Paperback's Pondering's is a weekly discussion when I take a topic and well, ponder about it! This week's topic is all about my experiences with buying books.
It's no secret that hardcover books are expensive. It can be hard to buy books when you're on a budget, and especially when you don't have a job. I have experienced this first hand.
There is a lot of debate over ebooks vs. physical copies. While ebooks are significantly less expensive than physical copies, it doesn't give the same "feel" of having an actual book in your hands. That, and the bright screen of a tablet can sometimes strain my eyes. However I usually buy a lot more ebooks because of the price. I'm torn.
When buying physical books, I have to buy solely based on my allowance and coupons. It can be frustrating when a book I've been anticipating is not at a price I would like. I often find myself saving up money for just one book.
Obviously, there are other alternatives to actually buying books, such as borrowing from the library or from other bookworms. But they can't always have the book you're looking for, especially if it's a newer addition. That's when going to a bookstore, is the only available option.
Fortunately, I have recently found a loophole to my problem. I found a bookstore that sells imperfect copies of books for half or even less of the list price. They even have a website which offers even more titles. So far, I haven't had any trouble finding books that I want on the website, so it has been a huge help. If you live in Canada, I would highly recommend that you check out The Book Outlet
I want to know your opinion! Do you have any tips for buying on a budget, and do you prefer buying ebooks to physicals?
Emily @ Paperback Princess
This is my situation exactly! I love hardcovers but I don't have a job so most of the time I end up getting ebooks. If you're buying on a budget, I would suggest buying ebooks, buying from discounted websites such as The Book Outlet which is an amazing site for those in Canada and the US, if you have access to a library, get books from there, and if you really want to buy physical books, go to a used book store or a thrift shop.
ReplyDeleteI usually go to ebooks for this reason! I don't really know why I don't use the library all that often because it may not have the titles I'm looking for, but it is definitely something that I should take advantage of more. Thanks Sierra!
DeleteI've become dependent on ebooks for this reason. They are just so inexpensive and work very well for me budget wise. I find that buying books online is also cheeper than going to the book store as well. If you're okay with used books, Thriftbooks.com is a great website to check out! They have a lot of well known titles at really low prices with free shipping! This website is my money saver!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the website! I will definitely check it out, the more tips I have, the better!
DeleteI feel your pain! Being a stay at home mom means any coins I get, goes straight to whatever my son needs. I do have amazing ppl who give me gift cards to amazon to get books every month, but I'm always cautious of what I purchase. When I'm not getting paperbacks or one or two hardcovers, I usually snatch up ebooks since they're cheaper! Book Outlet is such an amazing website! I've had the best luck with getting books for a great price, as well as good condition on the site.
ReplyDeleteI know right?! Book Outlet has saved me in many situations:)
DeleteI'm lucky enough to get some physical copies from publishers so I don't have to buy them much but I really sometimes stick to ebooks because I am broke and my parents are making me earn 'points' to buy books because they think that I should use my own money to buy things like that. At my library they now always have the latest YA releases which is brilliant because I don't have to spend all of my money!
ReplyDeleteNaomi@The Perks Of Being A Bookworm
You're so lucky! My library has a YA section, but most of the books are just mainstream ones that I've already read :(
DeleteI totally get the whole not having a job but having the urge to buy books thing. >.< I try to make the most of deals and buy on get one half price things, so that I can get more for my money. I don't like ebooks, mostly for the fact that if I'm spending money I want something tangible to show for it. My library has been a godsend for my graphic novel habit, because they can be anywhere from £11 and up. And they aren't even long or hardback! I understand you have to pay for the writers, artists, inkers, shaders, and so on that aren't involved in regular books, but I still can't afford it. :/
ReplyDeleteBuy one get one deals are great because you get more for your money, but I feel like they don't appear that often at bookstores:( I don't read too many graphic novels, but I can understand your struggle :(
DeleteIt's lucky because Waterstones and Asda often have deals like that! And of course I always try to find things I'd like to pick up ;)
DeleteOmg lol! BookOutlet is my obsession! Great discussion. I know what you mean when you say ebooks just don't have the same feel, but books are getting EXPENSIVE. My hobby makes me broke which is sad.
ReplyDeleteBlue Books and Butterflies
Exactly! Sometimes I wish I didn't have a hobby that was so expensive lol!
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