Thursday, November 06, 2008

BTT: Presents

btt button

So, it’s my (her) birthday today. (Please, no applause.) But it’s inspiring today’s question–

What, if any, memorable or special book have you ever gotten as a present? Birthday or otherwise. What made it so notable? The person who gave it? The book itself? The “gift aura?”

I've gotten many books as presents. Many of my Orson Scott Card's were gifts for either birthday or Christmas. (Well, my hardcover editions. I still have plenty of OSC books that I bought used and in paperback.) And when I was young, it didn't take a special occasion to merit a book. I had parents and grandparents and aunts, etc. who were all too willing to make sure I had plenty of books. Though to be fair. This was never a me-me-me thing. Sometimes I feel like I almost have to have a "we" voice. My sister and I were gifted frequently with books.

But I've somewhat not-so-randomly picked two.

My first Bible. (Living Translation). I had just turned eight. This was a Christmas present. Well, an almost Christmas present. It was given the night of the church Christmas program. 1986 for those that are curious. :) It was from my parents.

The Sleep Book by Dr. Seuss. This one I don't actually remember receiving. It was given the Christmas of 1980 by my Aunt Beth. I had just turned two. But it has always always always been one of my favorite books. It is almost magical.

Note: My birthday is in November--so I'll take the well wishes. But it's not for a few more weeks.

© Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

7 comments:

Jennie said...

I get books as presents all the time (and give them, too) but one of the most memorable was for my birthday when I turned 9 or 10. My former youth minister (we moved when I was 5) gave me a copy of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

I'm sure she was giving it to me to show how one girl struggles with faith to help guide my spiritual quest, but I was more interested in the puberty bits.

But it's still a very important book for me.

Brooke from The Bluestocking Guide said...

I don't get too many books because people aren't sure what I already have.

Presents

Andi said...

Happy birthday!!!! I hope it's a wonderful one.

SmilingSally said...

That Bible must have been special. I like that translation too. Becky, I had no idea you were such a BABY. (sigh) Or could it be that I'm sold OLD. Don't answer that! Happy Booking Through Thursday. I'm giving away a couple of books. See my sidebar if you're interested.
http://bookcritiques.blogspot.com/

Melissa said...

Oh Happy Birthday. No applause, but lots of happy thoughts. :)

Abby said...

You know, I actually did not like to get books as gifts when I was a kid. I preferred to find my own books (I'm still that way). But some kind soul gave me Matilda by Roald Dahl when (I believe) I was 7. And although I'm sure it took me ages to actually pick it up and read it, once I did it became one of my favorite books.

rathacat said...

My parents got me many of the Doctor Dolittle books by Hugh Lofting, and The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame. When I was 8 and down with the measles, a kind neighbor gave me a hardcover copy of the Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, which began my love of Narnia. I am sure these influenced me to write animal fantasy (well, big prehistoric cats).
Clare Bell,
Ratha series author
http://www.rathascourage.com/scratchlog.html