What is the correct etiquette when borrowing a book? That is when someone, unsolicitedly, gives you a book they would like you to read. Meaning that you did not request this book, this person just gave you a book to read that they think you would like? Does that jump to the top of you reading to-do list? Or do you read it when it comes up at its place in your queue? What if your queue is ten books deep and you know it will be months before it is returned? Does the giver of the book understand the indefinite time period of this loan? Will they be insulted if you don't read it right away? They have essentially told you that they found this book interesting and would like to discuss it with you at a later time. Is it rude to ignore this cry for help and read it at your leisure?
Personally, I don't care when books I lend out are returned (as long as they are returned at some point). Although my usual motive is to clear space on the Tokyo-like overcrowding found on my book shelves and not the aforementioned need to discuss the book. With that said, however, I did once lend someone a copy of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2010 Pleasant Hill Book Club Book of the Year Winner) and it just sat on their shelf for months and months completely untouched and that was kind of annoying. I wound up taking it back with out telling them to see if they noticed. That was weeks ago and no mention of it yet.
Notes:
1. 'unsolicitedly' is not a real word. It sounds like it should be though.
2. I think this breaks the record for most question marks in a post. Don't you agree?
3. The book that inspired this post actually looks very interesting.
4. Please leave your opinions, if you have any, in the comments section.
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