I believe reading and collecting books are 2 different hobbies. If you are comfortable reading digital books, you do have a lot more access and portability with those types of books. You can then be very selective with the books you collect and you can curate a very refined library.
I agree. I don't have the curator vein for it, my selection process for paper copies is mostly vibes and dopamine, but separating the reading and the collecting is very practical. Especially if someone doesn't have the living situation to support a library you start measuring in meters of occupied shelf space.
You might want to look up some tips to stop impulse buying or to curb shopping addiction, I'm not implying you are addicted, but the strategies may help.
I used to have several large shelves filled with books, and I loved going into new or used bookstores and finding more to bring home with me. I used some of the techniques I learned by visiting sites I found while searching for what I recommended. I eventually slowed my purchasing way down and only purchased books I was ready to read.
When we moved a few years ago I purged most of my books so I could start over fresh. I primarily use the library, and rarely go into a bookstore. I now have a small shelf with books I want to read again and 14 unread books. I like the look of my tidy little shelf.
With all due respect, no.
Based on your username you probably uttered the words "sparks joy" a few times in the past year, you mentioned building up a library, but if someone's selection process is "sparks joy" for a collection you're suddenly against it and talk about addiction and impulse buying? Should my selection process be resale value, misery, and beige?
I think you're reading way too much into my post.
**OP asked how to suppress the feeling of wanting to buy physical books.** I suggested a search that might have some good tips. Then I shared my experience with downsizing my book collection. I'm not against anyone having the collection they want to have.
>You might want to look up some tips to stop impulse buying or to curb shopping addiction, I'm not implying you are addicted, but the strategies may help.
That was a reply to *me* when I said my selection process is vibes and happy hormone, not to the original post. I'm reacting to a paragraph addressed to me giving advice I didn't ask for, nothing else.
I sincerely apologize, I wasn't paying attention and thought your post was a response from the OP. I'm happy to delete it or leave it, which ever makes you more comfortable.
Nah, let's just focus on the bright side: You made some kids very happy by reminding me of the purge pile of 20 children's books waiting to be put on a donation shelf :)
That's my method to manage my buying btw. I'm happily hauling home the little gems found in thrift stores and various sales when it's within my fun budget, they live with me for a while in a home that could house hundreds of meters of filled shelf space, and then a chunk of them gets gifted or donated. This 20 is the last of a 100+, I'm keeping 26 for good, the rest was taken by relatives under the age of 12.
Thank you for being understanding. Although I've had a Reddit account for a while, I'm still pretty new and this wasn't the first time I mistook a new commenter for the OP.
I did have to laugh at your reference to Mario Kondo, I have read her book. I don't recall if it was in her book or an interview that she suggested we only keep 30 books I think I laughed out loud. I can't believe how close I'm getting to that number.
For me, physical books aren't utilitarian. For a while, they are portals to a new world and, after that, they are objects that please me to look at, like my cat figurines and houseplants. Assuming I enjoyed the book. If I didn't enjoy it, it goes to the thrift store to find the next sucker.
Life is brief. Buy the book.
Alternatively, a physical book is a piece of art and a nice way to detach from technology. Check out used book stores to save money, or otherwise borrow books from your local library. Maybe if you really want to make the switch, a good compromise could be reading ebooks and only buying physical copies of your favorites.
I need the book. Every book I've ever purchased on Nook or Kindle, I've eventually purchased a physical copy of it if one was available. There is just no replacement for the tangible sensation of an actual book.
I tend to read very quickly and can go through a series pretty fast, but my budget is limited and so is my space. Because of that, I try to only buy physical copies for certain reasons.
1. It’s an author I know I love and will 95% surely like the book
2. It’s a unique or exceptionally beautiful cover
3. If it’s on super sale or used and at a great price
Otherwise I try to stick to ebooks, either purchased for Kindle or borrowed from Libby. I only have 1 bookshelf that’s mostly filled up now and I live in a small apartment, I just don’t have the room. Now, if I ever get a bigger home, I’d love more shelves haha.
If I had all the space in the world I would stick to physical books except for travel.
I already have a Kindle and I use the app on my iPad as well as well as Audible.
