Buying Books

I have partially completed part 1 of Amy's 2009 Book Challenge. I went to the book store and bought a book... for myself...for fun. It is grave surprise by Charlaine Harris. It happens to be the second in a series so I may need to read the first book before reading this one.

Now, for some reflections -
It was/is really difficult for me to go to the book store and buy a book - for me - for pleasure reading. This was my second trip with this challenge in mind! I actively use the library and I buy books at used book sales, garage sales or used book stores. I have always thought that this was environmentally friendly. I believe that this is a personal issue with frugality and being raised not to buy presents for myself. I can buy books that I love or want to read more than once. For example, I waited to read the first 3 Harry Potter books until friends had finished them and I could borrow them. I bought books 4-7 soon after their release. ( Number 6 had to stay in the trunk until I finished a big grad school project!)

I have no trouble buying books for my classroom. I believe that part of this is the book's length. I can stand in the bookstore and read a whole picture book and know if I love it and/or how I can use it. (I bought 3 on this trip!)

I have no trouble buying books for gifts and do so often.

Now the dilemma -
I obviously read all the time and do want to support the work of authors. This has given me a dilemma to ponder that I had never considered before.