I am having so much fun doing these posts, y’all. And still learning all the things from each of you, which is so awesome! Anyways, today’s prompt is all about how we shop for books, because let’s face it, plenty of us would go without new shoes, food, and cable before we go without books. And if you are currently being frugal, you can always modify this to how you decide which books to borrow from the library. This post is part of a 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge that I started because I was feeling burnt out and then inspired. Check out the challenge here.
Describe How You Shop For Books.
Challenge accepted!
Y’all, this is kind of a hard topic to write about because it really has been awhile since I have gone to a store and physically bought books – right now I am trying to be frugal, doing some culling, and getting through the pile of books that I already own, so I am doing this from the point of view where I was spending money right and left on plenty of things.
Usually, when I buy books in a store it is because I am at a book signing, so I tend to make the two hour trek to Oblong Books to buy books and to also meet the authors. I tend to feel smug and uppity about buying books from there because I feel like a bad ass supporting an indie store and shopping ‘local’. Where I just moved, there is NO local book store. How awful is that? I’d have to drive 20-40 miles to find one.
Anyways.
So, at Oblong Books, best book store ever, I would usually walk in and go immediately to the section where they have books by the signing authors for sale. Typically I would buy two of each book the authors are signing. However, if I am not feeling so rich, I just buy one copy of the books the authors are signing — unfortunately that has happened a few times.
Then, after buying my copies to get signed, I meander over to the young adult section. I browse and browse and browse. Usually I mock books that were awful in my head, or ones that kind of have a reputation. Then, I end up pulling books that have pretty covers or books that my friends have recommended — so my last few trips I bought: Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler, Such A Rush by Jennifer Echols, The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder, and Long Lankin but I totally forget the author. All purchased based on friend recommendation or cover. I used to purchase things just because I had heard of them, but ain’t nobody got money for that anymore. Like, there was a time where I was spending money and space on any book that got super popular — like 50 Shades Of Gray, which I actually have not purchased, but if it was released during my pre-frugal days, I probably would have bought it.
OH OH, and if it is a book that I think my sister absolutely needs to read, I buy it, because I have a much easier time spending money on books for other people these days.
What about you? What are your shopping habits like?
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I generally don’t buy physical books much anymore, just because I read super fast and would be super broke if I bought everything I read. So I have to really love a book to purchase it, though like you I also have vowed to always purchase books at readings and author events. I’m more of a library rat myself.
I’m also most likely to buy a book because of an author signing. Other than that, I only buy books I think I’ll actually want to re-read or want as a reference book. Instead, I mostly just love going to the library 🙂 Once there, my process is basically the same as yours. I might look for things someone has recommended or just browse, and I also often look for books for particular reading challenges.
i always try to buy at least one book at a book signing though sometimes finances don’t even allow for that. but if i know enough ahead of time then i will save up for it. and yes, it’s so much easier to justify spending money on books for other people.
I’d love to go to author signings!! Sadly, not a lot come over to Holland… And I totally understand it being easier to spend money on books for other people 🙂
And ugh, no local bookstore?? I complain about the selection in mine, but at least there is one nearby!
That whole first paragraph sounds like me. I miss the days when I could go into a store and just buy books, regardless of whether or not I thought I would read them any time soon. Now the only place I can do that is the library. On the other hand, I DO that at the library, checking out ten books at a time, knowing I’ll only get through five.
If I lived anywhere near a bookstore in which authors signed books on a regular basis I’d be in so much trouble. I always feel the need to buy every single book the author wrote and have them sign it. So dangerous.
But it is totally easier to spend money on books for others, even when you don’t have it, than for yourself.
And so sorry a great indie bookstore is so far from where you are. That sucks!
Sounds like you have a pretty set buying process! I would be in a lot of trouble if I went to a lot of author signings. And it is too easy for me to buy books for others as well. Thanks again for hosting!
I’ve never been to an author signing. I kind of want to go to one and I kind of don’t. Maybe just once for the experience. The authors I like never seem to be touring anywhere near me though.
Oh yeah, I love Oblong! And you’re right, I forgot about the sections of a bookstore where they may have autographed copies. I’ve been trying to avoid bookstores lately because of financial reasons too.
I haven’t bought a book in ages, since I really do have a lot to get through that I already either own or have for review. But generally, my shopping goes somewhat like this –> grab a pile of 20 or so books that look interesting, reading the first few pages (or first chapter, if I have time), and then deciding on a max of 3. Simple, right? It only gets extra complicated if I factor friend recs in and also, buy the books I simply want to own after having borrowed them for the library or reading a review copy.