Thursday, November 02, 2006

Frugal Reading 2


I am honing my talent in finding the best-priced reads. I'm thinking, new or old, a book or magazine contain the same text--so my motto is to buy at the best price possible.

I used to allow myself a subscription to O Magazine, until I found out that I could borrow them from the library--for free. Now, I don't have to spend about $20 a year , and I don't have to deal with who to give the magazines to after I read them. In our public library, I borrow the magazine for a week and simply return it for another edition.

Today, I came away with Psychology Today (long before I wanted to write, I wanted to be a counselor), Popular Photography, and O. And you can be sure, I will be back next week for other titles. I also borrowed a couple of chapter books for the kids to read. And let me tell you, it sure beats buying them. For after a couple of days, the books are practically useless, after they are read.

(As a bonus, there were bags of free children's books by the library door. I took one big bag and flung it into the trunk of my car. After the kids read them, I will send them to Philippine public schools.)

If I really have to buy, I scout around the used-books first. I have chanced upon used books in Amazon.com too. Lately, I found Book Closeouts.com too, where one can save up to 80% off!! I also chanced upon Behavoral Science Books, where psychology/psychiatry books are sold for $1.99 (originally about $150 each)each if you promise to buy 2 more books in 12 months. Just check out the website for the intersting resources. You don't have to buy. I don't think I will. It's just nice to know what's out there.

Don't forget online editions, too: PsychologyToday.com, Oprah.com, etc, etc, etc.

Happy (free)reading!

4 comments:

Señor Enrique said...

Whenever possible, I get my books from the Sale Books stall here in the university belt area. These are discounted books that were shipped from the States.

New York libraries also offer many interesting reads which I miss a lot. I haven't been to any library here in Manila.

TOW Blog said...

hi eric,

pls blog sale books when you get a chance! i think books for less by papemelroti also has nice books and good ambience

see you in your blog!

Señor Enrique said...

Ok I will.

Cathy B said...

Thanks for the online tips Minotte! Try out thriftbooks.com and powells.com too.