How do you find your books?

[christinew]

Please tell me how you find and read your books. Lately I have been buying many online and having them shipped to me. Sometimes I go to Bookstores and most recently I have thought about just going to the local library for a good read.

Perhaps I am being very wasteful by buying all my reads?

Hope this thread is a smash! Oh, and also how do you pick out the books you will invest time in reading?

Christine

ps. I mispelled "other" above as a choice and can not find a way to edit it. :rolleyes:

[Jewel]

I'm a book recycler! I can't remember the last time I bought a book that wasn't used, with the exception of some cookbooks! Most of the time I buy those at Half Price Books or Half.com so they might be 'new' but they're not retail price.

I am a voracious reader, and consistently make time to escape into a book. I simply must read at least a half hour to an hour a day, and often it's a great deal more. Most of the time it's in bed before the light goes off to help me unwind.

I buy nearly all my fiction paperback books at Value Village thrift Stores, Goodwill stores, and used book stores. 90% of the books I read I will donate to charity once again once I'm done with them. Seems like every time I get the call saying they'll 'have a truck in my area' I always have a box of books at the very least ready for pickup! :D Only books by several authors I like to keep to reread (Nora Roberts, Fern Michaels, Sandra Brown, some Jackie Collins) but the rest usually get donated again.

I pay on the average less than $2 per book, and I'm able to give it back so it can be resold again and again for charity! I get to read the book, and I feel like I'm doing some small bit of good! :D

[KValley]

Christine,

Great question! It was really difficult to chose one option, but I suppose the most common way for me to select books is perusing through the shelves at bookstores.

I also keep a list in my purse and if I read a good review or hear one on NPR, I jot down the title/author. Then I head to the library or bookstore to find a copy.

But few things give me more pleasure than a taking a few hours to wander in a bookstore, reading book jackets, store reviews, making notes (spending money!). I also value the opinions of friends who tastes/opinions I trust. I've also gotten some great ideas from the BB!

I just dropped my membership in a book club- a waste of money, I think. DH and I cleaned out our library a couple of weeks ago and I am trading in nearly every book I received through the book club, because I know I will never read them again. I will save book-buying for the classics (or what I consider classics- purely a subjective category) and authors whom I know I already love.

[Little Bit]

I love browsing online book sites to find new titles to read!! I've managed to find copies of long out of print 'Wish I had a copy of that' books, much more cheaply than the ripoff book search services that I'd tried (and regretted because of over charging) before the internet came along.

I've managed to train myself to TRY to only purchase books I'll re-read, if that's possible. I find this more difficult with cookbooks than with other sorts of titles.
I buy a lot of things used, at www.half.com and www.powellsbooks.com , but also have also bought new books through online retailers quite a bit, since some of my reading choices are a bit obscure.
I also try to make it to library book sales, since it's a good way to get things really cheaply.

I also love to browse used bookstores, though one in my old hometown has become depressingly disorganized, so I quit going there.

My current prize is a copy of "The French Laundry Cookbook" that I bought from www.half.com for less than half price. :D :D :D
I used to like bibliofind, but they got bought out, and I lost track of whatever they're doing.
www.abebooks.com is ok, but as I have more fun searching on www.bookfinder.com .

www.myunicorn.com has an extensive bibliography section, so I can find out what's next in a series, or see what other pseudonyms an author uses. I've never bought from them, but use the site to research titles and author names.

Don't get me wrong, I love the convenience of the library for general light reading and research, but much prefer to have my own copies of things I want to re-read.

[ashleenicole]

I absolutely love browsing through a book store and have bought some fantastic books! BUT!! Unless it's a cookbook that is an absolute must have, I've decided "If I can't borrow it from the local library, I don't need it". It's tough, but I was spending SO much on books that I read so quickly ($10+ per book/per week!!) I had to cut back.

Some friends and I tried to start a "book swap" at the office . But we quickly found that everyone was reading the same Oprah book at the same time, so we had 8 Tara Roads, 8 Pilots Wife, etc...Boring! And, we frequently didn't have the same reading interests...

Oh, also an exception (isn't there always an exception?), I often shop at a used book/CD shop and occasionally find something interesting for a fraction of the original cost.

