Nov 13, 2008

Booking Through Thursday: Why Buy?


I'm really running late, but here is the BTT quetion for today:
I’ve asked, in the past, about whether you more often buy your books, or get them from libraries. What I want to know today, is, WHY BUY?

Even if you are a die-hard fan of the public library system, I’m betting you have at least ONE permanent resident of your bookshelves in your house. I’m betting that no real book-lover can go through life without owning at least one book. So … why that one? What made you buy the books that you actually own, even though your usual preference is to borrow and return them?

If you usually buy your books, tell me why. Why buy instead of borrow? Why shell out your hard-earned dollars for something you could get for free?
Yes, I'm a regular buyer of books and I make no excuses for it! Although I went through a spurt earlier in the year of borrowing from the library, which was nice, I do prefer to own the books I read. One reason I choose to buy is that I don't want a time schedule on the books I read. What if I am reading more than one book at a time? (Which I often do) If its a popular book, I'd feel bad if I returned it late or needed it longer. Another reason is if I really like an author I like showing my support by buying a copy. Most of the books I get from the public library are books that I want to read, but they may not necessarily be that special to me.
Most importantly, I don't mind shelling out my hard-earned money on a book occasionally because that is my one vice. I'm not one to go out and spend a lot of money on clothes, shoes, or things like that. I don't waste my money on alcohol or drugs - I chose to buy books. Books are important to me and I enjoy them immensely and I have no guilt about it at all. Besides, many of the books I buy are from the used book store, so I'm not having to pay full price. I know people who will spend $200 on a purse! That's not me. Do you know how many books I could get for $200??

5 comments:

  1. I've been buying for the same reason. The books from the library don't come at a good time for me.

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  2. Ain't no purse worth $200!!! At the used bookstore I frequent, paperbacks are .20 each! That's 1000 books. Really! I did the math! Didn't even use a calculator!

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  3. Speaking of which, I have to get a new bag for work, something that will hold students' papers and my books. But other than the bare essentials, I spend money on books. The used bookstores here have pocket paperbacks for a buck. Not too bad for San Francisco.

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  4. I agree with you all. Libraries are a wonderful place, but I'm too greedy I guess. I want to own my books!

    Nicole - You're so right! Ain't no purse worth $200!

    Matt - Books are my passion, and that's what I choose to spend my money on as well!

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  5. Lisa - you can really get a "bang for your buck" at used book stores! I read your later post about finding books at Goodwill. We have drop-offs around me, but I don't think there's a store ... I'll have to look into it.

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Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment! I look forward to hearing from you again soon!