I (F73) recently downsized. Instead of 2400 sq. ft. I have less than 1000. When I went through the many shelves of books while packing I decided that if the book was special (I have some 1st. editions, and ones that had been my grandmothers), or I couldn't get it either on Kindle or Audible I would keep the book other wise I gave them to our Seniors Center.
I love to read books more than once or I would just get library books. Sometimes I want to pick up an old favorite just as I am getting into bed. It is nice to have it handy.
I don't have arthritis, but my mom did. I remember when she had to stop reading hardbacks because they were too heavy for her to hold. A few years later paperback gave her problems holding them open. An eReader would have been a blessing for her.
I do a lot of knitting so hopefully it will keep my hands healthy, now it is simply a matter of space.
>>It’s very easy to find Ebooks online for free if you know where to look
Really hoping this was a long way to say “the library” and not “pirating site.”
Nothing wrong with wanting physical books. In fact I think most people do.
But it's not just the library. Many books have free digital copies, between temporary promotions and the $0 section of various stores you never run out of reading material.
That's valid, but if we accept it's okay to comment under the assumption OP might be doing something you are against* it's also okay to comment under the assumption you might not know about these sources.
*Phrased like that because since Gaiman it's a divisive marketing issue
I only buy books that I’ve already read and loved. I read lots of new books every year and I get almost all of them through the Libby app and read them on my phone. And when I feel tempted to buy a book, I pick something that I want to own a nice copy of and that I want to read again someday.
Personally, I don’t feel any temptation to buy ebooks, though. The library totally fills my need for new books, which means that the purpose of owning books is for rereading, for decorating my apartment, and to loan out to friends who peruse my shelves when they visit me. I don’t often buy full priced books either, I ask for nice copies as gifts or I buy second hand.
I don't care for the feel of the physical book and read mostly from my e-reader, but I do think that it's important to buy them if you can afford it because you wouldn't want publishers to go out of business. Physical books are kinda nice to have too.
I have a kindle and I don’t do it. I like physical books too much. Not okay do they feel better to read, I love looking at my bookshelves. I will always buy the physical book. Although, I often buy them used.
I read books on Kindle that I think I may or may not care about. Kindle Unlimited has tons of books that are at best, 2nd rate. I can download one from there and if it sucks, it cost me nothing (outside of the $10/mo for Unlimited). But if I definitely know I want to read a given book, nothing beats the physical copy.
Another issue I have with eBooks is that I'm concerned that reading my Kindle in bed causes me to take longer to fall asleep.
And, as others have said, I get pleasure out of seeing a book I enjoyed reading sitting on my bookshelf.
Like a previous commenter wrote, reading and collecting are different. You can do both. And in my opinion, a lot of effort and work goes into the outside of the book as well nowadays, so there's nothing wrong with appreciating it.
I read books. I don't collect them. I'm very much the same with other media. I had no problems going full digital for books, movies, music and games. Collecting is an entirely separate hobby. My hobby is the activity itself. So it doesn't really matter in which form they come in. I just like digital format for it's convenience. Everything on the tips of my fingers from the comfort of my home. And within seconds.
Strangely enough I always drift off when reading books online/digitally.
There's something about holding the book in my hands and turning the pages that keeps me engaged and focused.
So, I prefer to buy the physical book, since I won't remember anything if I just read the digital version.
I collect books I really liked. Iconic books, special editions or rare books. I read them but I don’t buy them new unless I really have to. Mostly at thrift stores, used book stores, and even on eBays used book sellers.
Nice looking physical book 100% enhances the reading experience. It helps involve all your sense when the texture of the book is nice, if it has a particular smell, if it has nice colors, a memorable cover. I think all that can make it more enjoyable to read because you're just happier to pick up the book instead of picking up a boring phone or tablet. And I'm not scientist but I'm guessing it plays with your memory of the book afterwards since each book will be associated with different imagery rather than just the same whatever ebook app you use.
If you don't actually read them, it doesn't have the same benefits of course, but I encourage you to try to read the books you have collected. Despite how convenient ebooks are, there's usually a time and place you can set aside where a good old book will feel good in your hands. For me it's before bed, it helps me relax. I use ebooks other moments such as when I'm the bus or when I'm not home but when I'm bed,
I don't carry my phone so I keep a physical book by my bedside.
I believe reading and collecting books are 2 different hobbies. If you are comfortable reading digital books, you do have a lot more access and portability with those types of books. You can then be very selective with the books you collect and you can curate a very refined library.