I'm the only person I know who goes to the library often and doesn't have kids. So, for now, I'll go to the library every week and keep my habit under control! ;)

[christinew]

I think I am going to try the Library myself! No kids yet but I think I will see how current their selections are and for how long I can check them out.

Half.com huh? Wonder how Amazon can stay in business with other retailers offering much cheaper?

[Angela]

I love to read and like Jewel I try to read a least a half hour everyday. I'm about 50-50 on how I get my books, either buy them new at a bookstore or borrow from my mom and a friend. Mom and I sometimes go to the bookstore together and select books we would both like to read and then exchange them- saves money. We also go to a store called Recycled Reader and get used books.

I recently moved and now there is a library about a half mile from the house. I really should get a library card and get my books there, but I can usually never finish them in the 2 week time period and I feel bad if I have to keep renewing the book (because I'm sure there is someone out there wanting to read that book).

I've only got 2 unread books left on my bookshelf, so I have to go shopping or to the library soon.

[lhall]

I use a variety of methods.

Very rarely I borrow books from the public library. I've read a lot of the classic literature we have in my library, but being a technical academic school we don't have much.

Mostly I buy my books at the bookstore (new). I also read a lot and tend to read books multiple times. I read almost exclusively sci fi & fantasy , and have a few favorite authors. I'll browse the library literature, publisher websites, and author websites for publication dates for new books. Then when I have both time & money I'll go buy the books I've got on my list.

Leigh

[RobinC]

Wow Little Bit, it's pretty cool to see that you use Powells books, they are a Portland, OR intstitution. It's an amazing bookstore - a full city block about 4 stories tall. I've sold books there many times.

I get a lot of titles from browsing through on-line book sellers. I also make note of books that are recommended in magazine articles.

[donleyk]

If I know that we are doing a lot of reading then DH and I will go up to Media Play. Although, on the poll I chose Amazon because of the way the question asked, or I interpreted. I find a lot of what I want that way. I also will ship new releases to my DM. That is the best part of the internet.

[golda]

Even though I have gotten books from all the sources already mentioned, I do try to buy from independent book stores. These little shops, usually found in the downtown centers of cities and towns, have struggled (and often closed) since the spread of book superstores like Borders and Barnes and Noble. The independent book stores are usually owned and operated by community members. I am often tempted to order on Amazon because it is so easy, but I try to browse there and buy from the little guys.

[beacooker]

I probably buy half my books at the local bookstore, and half online at Amazon. I need to get better about buying used, because I do read so much, and waste a lot of money this way. One of my big problems is what to do with all these books I own! I love to re-read books, so I like keeping them, but I now have 3 large bookshelves full of books.

As far as finding new things to read, last year I discovered the 'Salon.com Readers Guide to Contemporary Authors'. I've loved the Salon website, and have found this book to be a GREAT way to discover new (to me) authors. For each author, they list all their books, highlighting their 'best' works. They also list authors that you may like if you like this author. I highly recommend this guide.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/014028088X/qid=1002032075/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_7_1/102-0531927-3369750 (http://)

[SusanMac]

I'm a huge believer in libraries. A close friend's DH says that only "old people" go to libraries. Well, he's just a loser! Buying books just fills up more landfills.

I used to buy most of my books, then get tired of moving them or having them sit in boxes in my attic. We do, however, purchase books that we'll use often (travel books, home remodeling, cookbooks, gardening, etc)

I was surprised that the library has very, very recent books, and our libarary now allows 4 weeks for book lending! So, for slower readers like me, you have much more time to read. I also recently started getting CDs at the library. it's a great way to check out new artists before buying their CDs.

[Heidi]

We have the most fabulous library system here in Salt Lake County that I would be crazy not to use it! Tons of new books, and they also check out CDs, video tapes, and even DVDs...and not just 'classic' stuff...they actually get more popular stuff than classical. I'd way rather check out a movie from the library than from Blockbuster, as it's free and I get to keep it for a whole week, then renew it for up to two more weeks if I need to and no one else is waiting for it! Plus I figure my taxes go toward supporting the library whether I use it or not, so I might as well. I LOVE the library!

I would way rather check out a book from the library than buy it. First of all, it's free! If it's a book that I just love, and have to have my own copy of, then I go buy it. But there are very few that I'd feel like I just HAVE to own.

