The Watered Soul

Finding Refreshment in the Word

3 Easy Ways to Read the Latest Books on a Budget

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Read_on_a_budget
Do you  love a great book? Are you looking for ways to curb your burgeoning book budget?

Reading has been my favorite past time since I was a small kid and my love for books has created crammed bookshelves and dips in my entertainment budget. Although I still love scouring a bookstore for the latest jewel, I have discovered a few ways to keep feeding my love for books without blowing the budget.

My Top Three

  1. Blogger Book Review Programs:

    We already established that you enjoy reading but do you mind sharing with others what you think about a book? If so you may be interested in joining one of the many book review programs available to bloggers. Each program has its on rules about the review length and where your reviews must be posted. In an upcoming  post, I’ll highlight a few of the book review programs, I have participated in the past.

  2. Grab ‘em While They Are Free :

    If you own an e-reader you can find free e-books on sites such as Amazon and Christianbook.com. I think Barnes and Nobles have them too but since I don’t have a Nook, I never really shop there. I personally like going to Amazon and clicking on their top 100 Best sellers in Kindle eBooks and seeing the latest books they are offering. The list is updated hourly.

  3. Join Paperback Swap:

    Paperback Swap is place for book lovers to exchange their books with others and NO they don’t have to be just paperback books. Since joining the site back in 2008  I have mailed out 107 books, received 88 books and saved $178.64.  To get started simply, Join the Club and Swap Books for Free! – PaperBackSwap.com and list any books that you would like to exchange. Once you have earned a credit by sending off a book, you can request a listed book from another PBS member.

    Now that’s my top three. What other low costs ways are you using to curtail your book budget these days?

[simple_series title=”Feeding Your Book Craze”]

 

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Comments

  1. LaVonne says

    Happy New Year, Wanda! Thanks for the tips here. I have fallen behind on much of my reading, and this may be an easy way to get back on track.

    • Wanda says

      Hi LaVonne & Happy New Year! I’ve missed you my friend. I took a little time away from blogging and just when I thought I was ready to come back, my modem died. So what can a girl do but surrender to the quiet place. Yet I’m happy to be back online. My TBR lists is piling up too but hopefully you can utilize something I shared. I visited your place last night but blogger wasn’t cooperating with again on leaving comments.

  2. Sharon says

    Wanda, you are a bookworm after my own heart. I have boxes in storage with books, and double-stacked bookshelves. I have toyed with the idea of getting an e-reader like Kindle. It’s tough, though, I still love the look and feel (and smell) of actual books. But, as you said, budget and space issues are a problem.

    Will consider some of your options – in the meantime, me and Amazon are BEST buddies!!

    GOD BLESS!

    • Wanda says

      For the longest time I was torn about getting an e-reader too Pam but once I took the plunge, I have really enjoyed the ease of carrying my library with me. Although I still enjoy holding a real book in my hand. Not sure if that will change.

    • Wanda says

      You’re folks after my own heart Jenni 🙂 The library is wonderful resource as well. I just never go since my local library is typically closed by the time I get off work.

    • Wanda says

      Hi Sharon, I’m not on facebook often but I’ll have to look into the Inspired Reads feed. My reader is stocked with more than I can possibly read too. Thanks for sharing those resources.

  5. Cynthia says

    This is a great post! I will be checking out all of the freebies. I have so many books that they must be placed in boxes until I can talk myself into donating them to the local library. thanks, Wanda!

    • Wanda says

      An email we exchanged about review programs is what sparked the inspiration for this post. I’m working on compiling a list of other book review programs. Letting go of books is hard for me to do too.

  7. Bonnie Way says

    These are all great ideas. I’ve been a book review blogger for years now and have hardly bought a book in that time. 🙂 I also go to the library lots or search second-hand bookstores. My husband likes the discount section at Chapters. Follow your favourite authors on Facebook, too, as they often post notices when their eBooks are discounted or free. 🙂

    • Wanda says

      Hi Bonnie, becoming a book reviewer has cut down my buying books as well. And I like shopping the bargain books at Lifeway. Thanks for the tip about following favorite authors on FB.

  8. Connie Arnold says

    Thank you for the suggestions, Wanda. We have a used book store we visit to trade books and get credit, then use it to buy books at greatly reduced price.

    • Wanda says

      It’s great you have that resource in your local community Connie. I recently send one of those lending/exchange library old phone booths in a city I was in. I had read an article about them in larger cities in one of the newsletters I subscribe to.

  9. Rhapsody says

    Blessings…..
    great tips thanks
    think i will apply one of them right now, off to amazon.com i go.

    you know i love to read girl, been a bit slow this year but once i get going …..
    have a blessed sunday and a fabulous week.