Picture the scene:

You’re having coffee with a dear friend, and the subject turns to books you’ve read recently. You tell her about a romance novel you really enjoyed. She tells you about a work of literary fiction she found moving and inspiring.

‘That sounds wonderful,’ you say.

‘It is,’ she replies. ‘Look, I have my copy in my bag. I’ll lend it to you.’

‘Thank you!’ you say. ‘And here, have my copy of this passionate, evocative, moving love story. It will make your heart melt.’

‘Thank you!’ she says. ‘I can’t wait to read it.’

Just writing this scenario that brings a smile to my face. It’s a beautiful example of friendship, of like minds connecting, of generosity and of sisterhood. It’s celebratory of books – those wonderful bindings of paper that bring joy and light and learning. And it’s the beginning of what will certainly be an enriching experience for both friends.

For me, book recommendations are to be treasured. Quite simply, a book can mean much more when a friend has recommended it you, saying, ‘Read this – I think you’ll like it.’ The book becomes a gift, and with each word you not only take in the meaning, but you also search for extra meaning, for why your friend thought this book was worth your reading.

Some of my favourite books have been discovered via recommendations, and I have also read books I probably would never have chosen for myself, which has widened my horizons. In addition, I have got much out of recommending books to others, especially when they, too, have fallen in love with a novel.

For me, the very best recommendations are accompanied with a physical copy of the book. The handing over of a novel that you love is by no means easy (and only possible if you trust the friend to care for it and return it; or are prepared to buy another copy tout de suite), but it really does deepen the meaning of the gesture. The book is a gift – a hope for enjoyment embodied in a beautiful object. And if the book is old and well-thumbed, so much the better, for your friend will be humbled by your sharing such a loved object.

But of course we are living in a digital revolution, and so recommendations without physical books are increasingly more commonplace. I love the website Goodreads for sharing recommendations and getting tips for new books from those of others. Each week I post a review of a book I’ve enjoyed there (and on my website) for other readers to benefit from, and I browse the books that others are reading and recommending. It’s a rich source indeed for discovering wonderful new writers.

If you’re anything like me, you feel sad and deflated and a little lost when you finish a book, and light and happy and excited when you’re about to start a new one that you really like the look of. Book recommendations are the perfect solution to keeping hold of the latter feeling to minimise the impact of the former.

So recommend away, I say. Talk about books you like. Ask what others are reading. Lend out your books. Let them go if need be and buy new ones. Share the book love!