I find what she did is tacky. I frequently give used books as gifts to family members, but they are still purchased for that particular family member in mind. I am going to give our pastor a used book for Christmas. It is no longer in print and is the best history of the Jewish people that I have ever read. When I give a book it is because I have already read it and know how good it is and think the person getting it will like the subject - not a book I haven't read yet. I search for a copy that is as good as new. I am amazed at how many used books are for sale that have never been read; the spines never opened. That said, I think the value of a book lies in what is on the pages not the book cover. Along this same line of thought of used things as gifts - how many of you buy gifts in an honest to goodness antique shop, not a second hand store?