I
never thought I’d say this but I love my Kindle. Why? Because I can order a
book and have it right away. The price is right and there’s no shipping charge.
So, because I’m an avid reader, I buy a lot of the books I read that way. I
also go to the library to get books by my favorite BIG NAME authors. (Libraries
don’t usually have books by small press authors unless the author is local.)
But
there’s something else I do that I think is the most important. From time to
time, I make sure to purchase a paper book. Why? Because if we don’t buy “real”
books, we’re in danger of losing them. I don’t know about you but I don’t want
to live in a world without books on my shelves that I can lovingly hold in my
hands. And I don't want future generations to live without ever knowing the joy of real books.
So, I’m declaring this "Buy a Real Book" week. I hope
that, after you read this post, you’ll go to (I've made this really easy for you) http://www.amazon.com/books-used-books-textbooks/b?ie=UTF8&node=283155, find a book
in your favorite genre and order it. You can consider that your good deed for
the day!
Since I am such a bargain shopper, I haunt local thrift stores and garage sales for "real" books as often as I can. If I find a book or an author I love through e-reader, I want the "real" book on my shelf.
ReplyDeleteI will buy the REAL copy, even if I've already read it.
I love the used or preowned section on Amazon but hate the shipping fees.
I'm a bargain shopper too. And, like you, I would love Amazon to do away with their shipping fees but, of course, that's probably not going to happen. In spite of that, because books are a priority for me and I don't want to see them vanish, I order a new paper book whenever my budget permits.
DeleteI do the same as you, Pat. And, I agree, it's important to buy a "real" book, especially from our favorite less well known authors.
ReplyDeleteI wish everyone felt that way, Lesley. There are some wonderful books out there by small press authors - yours included - and I don't want to see the paper versions of those or any other books disappear. We need to take action NOW to make sure that doesn't happen.
DeleteI just happened to order a "real" book yesterday. When trying an author new to me, spending less and using my Kindle is great. If I like the writer then I'll start ordering paper books. Of course, I'm about due for another bookcase, too. : )
ReplyDeleteMarja McGraw
That's a smart way to do it, Marja!
DeleteI recently moved in with my mother and my space is very limited but nothing will stop me from buying "real" books. I'll always find a place for them.
I'll probably be condemned for saying this, but I'm at the downsizing stage of life and my goal is to travel more. Something has to give, and sadly those book shelves and print books have to go. I won't be buying any print books anytime soon...not even my own! I'm still buying books, of course. They're just downloaded onto my Kindle and go with me wherever I go. :)
ReplyDeleteAnne,
DeleteI completely understand the need to downsize but you have to help us out here. I have a suggestion. Whenever you need a birthday or Christmas gift for a friend or relative, how about buying them a real book?
Customers can get free shipping on Amazon with an order of $35 or more. That's why I wait until I have several items to purchase so I can take advance of the offer. However, some of the vendors aren't linked into the program so you must pay shipping, but usually the price of the item is low enough that the shipping doesn't add much to the total cost.
ReplyDeleteGood to know. Thanks for the information, Sally, and for stopping by!
DeleteYae Patricia! Thanks for a timely post. I support Buy a "Real" Book Week. Too bad I missed the opening of the celebration. I would've spoken to this on my blog.
ReplyDeleteWhile I appreciate the accessibility and convenience ebooks offer readers, there's nothing quite like owning a real book, or anything for that matter. Something like the difference between watching a concert or sports game live, and seeing it from a 3x5 screen. In other words, I can do both, and would prefer that both be available to do.
So there's no fear in books going away. We're just going back to times before Barnes and Noble was on every other corner.
Comforting words! Thank you for stopping by! And, happy reading whether it's an eBook or a "real" book!
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