I feel exactly like this. There are some people I trust and will always lend to. There are others that I know will have the book for 3 years and never read it. And that's ok, I just buy them a used copy and "lend" it to them, so that way I don't stress about getting it back.
I have a couple vintage copies of books and a few editions that are special to me because of my own marginalia and I won't lend those out to anyone. But if someone wants to read a book of mine that falls into that category I will buy it for them if I'm positive they'll actually read it.
How about you guys? Happy to lend out your books or hesitant?
Image from Bookfessions.
14 comments:
I love this! I am very much the same way... there are certain people that I would happily lend whatever and as many books as they wanted. Others, I might steer toward books that I don't care much for and therefore won't be heartbroken if I never see it again, or worse - get it back all scuffed and damaged.
No one ever seems to ask me to borrow a book, but in many cases I wouldn't mind as there are very few books I keep once I've read them (gotta make room for new ones...LOL)
99% of my books I'm not attached to, and will loan them out. Sometimes I just give them the books. I have no room, so if I know they are going to a good home, I'm happy. But I have some special ones that will never leave my shelves.
I really don't like to lend books. I have select few people that I will lend a book to. Sometimes I come across an amazing book, and I just want to pass it along. I tend to buy myself another copy.
Sarah - Exactly. I've learned I'm more laid back about getting books back if they are a second copy.
Diane - I need to cut down on the number of books I own.
Sandy - You have a lot more self control than I do!
Mrs. Q - I think that's a good way to do it.
I have friends who borrow my books, keep them for three years, never read them, AND after three years, claim the book is theirs if I notice it in their home and ask for it back. I don't like loaning my books. I often do like you, and locate a copy on the internet for them - that way I can look helpful, generous, AND protect my books.
I'll lend or give most books freely … unelss there is some sentimental value attached to it, in which case I won't lend it.
She - Ha, I helped a friend throw a garage sale once and she was selling some of the books I had lent her. It was awkward.
Jenners - I wish I could be more laid back about it. I'm just always worried I'll never see them again.
NOOOO!! I hate it when people ask me if they can borrow books. I also hate it when people offer to lend me a book. Why? Because I KNOW I do not give books back!! I end up treasuring them - I'm like GOLEM - they are my PRECIOUS!!
So if someone insists that I must "borrow" a book I say - "No, I'm sorry I don't borrow books and if you for some reason force said book upon me - know that you will never get it back. It will be eaten by the shelve goblins that live in my library."
So at least I tell them upfront - lending a book to me in my mind after me having said that is the same thing as gifting a book to me. I once had a library book for 3 plus years!! and I want to go check it out again because I can't find it anywhere to buy!! See what I'm saying? Course at least I treat the books with love and I warn people they won't get it back.
Now, the reason I don't lend is because I've had treasured books never returned - though I've said - I really want this book back.
So now instead I do like you do, if someone wants to read it and I think they will - I buy them a used copy. If I really want people to read a book I LOVED - I buy them a NEW copy. I've given out like 10 copies of Villains Victorious!
So, essentially only family get 'lended' to because they help support my book addiction thru buying me books...my cousin in law because I know she's trust worthy and returns in same condition...my BFF destroys books, but I can't help it I love her - plus I have a key to her house so no way could she ever get away from me!! Oh and my kid sister - but I know that I can probably kiss those books goodbye - so I only lend her what I'm ok with never seeing again.
sorry to write a mini novella here haha
Pabkins @ Mission to Read
I happily lend books to people I know will take care of them, and sometimes I will lend them to people who I just think will most likely take care of them. But I never lend books I can't easily replace.
I have to agree with Jenny; I don't lend books I can't easily replace. But I always happily lend books. It's just that some of them are second copies.
Pabkins - I'm ok with borrowing books and I use my library constantly.
Jenny - That's a good rule of thumb.
Jeanne - I think the second copy option works well.
I love recommending books to others and if lending them my copies means them actually reading, then I'm all for it! However, it really depends on the person I'm lending it to. It's a huge deal for me too. So it depends if I can trust them! Sometimes I have a hard time dealing though haha
Jillian - That's so true, it's all about the person. I don't think some people realize how much I trust them if I'm lending them my books.
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