Musing Monday: Reaction to Book Buying Trends

With hardcover book sales down to 33.3%, compared to 35% in 2009, today's Musing Monday asked for my reaction to the report on Trendspotting: Reader's Spending On Books.

My first thought is to put spending in perspective. We all have discretionary income. Where do you get the most value?

For example, if I go out to dinner I'm likely to spend more than the cost of a hardcover book. In a few hours the experience is over although it was enjoyable.

If I buy a hardcover book, however, it's going to last longer than a meal. And in the end I have something tangible to hang on to.

I still shop around for the best deal but like supporting independent stores too. For example, Mystery Lovers Bookshop in Pittsburgh ships free on purchases $10 or more. I also like Barnes and Noble that offers complimentary priority shipping to Hawaii, with no minimum purchase, for their members. It makes buying too easy at times.

My spending habit on books, however, is still under some control. I use my library often and maybe purchase a new hardcover once a month.

What's your spending habit on books and have you noticed a change?

Musing Monday is hosted by Should Be Reading.

Musing Mondays: Random Book and Free Naked Roommate

Today we were asked to choose a random book from our shelf and write about it. This was a tough task to do because I really wanted to cheat.

Instead of letting my eyes pick I let my right hand decide. The book it chose is The Naked Roommate by Harlan Cohen.

Okay you're probably thinking this is a walk on the erotic side of life. Actually, it's a college survival guide that I recently found at Hanapepe Library. 

If you're ever on Kauai, be sure to stop and see what treasures people have left behind here. There's an outdoor bookshelf that's open 24/7 and all books are free.

Why did I take The Naked Roommate home? Well, I was a college admission director for 20 years and then an independent college counselor. I decided to take the book and pass it on to someone with children in college or heading there soon.

Would you like this book or do you have questions on college admission?

1.  If you want my copy of The Naked Roommate, leave a comment saying so and I'll draw a lucky winner on February 14. This is a used book in great condition. It has a 2005 copyright and the cover is slightly different from the one pictured. I'll only be able to send this book to addresses in the United States.

2. If you have questions on college admissions, I'm more than happy to answer them if you leave a comment.

I think my right hand did a good job today.

**There were no entries for this book when the deadline passed. The contest is closed and I'll be listing the book on Paperback Swap. If you have any college admission questions please use the, "Contact Me" button at top of page. Thanks!**

Musing Mondays: Reading Resolutions and Goals

The Monday topic this week is: With the New Year here already, do you have any reading resolutions or goals (challenges aside) for 2010? Perhaps a new author? Genre? Want to read more non-fiction? Write more reviews?

My reading resolution is to enjoy the home library I have and read from my shelves. I'm going to do my best to reduce the number of books I buy. This means being careful when shopping on-line and in bookstores.

Whenever I think of buying a book in 2010, I plan to check to see if my public library has a copy. Here in Hawaii there are over 50 libraries and they are all connected. Chances are that one of them will have what I want.

In December I had a rough go when Barnes and Noble offered free shipping on purchases of $10 or more. That was way too convenient and easy (although very nice).

My other resolution is to read faster and write one review a week. If you don't see a review you can help by sending me a reminder. Your support helps!

(Musing Mondays is hosted weekly by Rebecca at Just One More Page).