The Cost of Books

I love books...the feel of them...and the look of them in display on my bookshelves. You miss out on that with an E-reader, and I imagine for some buying a book in E format doesn’t seem real. It took me a while to get used to my library being contained in one small colourless, portable container.

I like being able to carry my reader with me. It’s convenient, and easily slips into my purse. If I traveled, it would be much easier to take my reading with me than to carry and pack a number of paperbacks. I also find it easier to read in bed, as lying on my side holding as hardcover book is tiring.

When I was in the store the other day I noticed that the new J.D. Robb book was out in hardcover, at a Canadian price of $32.99. Sometimes there is a 30 or 40% discount on new titles, but not this time. It could be a year at least before that title comes out in paperback, at a more reasonable price of $10.99. I admit it, I hate to wait.

Other years, and with other novels, I solved the problem by reading the library’s copy, satisfying my need to be current with the series, and then I’d buy it in paperback when it came available, to reread at my leisure.

Once I was back home I looked the title up on Amazon and saw the E-book was available for $14.99. Should I buy it, should I wait? I looked over at my bookcase and saw the books crammed in and realized I have no available space, so I had my answer. Besides, it’s my birthday and why shouldn’t I buy myself a present?

So, I bought it, but won’t read it just yet as I’m in the process of rereading the series from the beginning. It’s enough to know it’s there, waiting for me when the time comes. And after the snow storm yesterday, winter is not done with us yet. I figure there will be a few more evenings spent reading in the comfort and warmth of my place before we see spring.

I’ll catch up quickly (I’m currently reading book #16), and won’t have to wait long to see what new challenges await Eve and Roarke.