Reading Friend Gifts

I can still remember the first time I got books for Christmas. My grandmother gave me Anne of Green Gables, Daddy Long Legs, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, and Heidi. I’m pretty sure these were the first books that were mine, not jointly owned by all the siblings. 

I still love getting a book for Christmas, though now that I do most of my reading on my iPad or Kindle, I prefer getting them in digital format. It is true they are not as fun to unwrap, but the true joy of a book is not in unwrapping it but opening it and taking in the words. I’m not one of those people who spend a lot of time stroking and smelling my books. I love words. I love stories. I get a book, I open it, and start reading. 

So I thought it would be fun to talk about books as gifts today. 

One thing I like to know about a book gift: did you read it and love it, or was this book a recommendation from a clerk or other friend? If you read it and loved it, you should say so. 

When I know someone has read and loved something, then it makes me place it on top of my massive to-be-read pile. Of course I know that not everyone of my friends and family will love what I loved, but it is a known fact that a recommendation from a trusted source means more than one from a random clerk or review site. 

So, if you read something you loved this year, why not share it with THAT friend or family member who shares your reading tastes? 

Books make great gifts and ebooks make even better gifts (IMHO). Why? They cost less than a cup of coffee or a soft drink. How do I know this? I’ve almost finished a soft drink while writing this post. I think that makes me an expert on beverage-to-words consumption times.

My [fill in the blank] likes audiobooks. That’s great, too! I love giving or getting a story that can be read to me at bedtime. It’s not my mom or my dad, but it is a voice sending me off to sleep. 

And did you know that digital books can come with an audiobook version at a reduced price? Bundle them together and you look very thoughtful. 

Another fun gift idea is a journal and guess what? The Girls of Blush Free Books have got some super fun journals for reading or writing friends. 

One thing I know for sure, as I head into the holiday season, I will be shopping and I will be reading. And yes, consuming some beverages, so you can trust me on this. You’ll want to get your shoppping done early this year! 

Do you have any fun gift ideas for your reading and/or writing friends?

Perilously yours,

Pauline