[Kerri]

I also go to the library. I read really super fast and I can finish your average "pop" books (ie Mary Higgins Clark, James Patterson, etc) in about 24 hours so it just isn't economical for me to buy books. However, every once in awhile I will read a great book that I wish I could have a permenant copy of at home.

To pick out books, I just browse the shelves for whatever catches my eye. I probably should do a little bit of research before going because there are sometimes I go and nothing jumps out at me. I also like reading non-fiction and it is really difficult to find good non-fiction books that way.

[Peeps]

I LOVE the library - I'm such a fast reader (at least 3 novels a week usually), plus I don't have the space to accumulate books so the library is perfect! My library system is absolutely fabulous - you can access the catalog online, select a book and they will deliver it to any branch you want for you to pick up! I am able to get really current and popular books that way in just a few days.

When I first saw this thread title I thought the question was going to be how do you decide what to read and I was going to say YOU GUYS ! I used to just go to the library and wander the shelves but you guys have recommended so many great authors lately that I feel like everything I've been reading has been mentioned on this board! I've been turned on to some GREAT authors I never would have heard of it not for you guys - like David Sedaris, Diane Mott Davidson, Marian Keyes, Ruth Riechl, etc. etc. I think I've read just about everything I've seen recommended here and its all been great, so thanks!

[Little Bit]

Just thought I'd add that the libraries around here are pretty limited, so even though they will do an inter-library loan to get just about anything, that process is awfully slow and usually not worth it.

I try not to feel terrible about buying so many books, since I donate a big box of books to the library at least twice a year.

I've been keeping my dad entertained with mystery titles, so our selection is pretty extensive, but we do manage to let go of a few titles that we know neither of us want to read.

[KathrynY]

I get my books mostly at our local public library. I will usually only read a book once, so it makes sense for me to check the book out, read it and return it rather than spend the $$ to buy. Also allows me to donate the $$ to support the library instead.

Lately I've been perusing old threads on this BB for suggestions, and have really enjoyed all of your recommendations. It's nice to have a list with me when I go to the library.

DH is another story... He reads and re-reads books multiple times. His book collection currently numbers well over 1,000 - yes, we have an entire bedroom devoted to just bookshelves! :rolleyes: I don't mind at all - to me money spent on books is never a waste. He is a very thrifty book shopper, though, and prefers to buy used whenever possible. We have a whole network of used bookstores that we frequent on the weekends, and it's a nice feeling to come home with a whole grocery bag full of books for only $20! (and that includes COOKBOOKS!) :)

For used book lovers in CT, try The Book Barn in Niantic (http://www.bookbarnniantic.com) - it's fabulous!

[Jessica]

Both my husband and I are voracious and insatiable readers, and each of us has two large bookcases crammed full of books, plus several shelves of childhood favorites, travel books and cookbooks scattered about the house.

I tend to borrow books from the library if I don't plan to reread them: light novels or mysteries, mostly. I buy books from my favorite authors because I know I will read them more than once, and I buy books for professional use (I am a freelance writer). I sometimes splurge on new paperbacks but mostly buy books from used bookstores or those great 25 cent sales at the library or local college. I also get a ton of books as gifts.

My main problem is finding time to READ all the books. I once saw a t-shirt that said...

"I can't die. I haven't finished my reading list."

My sentiments exactly.

[Nirak]

The library is a wonderful, free resource. Our tax dollars hard at work...

[aggie94]

This thread is timely, since I've just recently spent many, many hours trying to track down a couple of books as a gift for a friend. I saw two titles in a search on amazon.com that I was interested in, but I wanted to check them out before I ordered them. I scoured every bookstore in town, but no one had them. I did notice that the smaller, independent bookstores were much more friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful overall. Even though they didn't have them, they suggested other places to try and offered to order them. Plus, they were at least knowledgeable about the authors and other works they had written. One of them suggested that I try the library to check them out, and then order them if I was interested.

I'm ashamed to admit that I had not ever set foot into our public library before this incident. But I went there, and sure enough, they had both of them. I was able to read them both, and they were exactly what I was looking for. I ended up ordering them both from half.com (for more than their list price, however) and just got them both last week. I'm very happy with my purchase, but I think in the future that I'll try to give more of my business to the local independently-owned bookstores. In fact, DH was in one just the other day and picked up two large new hardback books by Jorge Luis Borges, one a collection of poetry (printed in both English and Spanish) and one a collection of short stories), at less than half of their list prices. It's so refreshing to be able to walk into a place, tell someone what you're looking for, and have them know right away what you're talking about. In my observation, you don't get that much anymore with some of the larger retail chains.

