TBR = TO BE READ
I’m out here in the world living one book at a time (while reading multiple…).
I will not be slowing down on my TBR while GoodReads, Instagram and Amazon are still around. Just about every day I’m adding a new book discovered to my want to read list on GoodReads.
I’m never going to get through that list, but one can dream, right?
When I’m looking for a new book, I have endless options. Some are more “urgent” than others, which are usually super hyped books by trusted Bookstagrammers or my must read authors. Which just those alone provide plenty to keep my head in books at any given time.
While my TBR is growing, my funds are pretty constant. How do I handle buying books?
I make the sacrifice sometimes. I just gotta buy them on Amazon – these Indie author books.
When I order stuff on Amazon, most of the time it’s not urgent so if they provide the digital reward – no rush option, I do that so I can get kindle books for free using my rewards!! Plus, just buying books gets me Kindle rewards over time.
Do I have a Kindle? No … 🥲
I have the Kindle app on my phone though. I read from there occasionally, but it’s hard to focus on my phone.
I have an actual kindle saved in my Amazon cart for later. Maybe it’ll go on sale or someone can gift that to me for Christmas. 😂
I’ve been hesitant because reading on my phone is hard. What if reading on another digital device is the same? But I’ve heard other people with the same issue and they love their kindle. It’s just PRICEY at the start because … I love paperbacks so much. 🥹 Which is even pricier over time, I know. (It’ll take only 10 paperbacks to reach the cost of a Kindle)
I also love scoring books at Mardel in their bargain section. I try not to go over $10 for a book in that section, but even $10 isn’t bad if it’s typically a $15-18 book, right? They’ve historically had all their books discounted – even the new release books (40% off new release books like Denise Hunter’s latest as an example! Total score). One time I was there though, the book I got rang up FULL PRICE and I didn’t pay attention to that until I was HOME so I was mildly shooketh. 🥲 WHERE WAS THE SIGN?
Another way I grab books in the world is by going to estate sales! You won’t believe just how many books in my collection came from that route. Most of them I find are the nonfiction variety though. I’ll occasionally find some solid fiction reads, but most of the time my finds are nonfiction. There have been times I’ve come away from one sale with a whole HAUL. Like a whole 3-4 book series for under $4? Like… 16 books for under $15? 😍 Yes, this happened. Do I have room for these? No. Not really. But I make room, because reading and reading material is important.
I’m pretty picky about the books I pick up. I’m a bit of a perfectionist and OCD about bent pages and overall condition of the book. Amazon hasn’t done me wrong but a few times over the years. If there’s multiple books at the store, I’m going to make sure I get the best looking one.
With all this book buying, I need some funding. I’m not running a fundraiser, because come on, who would do that? 😂 I am raising awareness, though, for those who don’t know that reading is worth the hit to the wallet.
If you know a reader, ask if they’re okay. 😂 Ask if you could buy them a book off their TBR! That reader WOULD LOVE YOU.
If you are a reader, are you okay? 🙂
Not Your Season: Summer's Blog 
You know this post spoke to me in many ways. 😂 I’m with you 💯 %!
I definitely use the Amazon rewards and points also. It helps a lot. I don’t have a kindle either. However, I wanted to mention that I use my iPad with the Kindle app. Just something to keep in mind, because you can also use your iPad for WordPress, email, internet, etc. But still a big cost upfront.
I can’t speak too much to the paperbacks. I used to be that way. However, my fear of clutter has helped me to get rid of stacks of books. 😜
I have never been to Mardel’s because we don’t have them in Florida. But one day I will go to OK just to go to a Mardel’s. And while I am there, I will visit you and David. (I don’t know if you and David follow each other on WordPress, but he lives in OK also, and he is one of the best people.)
It’s funny you should write about this because a few days ago I calculated how much money I spent on books this year (so far). I was happy to see that I should be able to stay under 1/2 the amount of what I have spent in prior years. I am trying to do better with not buying a book on a whim, but waiting until I know I will really read it. It doesn’t always work out that way, but it has helped me not to be as impulsive.
I also found out that the Broward County FL library lets people buy a library card, even if they don’t live there. I paid $40 and have been trying to use the Libby app for ebooks more. Okay so I borrowed only two books that way so far. But I’m trying. Lol. 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t have an iPad so yeah, that’d be another expense either way, haha. I really just want something to limit distractions and has the size of a paperback? Others that have had the same issues I do have said the kindle is just the right size and helps a lot.
I scheduled this post not knowing that I would wake up and see Kindle on Prime deals 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 so I got one. It’ll be here next week!!
I don’t have the same fear when I want to have a library ROOM someday. I’m investing in my future. 😂😂😂
It’s worth the trip to Oklahoma! 🙌🏻 I might?? I didn’t know he was in Oklahoma. That’s interesting!! Fellow Okies!
I’m keeping track of how much I’m spending on books as well (which reminds me I forgot to log my latest purchase 🤣) but more as a knowledge of the cost and investment I have in said library with very little hope it’ll actually curb any excessive buying. 🙃
Is that common? To buy a library card? Our county is free 😳 I thought part of the purpose of a library was free 😅 but I guess I’m in a bubble. Good job on reading through the library though!! I always recommend that route to people who don’t know.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats on the Kindle. I hope you love it. 🥰 I wouldn’t mind having the library that’s in Beauty and the Beast. 😂 I probably didn’t explain right about the library card. It’s free if you live there. But don’t live in that county. And I live in a very small town, so I thought getting this other library card would help grant me access to a larger selection of books. 📚
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Me too! GIRL, same. Belle’s dreams are my dreams. 😂
That makes sense!! I didn’t think about the out of county costs 🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person