Thursday, December 1, 2016

Help a Bookworm Out! (Please?)

Hello fellow book lovers! I've been mulling something over and haven't come up with a solution, so I thought I'd write a quick post to ask for your advice. You see, I've gone a bit overboard with with the book buying (yes, again). On the one hand, I feel pretty good about what I've been adding to our home library -- mainly children's books of all kinds. On the other hand, I feel like I go down the rabbit hole of discovery, research, and deal-finding way too easily (and way too often) these days. Even my library browsing feels a little out of hand at times!

So I'm seriously thinking about some sort of book buying ban (or rules/limits) for 2017. I feel like an outright ban for a whole year is going to backfire. So I'm curious what sort of guidelines you've used in the past? Or suggestions of rules you think would be worth trying? I'm considering something along the lines of not allowing any new purchases unless I've read a certain number of books on my TBR. Or cutting myself off if I haven't read a certain percentage of any new books I buy in the new year. What do you guys think? I'm hoping for a solution that will encourage enjoyment of what we already have, which shouldn't be so hard, right? Thanks! :)

17 comments:

  1. Well I do all of my new reading through the library, and I only buy a book after reading it and deciding I want my own copy (with the exception of a couple auto-buy authors). That's just what I've always done, so it's not a challenge for me, and I also have a great library system so it's rare they don't have what I'm looking for.

    At least, that's what works for my own reading. It's harder with the kids' books because they're meant to be read over and over again. If I bought everything I wanted to re-read... well, I'd be buying everything!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I actually use your read first then buy method for a lot of kids books! I do make sure not to buy everything, but it is easy to get a little carried away with kids books. Of course we have lots of great books given to us as gifts, and anything I buy, I do try to be very picky about whether or not its worth adding to the picture book collection. And our library system doesn't let you request board books from other libraries, so a few times, I have definitely used that as an excuse to pick up board books!

      I don't think that method works as well for me for "adult" books though, personally. I have a couple where I did that years ago and have yet to actually re-read the copy I bought! I am thinking of a much stricter limit on "adult" books anyway for the new year. We will see -- so many great ideas here, I will have to figure how best to incorporate the parts that I think will work best :)

      Delete
  2. I'd stick to either a dollar limit or a quantity limit. Book buying bans are like diets- you'll end up binging and it'll all be pointless. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You know, I've never tried a dollar limit before, but I'm wondering now if it could help. Of course, I could go to town on used books and still stay on budget, but maybe that would be OK!

      Delete
  3. As you know, this past year I put myself on a limit, not a ban, and I honestly found that to really help get a hold of my book buying habits. I allowed myself 4 books a month. I didn't put a limit on children's books as Alexander doesn't get books too often - but perhaps putting a limit on both types of books could work for you. I also concentrated on working through my own unread books more than anything else. I have new plans for this coming year, which I'm going to be sharing very soon on the blog, but they basically involve focusing more on the experience of reading and books than the amassing of books. Having shifted my thoughts on possessions in general has really helped me with this though. Also utilising your local library more, if possible.

    I would say, if you can, to maybe go through your books before the new year begins and make piles of books you enjoy + would like to return to, books you want to read but haven't got round to, and books you want to read but could live without. As much as we'd like to, we can't read every book ever!

    I think it's important that whatever system you put in place, make sure it is feasible and achievable. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I also want to concentrate on working through my own unread books this coming year. I like your idea of a good sort through too -- I recently made room on our main book shelves for two rows of picture books and would like to cull out enough to make room for one row more. Feasible and achievable is key! I'm thinking I will incorporate a lot of these different ideas everyone has shared :)

      Delete
  4. I don't buy a lot of books. But maybe a guideline that may work is picking a certain number of books a month you can purchase? I wish you the best of luck! I do agree that I think that banning all book buying isn't a good idea.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kay! I will keep your idea in mind. I still haven't settled on a plan quite yet! :)

      Delete
  5. It's an enormous dilemma - I hear you. I'm the worst buyer ever. I want a house extension just so I can keep stocking it with books, shoes and thrifted clothing. I rationalise by saying it's cheaper than smoking, drinking or illegal drugs, and better for me. But I think the limit theory would probably be the best idea as suggested by a number of wise sages above. Make it a special day of shopping for the books, rewarding and concentrated and focused on spending time choosing the books at a beautiful store, getting the ones that look and sound the most gorgeous. It gets too easy to think of buying books like you doing about getting a takeaway coffee. Especially with ebooks I find. I might take my own advise actually. I also joined the library for the first time in ages - back to borrowing rather than buying: we'll see how that goes. Good luck!

    Charlie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Charlie! I agree that visits to the bookstore should be an enjoyable experience. Perhaps less online shopping and more local indie shopping might be part of the answer :)

      Delete
  6. For the past two years, I've limited myself to buying 5 books a month. That's an average, so some months I only buy one, and then I can binge and buy nine the next month. That system has worked really well for me. This year, participating in the Read the Books You Buy Challenge has helped as well. It has helped me buy only (well, mostly) books that I know I will read in the near future. So far, I've bought 23 books this year. Considering that number was 120 in 2014, I think we can safely say that the monthly limit works for me! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That monthly limit worked GREAT for you! I'm going to do the Read the Books You Buy Challenge again in 2017 for sure (assuming it runs again!) I think I just need to take it a bit more seriously and commit to getting back on track if I stray from my goals rather than letting things snowball!

      Delete
  7. This is a tough one! I've tried sticking to a dollar amount and it NEVER works. The idea of buying books only if you've read a certain number from your TBR sounds like it could work. At least then you have a concrete goal/reward. I think that works better than setting dollar limits which can easily be broken. Good luck with your buying ban!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your input Kate! I'm still not sure how I feel about using book buying as a reward, but I'm still mulling things over :)

      Delete
  8. I participate in the Shelf Love Challenge, which is a great motivator for reading those older books on my shelves (and they have optional book buying bans incorporated too).

    Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ditto what Nicole said. I am a bit biased though as one of the hosts! COYER starts soon as well if you have a lot of eBooks to read.

      Terri M., the Director at Second Run Reviews

      Delete
    2. I am a big fan of the Shelf Love Challenge! 2017 will be my 3rd year participating and I am definitely going to use that to help guide me, however I decide to approach book buying in the new year :)

      Delete

I'd love to hear what you think :)