When you love to read, being able to afford all the books you would love to read can be a real financial burden. Are there ways to be able to read the latest best-selling books and pay next to nothing? Yes there are and here are a few tips for getting your books for a lot less.
Use your local public library
Many people have gotten away form this wonderful free source of books. You can reserve a book as soon as it is published and you will be contacted as soon as it is available. Of course, there may be a wait since there are a lot of bargain shoppers out there but it is worth waiting a couple of weeks to read free. If you end up loving the book, you can then look around for a discount way to purchase it. The good news is that if you don't love it you didn't waste any money buying it.
Get together with your family and friends
When you know that your favorite author is coming out with a new book that you would love to read, ask family and friends if any of them is planning to purchase this book. You can agree to purchase it together or if free is better then you can ask to borrow it as soon as they are finished reading. This plan may work once or twice but unless it is your mother that you are borrowing from, this is going to get old fast. You will need to actually buy a book every so often and allow the other person to borrow from you. If there are several of you who like the same authors, this can be a good plan for everyone.
Use the Internet
Used book sites like Abe Books often have the latest books within a few days after they are released, you will have to pay shipping so keep that in mind. Amazon offers used books right along side their regular priced books. The good news about Amazon is that you can sell your old books at the same time you are buying your new books. You can have a nonstop cycle of sales and purchases allowing you to always be able to read the latest books at a discount price.
Join a book club
This is a particularly good option at Christmas time. Not only can you get some great books for yourself but you can purchase books for other people on your list at a discount price and fulfill your obligation as well. The drawback is that you need to cancel your membership as soon as you fulfill your obligation or else you need to remember to tell them not to send any book that you don't want every month. Missing one month can blow your whole plan as two books you don't want will be shipped to you. If you don't open the box you can refuse it and drop it off at the post office for free to be returned to the club but this makes them very unhappy and they may send you a not too kind letter.
Book Stores
The big box bookstores like Barnes & Noble offer a sharp discount off the list price of Best Sellers. If you have one of their coupons or their discount cards you can get the latest books at up to 40 or 50% off. This isn't as good as free but it is certainly a big improvement over full price.
If you don't have to have a best seller the minute it is available you will be able to find it at tag sales, thrift stores, discount outlets and second handbook stores. You can look around your area for a book store that will pay you money for your used books while still offering some of the latest books. Usually you won't get too much for your used book but whatever you get will be money you won't have to pay out.
With a little extra effort you will be able to read the latest best selling books that you are interested in for a lot less than list price. It may take a little more time and you may not end up owning the book but with everyone tightening their belt these tips will help you to pay your bills and still enjoy your love of reading.