A co-worker saw a book on my desk a year ago and expressed great interest in being able to peruse it. He asked my permission to look it over and I gave it to him.
He kept the book at his desk for several months (he sits next to me) and then I noticed that it was no longer there.
I referenced the contents of the book in a couple of discussions with him and he acknowledged that he has not had a chance to read it all as yet.
Now I want my book back.
The truth is that I have not yet read the book and it was on my desk because I had purchased it on a business trip and never had a chance to even take it home.
I asked for it back a few months back but it didn’t appear.
Take any of his book and keep it with you till he returns yours.
OR you can do it this way
" since you have my book at the moment and I am feeling like having a good read why don't you lend me any good book of yours and while I read your book you can finishing reading mine and then we can return our books back to each other "
Straightforward always works. 'Hey, have you ever gotten around to reading such and such yet? I myself haven't had a chance to read the whole thing and would like it back as soon as you're done with it.'
Tell him that a friend/relo of yours wants to read it and that you said you'd give it to them by (insert day of the week)....that'll put some pressure on him to get it back to you.
The book sounds interesting Muzna, and I would have felt the same, if I were in your place. You have already tried ask your book back so looks like whether he has like lost your book or something or simply loves keeping others’ things. Keep reminding him of the book until he returns the book or his excuses finally end and he might tell you what happened with your book Dont keep quiet on it and do let the cat come out of the bag anyway.
You may ask him to return your books back and then wait till one week. If you get you are all fine,, otherwise keep asking him on daily basis until he feels irritation. Sooner or later you will get your all books.
Tell him that a friend/relo of yours wants to read it and that you said you'd give it to them by (insert day of the week)....that'll put some pressure on him to get it back to you.
Exactly what I would say. Even better, say you need it TOMORROW, but as soon as relative has finished it, you'll let them borrow it again. And that's the last they'll ever see of it.
Tell him that a friend/relo of yours wants to read it and that you said you'd give it to them by (insert day of the week)....that'll put some pressure on him to get it back to you.
I would say that a friend/relative allowed me to borrow this book. And now that friend/relative would like the book back and is persisting I give it back. I'm so sorry if you didn't get a chance to read it, but you know, it is XYZs book, not mine, so what can I do? :(
That should solve the problem. This way there's no blame on you. Just make sure you hide the book away forever from this person.
this is such a difficult situation to be in......:(
i would do the following..
"dear xyz.......... the book i gave you back then...rmember??......actually i need it back......it would be great if you could return it in a couple of days......"
Keep reminding him of the book until he returns the book or his excuses finally end and he might tell you what happened with your book 
Dont keep quiet on it and do let the cat come out of the bag anyway.