[lorilei]

Originally posted by golda
Even though I have gotten books from all the sources already mentioned, I do try to buy from independent book stores. These little shops, usually found in the downtown centers of cities and towns, have struggled (and often closed) since the spread of book superstores like Borders and Barnes and Noble. The independent book stores are usually owned and operated by community members. I am often tempted to order on Amazon because it is so easy, but I try to browse there and buy from the little guys.

I MUST (absolutely MUST) reinforce the sentiments golda so aptly recited here. Independent bookstores absolutely need your support as consumers.

I'll try not to write a treatise on this -- but suffice it to say that you'll understand the difference between a Barnes & Noble and an independent bookseller right away. Just talk to one of the employees. ASK them questions about books they would recommend. I guarantee they will be INVESTED in helping you out... and you'd be amazed by the level of knowledge some employees have (compared with employees at huge chain bookstores). Also be aware that independent bookstores are MORE THAN HAPPY to special order anything they don't stock. Just because they have a smaller inventory doesn't mean you're "stuck" with what they have on the shelves...

*ahem*... getting down from my box now....
_________________

But let me also respond to the poll. I had to check "Other" (or "othera"... which is actually much more interesting) because I utilise a kajillion sources for books.

I have a fairly large library -- almost all of which are things that I read over and over again, or which are EXCELLENT reference materials (or things I use for teaching/researching). I see books as an investment -- and never feel badly for buying a book that I know will serve me for years to come.

I LOVE libraries -- and use them to borrow anything that I don't want to keep for my own continued use. I often use my library to check out cookbooks, as well as other books, to "test out" at home. I can usually tell in a couple of weeks time whether or not the book is a "keeper" :) THEN I'll go out and purchase it.

I always browse used bookstores for bargains on titles that I've kept in the back of my head as "keepers". I am not a list maker, but I try to keep titles in mind when I hear them recommended. Some of my favorite cookbooks come from used book dealers -- and some come from online dealers (when I can get a great price on a great book).

I also browse bookstores -- many times I use stores like Barnes & Noble or Borders books to browse, simply because the selection is so large. When I find books I *need* to have, I'll usually order them from a smaller, independent bookseller.

[gempdx]

I'm all over the place when it comes to buying books.

I regularly purchase books for two reasons:

1. School

I'm currently pursuing my Master's degree and have to buy
new books for these courses about every 7 weeks. Some of
them are quite technical in nature, so I either go to Powell's
Technical here in Portland (GEEK HEAVEN!) or hop onto
Amazon.com or Half.com to find them. I recently was able to
buy a Business Data Communications book on Half.com for about
$20 less than the same book on Amazon, and it was almost perfect condition.

2. Pleasure

I don't read much for pleasure anymore (see #1, above!) but
I LOVE going to Powell's City of Books (again, here in Portland)
or occasionally down to the local Borders if I am in a big hurry.
For some reason, out of the chain stores I prefer Borders to
Barnes & Noble. BUT, I'll always support the local bookstores
whenever practical.

Gem

[JHolcomb]

My mother in law is a book buying fiend, so I borrow from her and from the library. Every once in a while I'll buy something, but only very rarely.

[Jasmine-Rose]

About three years ago I made a New Year's resolution (possibly the only one I've ever made) to reduce my spending on books. I started going to the library and I've enjoyed it very much. It allows me to read authors/subjects I know I like, and to experiment for free! If I borrow something and don't like it I haven't wasted any money - such a luxury! And the available magazines save me subscription money (but I do get CL - after I made sure I liked it by using the library copies).

I have purchased very few books to keep at home, but I have made some expenditures along the way. First, the local library is small and old so there isn't a huge choice. I elected to get a card for the library in a nearby town at a cost of $50 per year. A small investment with a big return, and I don't mind supporting another library at all.

Further, when the library does me the favor of introducing me to a new author that I enjoy reading, I give back to the library. Once I've discovered that I like the author I hunt down books by that author that the library doesn't have (usually at a good used book store) and then I donate the books to the library. A kind of "thank you" for the pleasure I find there.

