Jyake-gai is Japanese slang for purchasing basically anything (a CD, a book, a bottle of wine) simply based on the design of the packaging or label.

(from spoon & tamago)

Salman Rushdie had someone visit his house, and was astounded at the amount of books and asked "have you read all of them?"

Rushdie replied, "Yes. Twice."

I've had that happen. I brought a couple dozen paperbacks with me to college. My roommate's friends had that reaction and were stunned to hear that these were old favorites that I re-read periodically, like rewatching Star Wars.

I've probably read each of my Pratchett books at least a hundred times, at least the older ones. It's my go-to bathroom reader.

I don't reread books because I haven't read all of them once yet.

I'm guessing his reply was oozing with sarcasm. I mean, if I read all the books I have cover to cover, I'd be dead before I got through half. But I rarely read a book twice.

Sadly, no. I grabbed about a couple dozen books because I could only take so many, and couldn't afford more of them. They were my escape at times, like re-watching "Raiders of the Lost Ark". It never occurred to me that this might be impressive.

Yup, I am surrounded by books I haven't read yet
Isn't that everyone ?

I used to when I got most of my books from the used bookstore; if I saw something interesting it made sense to buy it right away because there was no guarantee it would still be there when I went back. Now that I mostly read e-books it's pretty rare for me to buy a book and not immediately start reading it.

When I got my bookcase, I bought a ton of books at used bookstores. I'm slowly getting though them, but I still haven't read most of them.

I do this with books, but more so with video games. What's the word for that?

Steamdoku.

Same here. I'm slowly getting though my pile of books, but I have hundreds of video games that I may never play.

I have several books which i bought because it was a better copy then the one i'd read, but which the edition i now have on the shelf has never been read itself.
If i even have the time and inclination to reread a old favorite i'd rather not do so with the a yellowing copy bought used with pages falling out and cover art that has nothing to do with the contents

What do you call it when someone else gives you a bunch of books you never have time to read?

Bittersweet.

I've heard it said this behaviour is a statement of confidence, and an investment in the future. I don't have time to play/read this game/book right now, but I will at some later time.

Yeah, I believe it is pretty much an article of faith in the book trade. They think it sells a lot of books.