I don't blame you at all about the book.
Oddly enough, it's one or two of my ADULT friends who either steal the books or damage them... the kids are usually careful, but that may be because i make sure to tell them about "Tia's Curse".
My copy of Red Storm Rising got destroyed by a friend.
They spilled soda on it, and the back cover glued to their coffee table when the soda dried.
I freaked.