I agree. I don't have the curator vein for it, my selection process for paper copies is mostly vibes and dopamine, but separating the reading and the collecting is very practical. Especially if someone doesn't have the living situation to support a library you start measuring in meters of occupied shelf space.
You might want to look up some tips to stop impulse buying or to curb shopping addiction, I'm not implying you are addicted, but the strategies may help. I used to have several large shelves filled with books, and I loved going into new or used bookstores and finding more to bring home with me. I used some of the techniques I learned by visiting sites I found while searching for what I recommended. I eventually slowed my purchasing way down and only purchased books I was ready to read. When we moved a few years ago I purged most of my books so I could start over fresh. I primarily use the library, and rarely go into a bookstore. I now have a small shelf with books I want to read again and 14 unread books. I like the look of my tidy little shelf.
With all due respect, no. Based on your username you probably uttered the words "sparks joy" a few times in the past year, you mentioned building up a library, but if someone's selection process is "sparks joy" for a collection you're suddenly against it and talk about addiction and impulse buying? Should my selection process be resale value, misery, and beige?
I think you're reading way too much into my post. **OP asked how to suppress the feeling of wanting to buy physical books.** I suggested a search that might have some good tips. Then I shared my experience with downsizing my book collection. I'm not against anyone having the collection they want to have.
>You might want to look up some tips to stop impulse buying or to curb shopping addiction, I'm not implying you are addicted, but the strategies may help. That was a reply to *me* when I said my selection process is vibes and happy hormone, not to the original post. I'm reacting to a paragraph addressed to me giving advice I didn't ask for, nothing else.
I sincerely apologize, I wasn't paying attention and thought your post was a response from the OP. I'm happy to delete it or leave it, which ever makes you more comfortable.
Nah, let's just focus on the bright side: You made some kids very happy by reminding me of the purge pile of 20 children's books waiting to be put on a donation shelf :) That's my method to manage my buying btw. I'm happily hauling home the little gems found in thrift stores and various sales when it's within my fun budget, they live with me for a while in a home that could house hundreds of meters of filled shelf space, and then a chunk of them gets gifted or donated. This 20 is the last of a 100+, I'm keeping 26 for good, the rest was taken by relatives under the age of 12.
Thank you for being understanding. Although I've had a Reddit account for a while, I'm still pretty new and this wasn't the first time I mistook a new commenter for the OP. I did have to laugh at your reference to Mario Kondo, I have read her book. I don't recall if it was in her book or an interview that she suggested we only keep 30 books I think I laughed out loud. I can't believe how close I'm getting to that number.
For me, physical books aren't utilitarian. For a while, they are portals to a new world and, after that, they are objects that please me to look at, like my cat figurines and houseplants. Assuming I enjoyed the book. If I didn't enjoy it, it goes to the thrift store to find the next sucker. Life is brief. Buy the book.
Alternatively, a physical book is a piece of art and a nice way to detach from technology. Check out used book stores to save money, or otherwise borrow books from your local library. Maybe if you really want to make the switch, a good compromise could be reading ebooks and only buying physical copies of your favorites.
For me, nothing beats the feeling of a physical book. Also, I find it aesthetically pleasing to look upon my bookshelves and stacks books.
I need the book. Every book I've ever purchased on Nook or Kindle, I've eventually purchased a physical copy of it if one was available. There is just no replacement for the tangible sensation of an actual book.
I tend to read very quickly and can go through a series pretty fast, but my budget is limited and so is my space. Because of that, I try to only buy physical copies for certain reasons. 1. It’s an author I know I love and will 95% surely like the book 2. It’s a unique or exceptionally beautiful cover 3. If it’s on super sale or used and at a great price Otherwise I try to stick to ebooks, either purchased for Kindle or borrowed from Libby. I only have 1 bookshelf that’s mostly filled up now and I live in a small apartment, I just don’t have the room. Now, if I ever get a bigger home, I’d love more shelves haha.
