Book Giveaways and Book Buying Habits

I loved this article on the BBC’s site today:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4273152.stm

Ian McEwan gave away 30 novels to passers-by in a park.  All the women accepted but only one man did.  So BBC writer Tom Geoghegan hits a west London street with 20 books to give away.  12 are taken up by women, 8 by men.  The first book snapped up is a "Harry Potter", taken by a man who wants to learn English.

Apparently, the results echo previous theories about women being better able to “emotionally understand” stuff.

The final say goes to Ghlas Ferguson, manager of Waterstones in Reading, who comments based on his observations of book buying.  The comment that made me laugh the most was this.  Apparently some men go right up to the counter at Christmas and ask:

“Have you got a book for my wife?”

Personally, I can see that happening.  The book they walk out with has probably got a lot of red on the cover too.  And I bet the wives return to the store after Christmas and exchange it for something more “vanilla” and of the size they prefer to handle when enjoying a read.

Which makes me think that Alex Barclay’s “Darkhouse” may get a second wind at Christmas this year; its leaves are trimmed in scarlet, you can’t miss it on the shelf.  But from what I hear, don’t exchange it ladies.  It’s another in my “to read” pile.  I’m looking forward to it as I’ve heard it’s very good.

So, as it’s now a mere 13 weeks to Christmas, here are my top ten book buying tips for the hubby who leaves it all until the last minute and decides to buy a book for his wife:

#1

Just ask her what she’d like, before you go shopping.

#2

In the run up to Christmas, try and notice if she prefers a hard or soft back.

#3

In the run up to Christmas, try and notice what she reads.  You never know, it might lead to an interesting conversation...

#4

Book marks with tassels are for cats to play with.  Do not buy them for your wife!  (Reading is a serious endeavour to womankind.)  Tassels are for clubs.  (And I bet you don't go there with your wife/partner!)

#5

Remember that 70% of crime fiction readers are female.  Much as you’d like to think otherwise of your wife, she may make it into that majority too, so hit the right shelves or get the sales assistant to point you in the right direction.

#6

Women love a good series character to whom they can relate.  You’ll find he’s quite the opposite of you, with pressies to the women in his life (and yes, there’s always more than one) very considered and appropriate, and therefore much appreciated.  He takes risks on the job.  He’s a maverick, a bit troubled in some way, with some addictive tendencies, and no, not Shredded Wheat for breakfast, he’s dangerous remember?  Try Rebus – drink and nicotine are the main problems here – (Ian Rankin); Falcon - oh, what life, hard to believe it – (Robert Wilson); Tom Thorne – sad, dark, but still fighting all the demons – (Mark Billingham); Bosch – so many demons – (Michael Connelly); Tony Hill – impotent at the very least, that will make you feel more comfortable – (Val McDermid); Lucas Davenport – once so swish and perfect, and now so married – (John Sandford), and, dare I say it?  Lou Boldt (Ridley Pearson) – the man is so very happily married, but not infallible and a sucker for danger.

#7

Do you switch off a bit when she does tell you about the wonderful book she’s reading?  Yes?  OK then, that means psychological thrillers.  Try Ruth Rendell, Barbara Vine (her a.k.a) or Minette Walters.  You may be put off by the very dark covers hippy hubby, but that’s life.  Get used to it.  Get between the covers yourself and you may even see another slice of life!

#8

Book tokens in your thoughts?  Ouch, get a grip, man!  She wants to know you understand and know her well.  Book tokens are a cop out!  You may as well give her loose change for the laundry when the washer claps out and you can’t repair it or get a man who can…  Don’t insult your dearly beloved.  She likes to be wrapped up in a blanket of extremely good words.  (And that hole in the weave is actually a damn good plot, I’ll have you know!)

#9

Get “the book” first edition and signed and dedicated if you can, she’ll really love you then. Two out of three and she’ll appreciate your efforts.  One out of three and she’ll do a hip hop.  None out of three and she’ll still pass the Christmas lunch washing up duty to you, but smiling as she does it.

#10

Just ask her.  Honestly, what does it take?

Happy Christmas folks!