If you've been following my blog for a while, you may know that I do a little bookworm feature. In the last couple of years I have really got back into reading; I found when doing my PGCE it was the only way for me to relax and get lesson plans out of my head before going to sleep. Since this, I've read some great books (The Help, We Need to Talk About Kevin, The Hunger Games trilogy, The Reader, Wonder, Room, Water for Elephants to name a few) but just can't afford to buy my books new each time at seven-something pounds a pop . My mum keeps on at me about joining the library, but I loving buying books and building my little collection!
So for the last year or so, I've only bought my books from charity shops or second hand stalls. I picked up five books this week from various charity shops/stalls in my local town for the grand total of £7.97. Seeing as most paperbacks retail for about £7.99, I think I'm on to something! As you can see, none of these are in complete tatters or stained; they are in great condition. Of course, it is lovely to buy a brand new never-been-read book every now and again, so I look out for Waterstone's 3 for 2 offers and am often given book vouchers which I love spending.
And, to complete the circle of (a book's) life, I like to give books to my local charity shop once I'm done with them. Obviously, some I keep to add to my ever-growing bookshelf, but the one's I'm not fussed over I will donate.
What do you think? Do you buy your books second hand?
I am an avid reader too, I had found the same problem with books being so expensive so I have resorted to buying them on my kindle app on my computer! They are normally about held the price than they would be in the flesh so although I am not building up my real library I have built up rather the virtual collection !!! I love the sophie kinsella books, you should give them a try! I am just about to start reading the help!
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xx
I buy most of my books from charity shops or go to the library! It has saved me sooo much money xx
ReplyDeleteI'm the opposite way, used to buy books old, now I buy new, but should really join a library. 'The secret life of bees' looks good, seen it about but not had the chance to read it. xx
ReplyDeleteTry supermarkets, tesco especially, have great deals on books as well although not the best range but always worth a look!
ReplyDeleteI always buy my books second hand, i love them but i dont like spending a fortune on one book when i can get multiple for a similar price. I also buy them from The Works, books are dirt cheap in there because its a publishers outlet!
ReplyDeleteNatalie xx
youralmostalice.blogspot.com
I always get my books from charity shops, I've never paid more than £1.75 for one and they're usually in near perfect condition! :)
ReplyDeleteFrances xx
http://francescassandra.blogspot.co.uk
I often buy books from charity shops- a lot cheaper that way!! But I do love the crisp newness feeling when I buy books from waterstones. I often ask them for my birthday!
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theyoungbridgetjones.blogspot.com
Before I bought myself a kindle I used a website called www.abebooks.co.uk. Theyre all second hand or ex-library books. They come in really good condition though.
ReplyDeleteAlso, theres a shop called The Works (if theres one by you). I bought the whole Hunger Games trilogy for £5, rather then 7.99 each! Mega saving!
Jess xx
I pretty much always get books from charity shops. I recently joined my local library which is fab, you can order any book you like for 90p and can keep them for ages!
ReplyDeleteLast Chance Saloon is such a great read :)
Great post! I buy my books from local charity shops, second hand shops, tescos or The Works. Charity shops are brilliant as you're giving something back while saving yourself quite a bit of money, especially if you're an avid collector like me. I once found the complete works of Lewis Carroll for £2.50. Most books have only been read once as well. You can find bestsellers just a month after release quite often. Tescos sell most paperbacks for £3.86 or two for £7 and The Works always have 3 for £5 offers and you can mix and match with some of their cds and dvds too. I also get quite a few books through playtrade on play.com as the prices are rock bottom for great condition books and delivery's free. I rarely spend more than £4 on a book unless it's hard to find anywhere else or part of a series I can't wait to get stuck into. I now have a collection of over 500 that is growing everyday, I think books are the greatest collection to have as they can bring so much joy to people.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to buy more books second hand or from a library. I do treat myself to books in Fopp because they are only about £2 but I like to give them to charity after or if they are ones I want to keep then I let myself keep them. I love reading so I get through lot's of books. I will look forward to some of your reviews on the books in the photo!
ReplyDeleteI swap books ive read for ones I want to read on a website called readitswapit :)
ReplyDeleteoh i love buying new books. love the smell of the new book.
ReplyDeletei admit it it's a expensive hobby but i love it :)
xx
I buy many of my books at a discount book store near my house, but after discovering iBooks i now read so many books on my phone or ipad
ReplyDeleteWould love to know what you think of the Marian Keyes books :) I hardly ever buy new books, either. I only ever buy new if it's from a favourite author or a novel i've been waiting to be released. I always head to Amazon marketplace or charity shops for books otherwise! xx
ReplyDeleteI'm just like you and buy my books in charity shops! A lot I like are set in the war for old grannies and are around £1 so I get a good deal! Even popular books are only around £2 though! I'd love to have a huge collection of books, but sadly I don't have the room! Looking forward to hearing about the books! XxxX http://thesecondhandrose.blogspot.co.uk
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