ArcaMax

He then gave everyone in the office copies, begging us to read it and leave favorable comments online.

I read the book, but didn't like it. At all. It was poorly written and -- awful.

What do I do? Lie and tell him it was great? Or tell the truth and hurt his feelings?

I don't want to hurt his feelings, but to recommend his book seems wrong, especially since I didn't think it was good. What should I do?

-- Conflicted Co-worker

Dear Conflicted: Unless your job is "professional book reader and recommender," you are not obligated to do anything to publicize this book, and you are certainly not obligated to lie in comments and say that you like it.

That being said, you should be careful about what you say about the book, especially since it was written by a co-worker that (I'm assuming) you see almost every day, and have to maintain a professional relationship with.

For now, stick to the old adage: if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. Avoid discussing this at work, and keep your opinions off of social media.

If this co-worker asks you specifically for an opinion or feedback, be polite about his effort ("Wow, that was quite an undertaking!") but do not offer feedback or criticism, because the book is already written and printed.

If he continues to push you and your other co-workers to leave comments, be simple and direct. Say, "I'm sorry. I just don't feel comfortable doing that."

It is a professional breach to pressure co-workers regarding a non-work project. His supervisor should discourage this behavior.

Dear Amy: "Loving Mother" wrote about her son's financial trouble and her guilt about not being able to loan him money.

She can help him to figure it out. Sit down with the bills -- can a payment plan be set up? Request a lower interest rate? Are there hidden fees/services that can be renegotiated? Can the son get a roommate? Providing practical advice and support in resolving financial problems helps the child without a financial loan and, hopefully, has long-term benefits.

-- Helpful Dad

Dear Dad: Great advice. But this dude also needed to get a job. That would be my first suggestion.

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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)