Reading On A Budget
I’ve had so many versions of this conversation:
I’d love to read more, but I can’t afford to buy all these books, especially the new releases in hardcover.
Honestly? Same. If we’re friends and you write a book, 100% I’m buying your book. In fact, I’m pre-ordering it the second you announce it. But other than that… I’m not buying as many books as it looks like I am.
You may be wondering if I don’t buy all of these books, then where in the hell am I getting them? Well, here you go:
the library
used bookstores and thrift stores
free ARCs (advanced reading copies)
free ALCs (advanced listening copies, aka audiobooks)
I read library books like no one’s business. I’m at that place once a week picking up holds and browsing the Lucky Day Collection. I love the library. Nashville has a robust library system with an easy website. As soon as I know what book I need for book club, I go to the library’s website and search for the book. If they have it, I request for it to be sent to my local branch. If there’s a waitlist, I put myself on the list. If they don’t have the book, you can fill out a form asking them to buy a copy. I’ve only done that once, but they sure did go get a copy of that book for me.
I also buy a ton of used books. Back in my heavy thrifting days, I used to buy a lot of books from thrift stores. People truly will buy a brand new hardcover book, read it and throw it in a Goodwill pile. There’s also McKay’s and I’ve bought so many used books there. I usually end up reselling these books, so it’s an endless cycle of buy, read, resell, buy more.
I saved this for last because it’s not helpful, but I used to work as a bookseller and would get ARCs to read and review. I have a lot of these ARCs left over, and I still get new ones. A lot of publishers pitch their authors for my podcast and send me ARCs. I’m also an affiliate for Libro.fm and get ALCs from them. Again, not helpful, but in full transparency, I get books for free.
Being less judgmental is a work in progress, but as for me and my house, we serve the independent bookstore. I have two indies within driving distance of my house. I used to work at one of them and they both employ friends of mine, so that’s where my dollars go. I also use Libro.fm instead of audible because Libro.fm buys your audiobook from the independent bookstore of your choice, as opposed to audible who buys it from you know where.
This is not in any way sponsored by Parnassus, but I used to work there, so I know how many of my friends belong to their First Edition Club. If you’re primarily a fiction, bestseller reader, look into this. For $33/month, you get 1 book a month. I will say, almost every book they pick ends up being “the book”, so if you read literary fiction and can swing buying 1 book a month, this may be for you. Learn more here.
If you live on the East side, or just prefer shopping at The Bookshop, don’t sleep on their 2022 Reading Challenge. It’s also a great way to buy 1 book a month and support a small business. Bonus: a lot of these books are in paperback, which is easier on the wallet. Learn more here.
P.S. If you want to switch to Libro.fm, I have a discount code. Use code LADYLAND at checkout to get 2 audiobooks for the price of 1 ($14.99) with a new membership.
P.P.S. Independent Bookstore Day is on Saturday, April 30, so if this post inspired you to run out and support an independent bookstore, next Saturday is a great day to do that IRL.