[christinew]

You guys are great! I am going to head to the library once I finish:
The Red Tent & Thirteen Days (about the Cuban Missile Crisis)

Thanks for all your replies! I think I am a mixture of all ways to obtain books but need to explore the resource of a library. I just discovered today that my library has a website and you can renew materials online! Is that good or common?

C

[Alisa]

First of all, thanks everyone for giving me such a warm fuzzy - I am one half of the team that runs our local library and I love my job!!! We are small but busy and offer all kinds of services (FREE) which people are usually astonished to learn about.
I buy books constantly too - sometimes you just need to own a thing - but I find the library wonderful for filling my voracious reading appetite! Most libraries don't have a lot of funds for advertising so it's often a good idea to ASK what services they offer - patrons are often surprised that we can get books from all over the country, for example. You will, of course have to wait for bestsellers, but if you keep up with what's being released and when, you can often ensure a steady supply of new books. There are patrons that I call every few days to tell them a book is in!
Happy Reading!
Alisa

[Luiza]

Leigh ( lhall ), could you tell me who are your favourite science fiction and fantasy writers? I also read a lot in this genre and I'm always on lookout for new and interesting books.

Thanks a lot!

[Laura B]

I buy online and in stores. However, I use the internet more for shopping so I picked that choice in the poll. I don't read much fiction. If I did, I would utilize the library and only purchse after I had read something that I loved so much I wanted my own copy. I tend to take long time reading non-fiction books. I come and go from them, so the library would be impractical for me. Over the last few years, I have exclusively bought either law-related books for school or cookbooks!

Christine, your new avatar makes me giggle! ;)

P.S. Lorilei (and everyone else), as an ex-very-dedicated-employee of Barnes and Noble, I would like to just say please don't assume what the booksellers know and don't know at those large chains. The B&N I worked in was full of extremely educated, well-read people who worked there because they love books. We had law students, graduate students, PHDs, retired college professors, etc., who really knew their stuff about the books they sold and did nothing but read on their time off. We even had a librarian working part time! I always hated the way I was often treated by many customers assuming that because I was a bookstore clerk I had to be stupid. Most of the people who worked there were probably better educated than the majority of the customers! (This is not to say that you personally ever treat a bookseller that way. Just talking about my personal experience.) And, it seems that you must have had bad luck with employees at the large bookstores. However, they are not all that way.

[christinew]

Thanks Laura B. I had a hard time finding one (avatar) that was only 50x50 pixels. Most were too big. I think we could all use a laugh these days!

I truly enjoy the help I've gotten at B&N and found the employees to be most helpful and enlightened as compared to buying my running shoes at a retail chain! (Oops that pertains to another thread)

[Little Bit]

Hey Luiza,
I'm not lhall, but one of my favorite, rather obscure fantasy authors is James Stoddard. He's written two books so far, The High House and The False House. They are the sort of stories that I can imagine reading aloud to someone.

Another book I've enjoyed is College of Magics by Caroline Stevermer. I haven't been as wild about her other books, but that one's a keeper! Enjoy!

[lhall]

Originally posted by Luiza
Leigh ( lhall ), could you tell me who are your favourite science fiction and fantasy writers? I also read a lot in this genre and I'm always on lookout for new and interesting books.

Thanks a lot!

Boy, that's a tall order. I read quickly.

I personally like to read just about everything an author publishes.

Dead Authors:

Zelazny (love all his stuff)
Tolkien (just re read for 8th time)
C.S. Lewis (reading Narnia again)
Douglas Adams

Current authors,

Katherine Kurtz
Anne McCaffrey
L.E. Modesitt
Robert Jordan
George R.R. Martin
Joel Rosenberg
Stephen Brust
Melanie Rawn
Joanne Bertin
Terry Goodkind

I have tons more stuff at home as I have been reading this genre for about 20 years. This is just what I can think of off the top of my head.

Leigh

[christinew]

I just went to my public library and checked out 6 items.....it was so easy and the facility is gorgeous!

:D :D :D

[Luiza]

Authors, authors, and more authors! Me happy :D Thank you, Leigh and Little Bit!

I'll search for James Stoddard and dig into Katherine Kurtz and Joanne Bertin, whose books have just received enough priority to be lifted out of my giant "to read" pile.

