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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if you like to read and if you read a lot

91 replies

Ibuytoomanybooks · 01/04/2023 21:17

How do you keep the cost down sometimes I can read a book in an evening so can’t keep buying new really.

OP posts:
Custardbanana · 01/04/2023 21:17

Libraries

Millysaurus · 01/04/2023 21:18

...libraries?

Isseywith3witchycats · 01/04/2023 21:19

Charity shops

Isis1981uk · 01/04/2023 21:20

I'm a voracious reader, I always have been, and I love it! I read during my lunch break, in the bath, and for at least 30 minutes in bed before I sleep. I get through 60-80 books a year I'd say. I always buy mine second hand from our local charity shops as they do 3 books for £1.00. I just take them back afterwards. I'd never buy books brand new now, although I always did in my teens/20's. Obviously the library would be the best option if you want to save money.

Mindymomo · 01/04/2023 21:21

I usually read a book every 2 weeks. I buy second hand from charity shops.

hettiethehare · 01/04/2023 21:23

The library mainly - even ordering in it’s only 70p a book. I poke round charity shops/ second hand book fairs as well, buy out of print books online and look out for Kindle 99p deals on newer releases.

littlbrowndog · 01/04/2023 21:24

Kindle unlimited it’s the only way for me

FluffyMcFluffFace · 01/04/2023 21:24

Kindle, with Kindle unlimited. I can go on holiday for a fortnight, have a kindle which is smaller than the average book, and read 20 books on holiday. Always said I preferred proper books. Now I'm a convert. Another big thing for me is that I don't sleep well, so on the many times I wake up per night, I can read a few pages to help me go back to sleep, and I didn't have to put the bedside light on and disturb DH.

blackpearwhitelilies · 01/04/2023 21:25

Book exchanges are good. Most Tescos/ villages seem to have them. Electronic libraries are fab.

CurleyMango · 01/04/2023 21:25

Go onto bookhub and select free and then download. There are loads

Sparklesocks · 01/04/2023 21:25

I get most of my books from charity shops or second hand book shops, do swaps with friends, sometimes use the library too. The Works does newish titles for reasonable costs too.

DancingWithBroccoli · 01/04/2023 21:26

I hate reading! I remember at school enjoyment of reading was seen as some kind of marker of intelligence and future success, but I hated it. I still hate reading. Im ok with reading shampoo bottles, cereal boxes, the news on my app, short academic papers etc.. but give me a novel and it's enough to make me feel ill!

I really hate the constant pressure on kids to love reading! I read with my kids every night. But neither of them are too bothered about reading themselves for pleasure. I'm fine with it! But apparently it means their doomed to a life on the scrap heap :)

I've done ok on the academic front - managed a PhD and have a good job. But still don't like reading.

Anyway - to the point! ... If you like reading so much there are so many ways you can do it! The library for novels etc.. and many other books - when you've read everything your local library has in stock, you can order from other libraries. There's book clubs and book exchanges, endless academic papers online if you like that kind of thing, newspapers and online news, and loads of articles online.

Not sure why u r struggling! :)

elmo1990 · 01/04/2023 21:26

Does your local library offer borrow box? It's a great option for books you'd like to read but wouldn't necessarily want to buy.

Sparklesocks · 01/04/2023 21:26

Oh and a few local spots have those community libraries where you can collect/leave books - a pub by me does a really good one

Panda89 · 01/04/2023 21:26

Kindle unlimited and 99p deals.

BooksAndHooks · 01/04/2023 21:26

Kindle and I borrow free books via my prime account, buy books when on offer for 99p or free, make use of the Amazon first reads free book a month. I was really against the kindle as prefer proper books but it has been so much cheaper, easier to carry around and I read so much more as a result.

NewtoHolland · 01/04/2023 21:26

Libraries and the app from my library for audiobooks.

Hoppinggreen · 01/04/2023 21:27

Kindle unlimited

VioletViolets · 01/04/2023 21:27

I have two apps that I can use to borrow ebooks and audiobooks free - they’re called Libby and BorrowBox and you need a library card from a participating library.

BigFatLiar · 01/04/2023 21:28

Kindle and charity shops

CurleyMango · 01/04/2023 21:30

Go onto bookhub and select free and then download. There are loads of free ones.

Floribundaflummery · 01/04/2023 21:31

Read loads and ignore everyone when head in good book for hours. Do swaps with friends. Great way to get into new authors. Mainly use kindle but some books v cheap. Want to try Libby.

SmugglersHaunt · 01/04/2023 21:34

You can get books v. cheap at abebooks.com - they are a network of second-hand shops so you can get even new releases there

BlüeöysterCunt · 01/04/2023 21:34

Library, charity shops, kindle unlimited plus certain places online you can find books for free - obviously illegal and I only do that with out of print books that would be too expensive for me to buy

IrishMamaMia · 01/04/2023 21:38

Same as above and book swap with my pals too.

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