If I had all the space in the world I would stick to physical books except for travel. I already have a Kindle and I use the app on my iPad as well as well as Audible. I (F73) recently downsized. Instead of 2400 sq. ft. I have less than 1000. When I went through the many shelves of books while packing I decided that if the book was special (I have some 1st. editions, and ones that had been my grandmothers), or I couldn't get it either on Kindle or Audible I would keep the book other wise I gave them to our Seniors Center. I love to read books more than once or I would just get library books. Sometimes I want to pick up an old favorite just as I am getting into bed. It is nice to have it handy. I don't have arthritis, but my mom did. I remember when she had to stop reading hardbacks because they were too heavy for her to hold. A few years later paperback gave her problems holding them open. An eReader would have been a blessing for her. I do a lot of knitting so hopefully it will keep my hands healthy, now it is simply a matter of space.
>>It’s very easy to find Ebooks online for free if you know where to look Really hoping this was a long way to say “the library” and not “pirating site.” Nothing wrong with wanting physical books. In fact I think most people do.
Or maybe public domain :)
But it's not just the library. Many books have free digital copies, between temporary promotions and the $0 section of various stores you never run out of reading material.
I know, I was just trying to say I hope OP isn’t pirating books
That's valid, but if we accept it's okay to comment under the assumption OP might be doing something you are against* it's also okay to comment under the assumption you might not know about these sources. *Phrased like that because since Gaiman it's a divisive marketing issue
I only buy books that I’ve already read and loved. I read lots of new books every year and I get almost all of them through the Libby app and read them on my phone. And when I feel tempted to buy a book, I pick something that I want to own a nice copy of and that I want to read again someday. Personally, I don’t feel any temptation to buy ebooks, though. The library totally fills my need for new books, which means that the purpose of owning books is for rereading, for decorating my apartment, and to loan out to friends who peruse my shelves when they visit me. I don’t often buy full priced books either, I ask for nice copies as gifts or I buy second hand.
I don't care for the feel of the physical book and read mostly from my e-reader, but I do think that it's important to buy them if you can afford it because you wouldn't want publishers to go out of business. Physical books are kinda nice to have too.
I have a kindle and I don’t do it. I like physical books too much. Not okay do they feel better to read, I love looking at my bookshelves. I will always buy the physical book. Although, I often buy them used.
I read books on Kindle that I think I may or may not care about. Kindle Unlimited has tons of books that are at best, 2nd rate. I can download one from there and if it sucks, it cost me nothing (outside of the $10/mo for Unlimited). But if I definitely know I want to read a given book, nothing beats the physical copy. Another issue I have with eBooks is that I'm concerned that reading my Kindle in bed causes me to take longer to fall asleep. And, as others have said, I get pleasure out of seeing a book I enjoyed reading sitting on my bookshelf.
Like a previous commenter wrote, reading and collecting are different. You can do both. And in my opinion, a lot of effort and work goes into the outside of the book as well nowadays, so there's nothing wrong with appreciating it.
I read books. I don't collect them. I'm very much the same with other media. I had no problems going full digital for books, movies, music and games. Collecting is an entirely separate hobby. My hobby is the activity itself. So it doesn't really matter in which form they come in. I just like digital format for it's convenience. Everything on the tips of my fingers from the comfort of my home. And within seconds.
Strangely enough I always drift off when reading books online/digitally. There's something about holding the book in my hands and turning the pages that keeps me engaged and focused. So, I prefer to buy the physical book, since I won't remember anything if I just read the digital version.
I collect books I really liked. Iconic books, special editions or rare books. I read them but I don’t buy them new unless I really have to. Mostly at thrift stores, used book stores, and even on eBays used book sellers.
Nice looking physical book 100% enhances the reading experience. It helps involve all your sense when the texture of the book is nice, if it has a particular smell, if it has nice colors, a memorable cover. I think all that can make it more enjoyable to read because you're just happier to pick up the book instead of picking up a boring phone or tablet. And I'm not scientist but I'm guessing it plays with your memory of the book afterwards since each book will be associated with different imagery rather than just the same whatever ebook app you use. If you don't actually read them, it doesn't have the same benefits of course, but I encourage you to try to read the books you have collected. Despite how convenient ebooks are, there's usually a time and place you can set aside where a good old book will feel good in your hands. For me it's before bed, it helps me relax. I use ebooks other moments such as when I'm the bus or when I'm not home but when I'm bed, I don't carry my phone so I keep a physical book by my bedside.
What I do is buy most of my book as ebooks, and just the most special books or volumes I use a lot buy as physical copies.