With baseball season comes a number of long bus trips, reading books is a great way for me to fill this time in a meaningful way. Getting lost in a good novel or learning something in a self help book is a productive way to spend rides. Do you enjoy reading books? Where do you get your reading material? There are a number of options to think about if you are an avid reader, but which one do you like? Here are the ones I like:
E-Readers
Technology has made a number of things easier. Book readers have been treated to novels at the push of a button. With devices like the Kindle and the iPad, we are able to purchase books online at a discounted price. This leads to less paper waste, while keeping the experience similar to that of a hard copy. But this option isn’t for everyone. My father recently told me he stopped using his iPad for reading and decided to return to paperback. He enjoys being able to bookmark pages and reread if necessary. Certain functions can be more difficult on an E-reader, especially for those who aren’t familiar with new technology.
Barnes and Noble, Borders, Etc.
I am surprised stores such as these are still doing well. The book market reminds me a lot of the movie rental market. as technology has changed both forever. Once the Redbox and Netflix came into the picture, Blockbuster and Hollywood Video didn’t stand a chance. Yet, some people still enjoy going to a store and buying a new book for whatever reason. This is good for you and me of course, because we can still go into a store, check out a book to make sure we will enjoy it before we spend the money to buy one.
Half Price Books
This is my favorite place to get books. I tend to shop online because it is more of a ‘tenth’ price bookstore online, as I rarely spend over $3 on a book. I recently purchased six books for under $20 (shipping included). The stores have excellent deals and offer a similar atmosphere to stores that sell brand new books. This is great for anyone looking for a large selection of cheap books (if you don’t mind a little wear and tear).
The Library
Libraries have been around for years and they still offer a great selection for readers. If you live in an area with a quality library, then take advantage of it. It may not be the most glamorous option, but those who go know the library is an excellent source of books. You don’t have to pay for numerous books and you can return one book and check out another easily.
Where Do You Go?
These four options are far from an exhaustive list. As I mentioned, I go to Half Price Books online for most of my books. What do you like to use? Are there any other unique ways you have gone about getting books?
{ read the comments below or add one }
Why the assumption that a tech savvy person has to have an eReader? Why assume that to be ‘in’ you must be reading on an electronic device? I noticed you didn’t mention the environment…paper waste is biodegradable, unlike the pre and post waste of yet more electronic devices.
Thank you for bringing up libraries. They are the backbone of every real community. But what about local indie bookstores? Ours has a sale table out front where there are some great deals. Also, they often promote local authors. If you’re travelling check out the indie shops, you may be surprised. Just don’t go in to browse then buy an e-version off the web, that’s rude on too many levels to list.
I use Amazon to find books. I like that it shows me other books based on what I am looking at. I do buy the actual book too. I just like having a book in my hands as opposed to an electronic device.
This is my favorite place to get books. I tend to shop online because it is more of a ‘tenth’ price bookstore online
I love reading paper books, but Kindle’s are actually really easy to read. In addition, many libraries are now starting to offer Kindle lending services. If you are a little more tech savvy, you can also download pdf versions of books or get them from your friends and use a free converter to convert them to kindle version.
Ebay is a great place to buy and sell books, dvd’s and cd’s for cheap!
While I enjoy reading digital comics on the computer using services like Graphic.ly and Comixology, when it comes to books/novels, I still prefer the old fashioned way. Nothing like curling up with a thriller before bed!
-Jean
I think you should make the local public library number 1 on this list. In my state I can go online and request a book. If it’s not available at my own local library, it’s automatically ordered from another one, delivered to my town library, and an email comes to my home when it’s ready for me to pick up. I can also request dvds, cds, etc.
One awesome way I found to get books is through PaperBackSwap.com. You can swap or buy books from members, and there are all kinds of different books available. Currently there are more than 5,000,000 books available. You do have to become a member on the site, but it’s free.
Uhm, Borders went out of business last year. I wouldn’t call that doing well. 🙂
Ha ha. I definitely missed that. I guess the trend is starting then. I can’t imagine these stores being successful for much longer (unless they change their format).
My favorite is reading library books on my Kindle. Doesn’t require loading kids up & trekking over to the physical building.
April,
That is a great option. I have been meaning to try it on my Ipad, but haven’t gotten around to it.
My friends and I pass our books along so I don’t think i have bought a book in years!
I wished I had time to read books, but my time reading lots of articles on blogs makes my interest in reading is not so high in my free time.