Bookin It By Buying

Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~Author Unknown

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?

This is a timely question, actually... as an author as well as a reader, I've been concerned by the downswing in the economy. Still, I really believe that *most* of us, while having to tighten belts a bit, still have a little extra for the things we love most. For you, it may be bath salts, or cappuccino, or designer hand bags (which I just don't understand -- I didn't get the gene that cares about shoes or purses). For me, it's books.

I don't buy every book I read or I'd go broke. I do buy books I know I'll reread (I'm a BIG rereader), books from authors I want to support, and books for gifts (this Christmas, I don't know that I'll give much except books as gifts. Read this blog post, and you'll see one reason why).

Most recently, I purchased "The Hiding Place" by Karen Harper (because she mentions LASR and because she is a talented and gracious author) and "Rescued by the Magic of Christmas" by Melissa McClone because I love her heartwarming stories, and because she, too, is a talented and gracious author.

I don't buy hardbacks, because I can't swing it... but I can shell out $6- $14 for a paperback at least once or twice a month.

What about you? What books will you buy as opposed to borrowing? What is it that causes YOU to shell out your hard-earned dollars?

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I wrote 64 words on my NaNo book yesterday. I can give you a litany of excuses, but I won't. I haven't given up... I'm still plugging away, but I'm not entirely certain I'll make it this year!

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The Ultimate Color Test

When you are at peace, you are: Giving and unselfish When you are moved to act, you are: Unorthodox and idealistic When you are inspired, you are: Flexible and experimental When your life is perfectly balanced, you are: Connected to nature and the world Your life's purpose is: To reach enlightenment

The Ultimate Color Test

Book Buying

"I like being around books. It makes me feel civilized.
The only way to do all the things you'd like to do is to read." - Tom Clancy

Interesting comments yesterday about re-reading... we ended up about half and half, with only one person as rabid a re-reading as I. Funny thing about life: we tend to assume that what we do is the norm, and that's what everyone does! LOL... If I didn't re-read, I wouldn't buy books. In fact, I've been known to borrow from the library to see if I like something and then, after I've read it and know, I'll go buy it to read again.

I'm not a blind book-buyer. There are few folks I'll buy without reading first. I only have so many dollars to spread around, and want to make sure I spread them around on something I'll value in the upcoming years. I do always buy my friends / crit partners books. Partly to support them, and partly because it's neat to see them on my shelf and know what they went through to get there.

What about you? Do you just buy books all the time, even if they are new-to-you authors or you aren't sure you'll like the books? Do you have a large "keeper" shelf, or do you spend a lot of time taking your books to the UBS or donating them to the library? Or, are you careful how you spend your book-buying budget? Do you give it a lot of thought before shelling out the dough? Do you only buy books you think you'll keep forever? And... what is the deciding factor when you DO buy a book?

Inquiring minds want to know.

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So, it frosted pretty hard last night. I bet that was the death knoll for most of my annuals. It's amazing they've made it this long... So, today I'll be on corpse clean-up and will count it as the true end of summer. I keep trying to be happy we had such a mild fall this far, but I really, really dread the winter. The highs this week are going to be in the 50s -- which feels cold now, but in a couple of months would be a heat wave! LOL... perception is a funny thing.

Dakota still hasn't sprouted her feathers, so her fur is very thin and smooth and doesn't keep her warm. I may end up having to buy her dog clothes -- something I never thought I'd do for a bigger dog. I've never been one of those folks who wants to dress up my dog and treat it like a human. But even now, at night, when it's cool in the house she cuddles and curls up in a tiny ball, and feel cold to the touch. I hope her fur fills in soon!

I'm working on a blog about worm composting on It's Only Natural ... check over there to read about it if you're interesting. I do my best to garden organically (though it's a battle with the DH who is all about chemicals), so have done some research into worms. I love worms. I... well, that's a story for the other blog. *G*

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Your Autumn Test Results

You are a dynamic, vibrant person. You aren't afraid to pursue your passions. When you are happiest, you are calm. You appreciate tradition and family. You enjoy feeling cozy. You tend to be afraid of change. You are never ready for things to be different. You find love to be the most comforting thing in the world. You feel at peace when you're with your loved ones. Your ideal day is active and full. You like to keep busy with your favorite things, and you appreciate a routine. You are very impatient. You spend more time waiting for something than actually enjoying it.

The Autumn Test

Okay, yeah... mostly...

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