Two-thirds of Brits have lied about reading books they haven’t. Have you? Why? What book?

In normal, everyday interaction with family and family I don’t think I have ever lied about what I have or haven’t read. There’s not really much point, is there? If I haven’t read something, it only means there is the opportunity to discover something possibly amazing and be able to discuss it in the future with people who already have.

However, in my work as a bookseller, I have said I’ve read something I’m trying to sell when I haven’t. I may have flicked through it, and I do try to be as informed as possible on much of our stock, but sometimes it just slips out “oh yeah, I really liked it.” It’s usually when I’m feeling a bit pressured and the customer isn’t giving me much guidance in assisting them, but it is terrible and I feel a little bit guilty about it afterward. I suppose it’s just a part of the routine of working as a retail monkey.