Little Bit, I also liked College of Magics. Have you read Sorcery and Cecelia by Patricia Wrede and Caroline Stevermer? It's a letter novel whose action happens in a "magic Regency London" and it's really funny. Unfortunately it's out of print, but is findable second hand.

Here are some of my current favourites:
Carol Berg (F) (current top fave)
Julie Czerneda (SF)
Tanya Huff (F-SF) (except the Quarters and the Blood series, which IMO verge on horror)
Kristine Smith (SF)
Martha Wells (F)
Patricia Wrede (F) (the Enchanted Forest series from the YA section is hilarious)
Simon Green (F-SF) (don't ask me why...)

[traci june]

I typically buy my books from 1/2 Price. I can usually find my favorite authors as well as new ones. I've tried the local libraries but the hours don't work well for me. Also, I shouldn't even be looking at leisure reading as I have enough reading to do with graduate school!

Speaking of favorites - I can't believe that no one has mentioned Connie Willis as a favorite sci fi/fantasy writer. Doomsday Book is one of the best books I've ever read. And Bellwether, although I wouldn't consider it sci fi/fantasy, is a close second.

[lhall]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Luiza

Have you read [b]Sorcery and Cecelia by Patricia Wrede and Caroline Stevermer? It's a letter novel whose action happens in a "magic Regency London" and it's really funny.

I like Patricia Wrede too. I've read this title. I liked it alot. She also wrote Caught in Crystal this is good.

I'll have to check out some of these authors. My book funds are low, and I read faster the authors write anyways.

Leigh

[lorilei]

Originally posted by Laura B
P.S. Lorilei (and everyone else), as an ex-very-dedicated-employee of Barnes and Noble, I would like to just say please don't assume what the booksellers know and don't know at those large chains. The B&N I worked in was full of extremely educated, well-read people who worked there because they love books. We had law students, graduate students, PHDs, retired college professors, etc., who really knew their stuff about the books they sold and did nothing but read on their time off. We even had a librarian working part time! I always hated the way I was often treated by many customers assuming that because I was a bookstore clerk I had to be stupid. Most of the people who worked there were probably better educated than the majority of the customers! (This is not to say that you personally ever treat a bookseller that way. Just talking about my personal experience.) And, it seems that you must have had bad luck with employees at the large bookstores. However, they are not all that way.

Oh, Laura -- Please don't assume that I'm making a judgement about every individual who has ever worked at a large chain bookstore. I certainly am not -- nor would I treat them with ill-temper for any reason. I have confidence that many of these people are intelligent, worthwhile human beings... and I wouldn't pass judgement on anyone simply for where they worked.

I HAVE, however, had horrendous experiences with employees at large chain bookstores -- employees who spent almost an hour trying to find a book for me, which I then found within 10 minutes afterwards; employees who had never heard of an author whose name had been on the bestseller list for weeks... it's very sad.

I actually object more to the unscrupulous business tactics of large bookstores than to their employees -- and I would encourage patrons to support independent booksellers who are suffering based on such monopolization.

[AndreaU]

I'm all for supporting the local merchants. I rarely go into the big bookstores (B&N, Borders, etc.)- I find them too institutional. I'd much rather go into a little town and buy from mom & pop.

Speaking of which, if anyone ever goes to Bar Harbor, Maine/Acadia National Park, there is a wonderful bookstore on the other side of the island, in Somesville (at the top of Somes Sound) called A Port in the Storm. They're open year round. We paddled to it while kayaking one day and make it a point to shop there on every trip. http://www.acadia.net/portbks/

[Laura B]

Originally posted by lorilei


Oh, Laura -- Please don't assume that I'm making a judgement about every individual who has ever worked at a large chain bookstore. I certainly am not -- nor would I treat them with ill-temper for any reason. I have confidence that many of these people are intelligent, worthwhile human beings... and I wouldn't pass judgement on anyone simply for where they worked.

I HAVE, however, had horrendous experiences with employees at large chain bookstores -- employees who spent almost an hour trying to find a book for me, which I then found within 10 minutes afterwards; employees who had never heard of an author whose name had been on the bestseller list for weeks... it's very sad.

I actually object more to the unscrupulous business tactics of large bookstores than to their employees -- and I would encourage patrons to support independent booksellers who are suffering based on such monopolization.

