I used to get all my books from local bookstores. Then I found my book shelves full of books I probably won’t reread. Now I use a kindle and get most of my books through Libby. I still want to add to my personal collection of physical books, especially books that I’m likely to reread or loan to a friend. However, I don’t know if I’ll actually reread them until I’m almost finished the book, and then it feels silly to buy a hard copy when I’m almost done the book. How do you decide which books to buy physical copies of digital loans?
by k8tori
9 Comments
This is going to trigger some of the “book by the foot” feeling, but I do almost treat my shelves as decoration. I don’t care if I’m going to read them again, especially in that physical format. Instead, I use my shelves as an excuse to surround myself with books and series that are my favorites. This is partly based on availability, but it’s mostly a product of “this is what I liked enough to want on my shelves”.
I used to get all my books from the library, and I was always sad to give them back, especially my favs. Now that I’m a grown up I buy my books, because I’m keeping all of them! I do read most of them but there are a bunch I never get to, but it’s ok because they’re mine and maybe I’ll get to them one day. Having my own personal library is my dream come true, I want all the books!
I’m the same. If I buy any books any more, it’s usually just if I see a book that I loved in a thrift store or second hand book store. Or very occasionally I’ll buy a book new if it’s an author I really love.
Here’s my suggestion. Keep checking out on Libby. Keep track of the books you read on Good Reads. When you want to read one of the books again then go buy it.
This is tough. I actually made a resolution last New Year’s to not buy any new books this year and to read the dozens of unread ones on my shelf instead.
Well, I kept my promise to refrain from buying books, but instead of reading through my shelves, I became a library fiend instead (seriously — I have at least nine books from three different libraries at the moment).
I guess my point is that I’m learning, for me, the act of buying books for my collection has almost no relationship with reading them. I’m thinking of radically downsizing my bookshelf in the new year, and going from there.
I realize this doesn’t answer your question, but hopefully it offered some good for thought.
Ive been doing a bit of everything. Just having physical copies to have options. Some of them ive read, some not. Some id consider rereading. If I enjoy it ill keep it. If not, little free libraries and trade for something new. Some books I have ive read from library books or digital and loved so wanted a physical copy. Slowly building my dream library.
I get it from the library, and then if I love it, I buy a copy.
Some books are not available from the two libraries I have access to. Usually I just choose another title but *The Magic Mountain* showed up on favorites lists of writers I respect.
Punchline: I did not enjoy it.
I read books mostly from the library. And when a book resonates enough that I know I will want to re-read it, only then do I buy the book. Or ask for it as a birthday or Christmas present.