldn't want to experience it again. Thanks to Peter, I'm going to read The Portrait of a Lady next. I'm really excited about reading these! :D
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday! What a great gift.
ReplyDelete--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
Thank, you, Anna. :)
ReplyDelete