I hadn't taken offense by your prior comment (just want to clear that up since so many people have been taking offense lately), and I am sure that you don't make that blanket assumption. I just wanted to pipe up in behalf of large bookstore employees. At the same time I defend them, I also agree that there are plenty of lousy booksellers in the large chains. Often, those are the part time ones and/or the newer ones (the ones that don't know the bestseller list :rolleyes: ). Also, because the stock is so large and varied and the number of customers is so huge, I am sure that on any given day one bookseller will get a number of requests that they are not that familiar with and end up looking like an idiot. Even the veteran booksellers have that happen (although you would hope that they can handle it a little more smoothly). That's all I want to add. And I won't even touch the issue of unscrupulous business tactics. ;)

[Little Bit]

Originally posted by Luiza
Little Bit, I also liked College of Magics. Have you read Sorcery and Cecelia by Patricia Wrede and Caroline Stevermer? It's a letter novel whose action happens in a "magic Regency London" and it's really funny. Unfortunately it's out of print, but is findable second hand.

I loved Sorcery and Cecelia, and would happily own my own copy if the used copies weren't so expensive. (The cheapest one currently on half.com is $30.00 US!)
Worse than that, the only copy in the regional library system is GONE from their shelves, presumably swiped or gone to the book sale for someone else to cherish.
I asked the publishing company about the possibility of a re-print edition, and they said that isn't likely, sorry, don't remember why.

Another favorite author is Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" series. (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass) The first two were great, the third sorta devolved into a juvenile romance story, but wasn't a total loss, IMHO. Most of his other titles are YA, I have not read them.

[Susan]

I had to select "other" since I get my books from a variety of sources. I am a huge library fan and enjoy borrowing books from family/friends, but I also use online sources to purchase books especially ones that are out of print. I am a frequenter of large and small bookstores, but my favorite haunt is the used bookstore. I have found some amazing works in those out-of-the-way and often cramped places.

[Luiza]

Originally posted by Little Bit


I loved Sorcery and Cecelia, and would happily own my own copy if the used copies weren't so expensive. (The cheapest one currently on half.com is $30.00 US!)

Ok, Little Bit, I needed a day to recover after your news. I checked abebooks and BookFinder to confirm, and lo and behold -- minimum $30 a copy. I'm not ready to think of books as an investment :mad:

I bought my copy second-hand for $2.50 (plus another I gave to a friend) a few years back when booksellers presumably didn't know it was rare. I guess I'm unlikely to find another again.

Have you read Patricia Wrede's Mairelon the Magician and Magician's Ward ? They are set in the same universe as Sorcery and Cecelia. These books should be still in print.

[Little Bit]

Originally posted by Luiza
Have you read Patricia Wrede's Mairelon the Magician and Magician's Ward ? They are set in the same universe as Sorcery and Cecelia. These books should be still in print.

Hi again Luiza,

Yes, I've read them, I found copies at the library! Loved it! :)

Fortunately, College of Magics is still fairly cheap in paperback. (Count our blessings, ... ) I didn't care much for her newest, When The King Comes Home nearly as well as any of the others we've mentioned here.

( I haven't read River Rats at all, since it sounds depressing just on the surface description, something apocalyptic, don't remember. ;) )

Happy reading!

[katygirl]

I also LOVE the library. I finish books so quickly and paying $10.00 a book even for a paper back very quickly adds up. I don't usually tend to re-read books so then they sit and take up space in my house. Our library belongs to a consorsium of 30 other libraries in near by towns. If ours doesn't have the book they will get it from an other library. Also, you can look on line at their holdings to see if they have a certain book, and you can hold them until you get there. Very Cool and very free!:cool:

Katy

[Meg O'C]

I have always loved browsing in bookstores from the time I could read. It is still one of my favorite outings. When DH was traveling every week, he would leave on Sunday afternoon and I would frequently head to a bookstore as a "pick me up." We also like going to bookstores together - sometimes part of a dinner "date" or just a separate outing unto itself!

My problem is that I buy books faster than I can read them and I hate to give them up after I've read them. Needless to say we have a very large collection. I try to get rid of a few now and then by selling to a used bookstore or giving away (in fact I have several sitting on my front porch in a box with some summer clothes I no longer wear waiting for the VVA's pick-up today).

I also browse online and order occasionally. Depends on my mood and if I can find what I am looking for out in the stores.