Making Up for Monday: Book Buying Habits

Hosted by An Avid Reader; A Wannabe Writer

Each week, there will be a book-related theme or game, or something fun to do that week. And you can play along! All you have to do is find the question for that week and write a post that day based on that question.

This Week's Topic/Question:

How do you shop for books? What's your favorite way to get a new book?

My Answer:

How I shop for books depends on a few things:

• Favorite Authors/Series: It's straight to the bookstore! Due to overflowing bookshelves, I only purchase paperbacks/hardbacks of my favorite series or from my favorite authors. I don't have a lot of space in my apartment, so I can't just buy everything (even though I want to). 

• Something I've Heard About/Just Browsing (Audiobooks): If I'm looking for a new audiobook, I tend to first browse through the works of my favorite narrators (Wil Wheaton, Ray Porter, Emma Galvin, James Marsters, Cynthia Holloway, Angela Dawe, Cassandra Morris and Amanda Ronconi) on Audible and see if there's anything that they've done that tickles my fancy. Otherwise, I do look the recommendations that audible provides. But I give every book a test drive, meaning I always listen to the audio sample. Even with a book I'm really interested in; if the voice doesn't match the image in my mind I can't do it.  

• Something I've Heard About/Just Browsing (Books): First stop is Goodreads. That website has such a wealth of information that it's my go-to spot for all things books. When I find something I like, I'll check the e-book prices for my Nook and Kindle Apps, and see how much it is (or whether its being offered for a free download on Amazon). Depending on my interest level, I'll either purchase it, or look for it at my local library or on Overdrive. 

Lastly, I'd say two additional ways of getting books are book swaps with my book clubs, or supporting my local Goodwill/bookstore and sifting through the bargain bins.

But sometimes when I'm at my favorite bookstore, Mysterious Galaxy in Redondo Beach, I through all caution aside, disregard my overflowing shelves and buy the books that interest at full price. The latest books were The School For Good and Evil and Dorothy Must Die.