So I’ve decided to put myself on another book buying... I do this two or three times a year when I feel the TBR pile has got really out of control. Seeing as I have now started to pile books up on the floor, as any empty space on shelves or flat surfaces are history, I figure this is as good a time as any to stop – at least for a little while. I still have some pre-orders that will hopefully be arriving in the next few weeks, plus I will continue to lurk on netgalley to spot books I fancy, so there will still be some books entering the flat, but hopefully it will slow down to a trickle.
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| My TBR Pile - two rows of books deep and sorely in need of reading! |
Previous book buying bans have not been particularly successful for me – I can’t resist a bargain and somehow manage to visit amazon/bookdepository/fishpondworld on a daily basis. Plus every week I have to visit my local Waterstones, Works and WHSmith just in case something happens to them. To be honest, it’s a surprise that I haven’t bought even more books! Usually these bans only last a week or two, but I am hopeful that this will be longer. It would be nice if I could make it to my birthday in September without break – but I’m going to be realistic! Every week I go without a purchase will hopefully make a dent in the massive of books I need to read. I am very ruthless with books - if I don’t like it I tend to give it away or swap it. I am starting to think about a special giveaway in August to celebrate my two years of blogging so I may add some gently read books to the pile for that.
Alternatively instead of buying books, I may go mad for entering competitions over the summer – or hosting them! J
Have you ever put yourself on a book buying ban? How successful was it? Any hints or encouragement on how I can keep it up? I need help! (In more than one way…!)
Lol I have never given myself a book buying ban, but I have a monthly budget that I stick to (by ordering once a month). More or less. Whatever book I want that I cannot buy at the moment goes on my excel sheet to be ordered at a later date. Perhaps instead of buying you can list the books that tempt you into buying them? Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI put myself on a book buying ban a few weeks ago, but it didn't work. Now I decided not to buy books until I read those that I have at home :)
ReplyDeleteLol, it's nice to see someone who's shelves look even more crowded than mine! My "ban" is more of a money-saving one that actually allows me to buy more books - I don't buy anything at the regular, new price. Everything is either used or drastically on sale (or won in giveaways), so I rarely spend over $5 for a book.
ReplyDeleteIronically, the whole only-buy-on-sale thing started when I gave up buying books for Lent. I couldn't do it completely when faced with great sales, so I had to throw in some exceptions...
I am rubbish at book buying bans. Seriously! I wish you luck.
ReplyDeleteFunny, I did this at the beginning of the month and not only am I on a book buying ban but I've also told myself that I must either read or weed X number of books by the end of Sept. I have books everywhere even the trunk of my ca ris looking pretty full. What make sit so hard though is reading all the book blogs and saying "oh that looks good, I'd like that" My amazon wish list is going to be out of control but I'm determined to gain some self space again
ReplyDeleteI am on one right now and I have not bought a book in months. Ever since bf and I decied to buy a flat..of course I am hurting inside now as Susanne McLeod, Kelly Gay and Ilona Andrews are out with new books in July...Hurting!!!!! But I do got two coupons cos I must have at least two of those
ReplyDeleteThe Kelly Gay book... but Hank is MINE.
DeleteI've never gone on a book-buying ban. I have't really needed to, honestly. Most of the books that I purchase these days are done in small batches a few times a year, usually whenever I save up enough gift certificates for Amazon.
ReplyDeleteI used to buy pretty much everything that looked good or looked like it might be good or that was on sale for a decent price. As a result, I got bogged down in books and need a major destash (which I'm going to be doing pretty soon). But since I started reviewing books, I've gotten more than I can handle from various sources, and don't often need to purchase them. But when I do purchase them, I've at least grown far more selective in my tastes, and can get away with buying some I know will be good rather than a whole bunch that might be good but I'm really only getting because they're on sale.
Damn, I thought I was bad but now seeing your books my guilt has completely vanished. o.o Last year I joined a friend in a Book Ban for the entire Summer, I did really good and read the majority of my books that were waiting to be read on my shelf, my friend didn't have as much willpower.
ReplyDeleteThat is why I do ebooks so I can hide my problem & addiction to the world LOL
ReplyDeleteI am pretty good at not buying books but I have a SERIOUS library habit so I still don't get around to reading from my TBR pile!
ReplyDeleteI've been on a semi ban for quite a long time. My requirements is that it has to be a great sale ($2.99 or less... preferably $.99 or free!) and a book that I have been wanting to read for a long time. Anything else gets chalked up to a library read or borrowed book. Don't seem to mind it too much as most books end up going on sale eventually and I have won a ton.
ReplyDeleteI lack willpower so I'm totally not able to give you any book buying advice. Like you I seem to "browse" Amazon and The Book Depository all the time and I can't seem to stop checkin out those lists on Goodreads with all the books released that month. I do a lot of pre-ordering because it's always much cheaper and I LOVE Netgalley.
ReplyDeleteHave you heard of project 10, some of the girls on Goodreads did it, they had to read 10 of their TBR pile books before buying 1 new book. Still needs willpower though:)
Good luck!!!!
I've been kinda on a buying ban as well...okay, so I have splurge moments that I'm weak. But I'm not buying a book a week like I was before. I've cut back a good bit. And the piles are still out of control. lol. What I do is make up for the time I wasn't buying and go kinda overboard when I do buy. *sigh* It's such an addiction. :D But best of luck to you!
ReplyDeleteI don't tend to buy books anyway (skint enough as it is), but I often go on bans on obtaining books from libraries/netgalley etc...my lack of willpower means it doesn't last long...I'm moving into a flat at the end of the month though...will have to TRY and cut down. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteAAAAH, Mel! Let us be on a book buying ban together! :) I'm sticking to one until November at the least. Like you I have books that have been on my shelves for more than a year and I really need to read them. I'm going to post my progress each Sunday. Care to join? x
ReplyDelete