Today I bought 2 books for about a dime over $25 (thereby getting me FREE shipping on Amazon). 
I’ve been spending a lot of money on books lately – a week ago I bought 3 books at Borders for $33 total (one of those Buy 3 Get 1 Free deals)… they’re interesting books and I’m still trying to find the time to finish all of them.
But I consider it money well spent. Books really make me happy. Shoes look beautiful, but they can pinch your feet. Food taste wonderful, but you have to watch what you eat (well… you should. I really don’t.). A flashy car is fun to drive, but expensive to buy and up-keep.
But books? They are low-maintenance (once you purchase them, they are yours forever. Just don’t drop them in water or set them on fire), and yet demanding at the same time (haven’t you ever passed up doing things that you really SHOULD be doing, i.e. studying for an exam or going to bed because it’s going to be a long day tomorrow, but then get so caught up in the story that you just could NOT put it down?).
Anyhow, the 2 titles I purchased today are:
1. The World Without Us: I found this in the NY Times – sounds very intriguing.
2. 20-something, 20-everything: I’ve always wanted to read this book, and I figured I should. I’m in my 20-”everything” years, am I not? Besides, if I’m going to have a quarter-life crisis, er, reflection, I might as well be prepared.
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Use the library, you can read the book and bring it back. They will store it for you, and you can get it back when you want. And you never have to worry about packing them to move.
Thanks for the book recommendations. I’m a big fan of Bob’s method. I used to buy a lot of books (an expensive habit), so I got a library card (free) with unlimited access to books. I’ve read a lot of really bad books…but I’ve also read books that I would have never purchased.
I agree on the library suggestion. For me, the biggest problem with buying books isn’t so much the cost, as it is the pain of finding a place to store them or get rid of them, and having to carry them every time I move. I love books… but why do they have to be so heavy?
Books are a major source of happiness–and procrastination and time-wasting–for me as well. I already have several book cases full, but every time I go to the bookstore I want to buy one or two…or five.
I buy them less often now, though, and I have considered getting a library card as well…I spent some time at the Dallas Public Library recently for a volunteer project, and it’s incredible! The whole main floor is like a bookstore–all recently released titles and popular books. And then there are 7 more floors of books by category!
Plus there’s an entire section of DVDs and videos that’s bigger than a Blockbuster store. Why do I pay to rent movies when I can check them out at the library for free!?!
I agree with everybody else. I love owning books, but recently I’ve taken to selling them off because I just have too much STUFF. The less I have, the less I want, so I’ve stopped buying books and DVDs so that I can stop coveting storage furniture for them
. My new philosophy is borrow from a friend or check out from the library, and buy only when I *really really* love it and will read/watch it again.
Hmmm. Maybe I should read the 20-something book. It sounds eerily like me right now. Maybe what I think is burnout is really a quarter life crisis!
And just to chime in on the library thing–I check out most books now, but there is something great about owning your own copy. I think it’s largely personal preference.
I bought a book at Borders recently because after one chapter I couldn’t put it down and didn’t want to wait for the library. I bought “naked economics.”
some of my favorite books is “the perks of being a wallflower,” you won’t be able to stop reading once you start and “she’s come undone,” by wally lamb.
i think buying books especially if you’re going to read them over and over are a good investment. you never know when you’re going to reach for that same novel again years later and reap the wisdom!
I love buying books, and I consider an investment for whenever I buy a house (or a bigger apartment) with a library. Plus…the books I can’t fit in my studio get sent home to Mom’s where I still have boxes of books.
I’ll have to check out your recommendations. The 20 something book sounds interesting.