This post is about exactly what the title says. Let me tell you my sad story (it’s sad for my wallet).
In June, I found a website that sells remaindered books. As you can tell from the title, I could not resist the allure of cheap books. I bought about SGD$100 of books as a trial run. It went great (although I’d like to revise my unboxing/review video so the website review will come later) and I bought another $200 worth of books. These books are waiting for me in Malaysia but in the meantime, I have made a third purchase that’s about $100 worth of books.
That’s FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS worth of books in two months. I think it’s more than what I spent on books in the whole of 2019!
I have found articles like this one In Defence of Retail Therapy from Psychology Today, but the fact remains that I have bought far too many books! Some are books that I definitely would have bought no matter what (like some cookbooks and Guy Browning’s book How to be Normal), but some are just books that I would ordinarily would have borrowed and then returned.
What strategies do you suggest? I used to contain my book buying habits through the library, but it seems like the price of these books have overcome the cost-savings advantage of the library. Have you managed to successfully ban yourself from buying new books? If so, what did you do?
(I would also apply this ban to teacups because I have bought Far Too Much in the last two months as well. Ah, lockdown life)
Books are the best investments. (Unhelpful comment, but.. 😎✌️)
Haha I love enabling comments! I will think of this during my next purchase! (hopefully not too soon)
Hi Eustacia–You probably are buying many more books than I am, but, I suppose you have to ask yourself if you are buying just to read or buying to collect. If I am obtaining a book just to read, then I’d rather borrow it from a friend or a library. However, most of the books I read are those I wish to add to my collection. That presents a problem as far as bookcases are concerned. Nevertheless, I purchase books that are usually first editions with dust covers. I look for deals and maybe, at some point, these books will acquire additional value. I don’t know. Nevertheless, I find it enjoyable and the books are in my possession should I wish to consult them in the future. So, if you enjoy it–and can afford it–and you have the room in your house, just do it!
Most of the books I bought are nonfiction (which I’m more likely to reread) and several are from authors that are known favourites. So in that sense, there’s a good chance that I will reread these books in the future!
Although I don’t think any of them will acquire additional value – some of them will have a remainder mark after all!
I was wondering, how do you differentiate between a first edition and other hardcover editions? Do you have to see the book in person or are online descriptions generally reliable?
If you have space in your home and are the type who re-read your books, by all means indulge! 🙂 I’m the kind who usually only reads a book once, and am also trying to be minimalist, so I tend to borrow books from the library. I only keep the really special ones with sentimental value, and either sell the others or donate them – with the thought that perhaps someone would be able to enjoy the stories too!
Thanks for the comment, Skye! I think for fiction books, I tend to read them once (unless they’re childhood favourites or classics) but I reread nonfiction a lot more.
If I find I don’t enjoy any of the books, I’ll definitely donate it!
Used to have similar issues. Therapy shopping. I usually would indulge in deals on movies though. Result? I ended up with a lot of movies. I eventually curbed it when we moved and got better internet, which opened us up to streaming services (Prime, Netflix, etc). Whenever I’d fine myself in a store looking to buy stuff, I’d talk myself down by reminding myself over and over I had stuff at home to watch online. I didn’t need to buy those movies.
Same could apply for books. You have the library and other options. But also maybe add those books to a list that you want, but aren’t available via library or something, and then budget for yourself each month how much you can spend on books.
I like the budget idea! My issue is that I just want to buy everything straightaway. I’ll definitely have to learn to control my impulses, especially since the library is available again!
Same. There are things I get into my head that I want in my collection.
Ha ha! I don’t have any suggestions for you, but this was fun to read. Thanks for sharing.
Sounds like you are the dream reader, actually. Hope you will buy $400 worth of MY books when the time comes! XD
I was raised by an extremely frugal, Dutch-American mother, so I find it difficult to buy large amounts of anything at any given time.
Where are you going to keep them all?
Haha I will definitely buy your books when the time comes!
We’ve got a place in Malaysia and I haven’t added to the bookshelves there for a while, so I will probably keep most of them there!
I think it（covid2019 pandemic period） is the time to labor on books. After covid2019 pandemic, it will be the time to work hard,get own paycheck, and buy many books! And according to increasing your income, this event will or may be a good memory. If you combine your job and asset management（fe,from 100 dolors ）,books life will be comfortable. We are a part of everything that we have read – from T.Roosevert
I like that Roosevelt quote! Thanks for commenting!!
Ok, so, unfortunately I can’t help because I sometimes do this, but my wallet sympathizes with your wallet on this.
On the bright side, you have new books! 🙂
That is true! New books always make me happy!
OMG SO MANY BOOKS!!! I had the same issue when I first discovered the amazing secondhand shops around my uni city. I stopped it by setting a 50 book limit for a year. It meant I had to really think about if I wanted that book to take up one of the 50 and also it meant I was browsing less haha
Oooh, that’s really smart!! I should do a limit like that … maybe next year (haha??)
Haha maybe next year