Unlike lots of book bloggers, I’m not particularly precious about my books. The most important thing about them, to me, is the fact they can be read. And I’m all for spreading the love and letting as many people read them as possible.
Within my friends, I’m definitely the most avid reader of the group so I like to encourage my friends to read as much as possible. I remember, a few years ago everyone was obsessed with Malorie Blackman’s Noughts and Crosses series and the school library couldn’t supply copies fast enough. So knowing that I loved to read, my friends turned to me and asked if I owned the books. I did, so I eagerly lent my friends the books, excited they were all as keen to read as I am. To this day, that series are the most battered books on my shelf, but I look at them fondly, knowing my friends have enjoyed them too. I don’t mind that the spine is bent or that the corners are tattered. They simply look loved to me.
This story sums up my attitude towards lending books. In fact, I’ve even lent my closest friend my Kindle before as I’d lent her the first book in paperback but I only had the second two on my Kindle. She was so desperate to read the rest, that I agreed to lend her my Kindle.
But don’t think I’m condemning those of you who don’t like to lend your books. That’s totally okay and we’re all different. Truth be told my books don’t end up in the best nick so I can understand why people might want to look after theirs and keep them shiny and new.
There are a couple of books though I would be more reluctant to lend to anyone, even my closest friends.
The first is my illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. It’s so gorgeous that I’m not sure even I could bear to let it get battered or beaten if I lent it to a friend. I might let some else read it whilst I was watching, but I couldn’t let it out of my sight, just in case.
The second set of books are all of my personalised signed books because they’re special to me as most of them have memories of meeting authors I admire. This means they have more value to me so I would certainly be reluctant to lend them to anyone.
All in all, I’m happy to lend my books to almost anyone because I love to share the love! But that’s probably the reason why I’m not on bookstagram as my books aren’t always in the best nick.
What do you think? Do you lend books? Which books would you never lend out?
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Great post and I totally get it, Emily! I had a recent bad experience with a book I lent, but I suffered about it because it was a precious signed book dedicated to me, so it’s not one that could easily be replaced. However, I do lend (or used to) books that are not signed and know I can easily purchase a copy if I want it in pristine condition. So books I won’t ever lend again: signed books and personal favorites. That’s why I love hosting giveaways and gifting books, that’s my way of sharing the love without suffering the pain of parting with my own books. 🙂
Thank you so much for this wonderful point of view on Book Lending, Emily! Wasn’t it great, you guys? Now go visit Emily on her
blog and check out the rest of the Summer Blog Promo Tour posts that went live today (40!!).
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I’ve been book blogging for almost two years now and I can’t think of anything I’d rather do in my pyjamas, with a cup of tea, late at night. Books are my way of escaping reality, going on adventures and falling in love, over and over again.
Some of my favourite books from this year so far include The Winner’s Curse series, The Revenge Playbook, Walk the Edge and Rebel of the Sands. I’m always eager to fangirl with other book lovers so don’t be afraid to say hi!
As well as being an avid reader, I love TV shows and films, in particular The Flash, Arrow, Scorpion, Zoo, The Last Ship and Agent Carter.
I am a contributor to the blog The Feministas as which can be found at http://www.thefeministas.wordpress.com
Great post Emily! I commend you! I used to lend out my books but they were always returned in poor condition. I just can't bring myself to lend them out any more. Someone else on the blog tour had the idea of buying a friend their own copy of the book if they are interested in borrowing it. I like that idea. I think I might try that one from now on. It will make me feel good to give out a gift and at the same time keep my own book in great condition. 🙂