A couple years ago, I made a concerted effort to get back into reading. I’ve started tracking the books I’ve read since college, and have a goal of reading at least 24 books each year, or about 2 per month. While I do enjoy buying books, and I have several shelves of books still to read, I’ve discovered a few other sources for those who don’t want to buy individual books or want potentially more convenient ways of finding new books. Since I do most of my reading on my phone or Kindle, I’ll focus on eBook sources.
Library
In case you didn’t know, your local library probably has eBooks for loan. If you don’t have a library card, see if you can get one online, or check if your local branch is open now and try to get one. Then, check if your library system is available on Libby. This is the app interface for the Overdrive service, which is what most American libraries use to distribute their eBooks. You hook up your library card, and you can access their catalog through the Libby app.
The app has a built-in reader, so if you like reading on your phone or tablet you’re done. However, it also integrates well with Kindle and you can send any borrowed books there. Whenever there’s a book I’ve decided I want to read, and there’s no push to purchase it, I’ll check Libby. I’ll also open it up to look for something else to read. There’s often books being advertised by my local library branch, recent award winners, or new releases. In a pinch, I’ve found a few books by choosing a genre, sorting by random, and choosing the first available book with an intriguing concept.
Give this a shot. It’s the economical choice, and also encourages your library to be more involved in a wider range of media and literacy.
Amazon First Reads
This program was a new discovery for me this year. (It may actually be new, I’m not sure.) If you’re an Amazon Prime member, head over to the First Reads page on Amazon. Each month you can select one option out of 7 or 8 books soon to be released. You get that book for free to read on your Kindle, no strings attached. It’s now a part of your library.
Even if you’re not a Prime member, you can still choose a book for $1.99, and the others are offered at around five or ten dollars.
While there’s certainly some marketing and advertisement behind getting a book onto this list, it’s a great way to get your hand forced into trying out something if you’re on the prowl for a new book each month. I’ve found it to be a great way to read a contemporary book each month this year, leaving room for any other book that’s been stuck on my reading list. While they may not always be the next hit, I’ve found each one I chose to range from pretty fine to quite fantastic.
Another upshot: You also get reduced prices on print editions in some months if that’s your thing.
Assuming you’re a Prime subscriber, this is a great perk in addition to all the other random benefits you get with your Prime membership. However, perhaps you’re patient and a voracious reader unsatisfied by your library (or you don’t live in the US, in which case First Reads, and probably Libby, just aren’t available.) There’s still one more option if you don’t hate Kindles.
Kindle Unlimited
This is the streaming service of books. You pay ten dollars each month (at least in the US), and you get access to a selection of books. There is some limit on how many you can have “checked out” at once, but it’s nothing draconian. You don’t own the books, they don’t stay in your library, so this is for someone who just wants books to read in a convenient way. As you may expect, there are a few random perks thrown in. Audiobook narration is included in many of the books, and apparently there’s a magazine side as well.
Another benefit is that books go into Kindle Unlimited one month after they are offered in the First Reads program. It’s unclear how long they may stay, but that could be an interesting perk for anyone who particularly enjoys modern fiction.
If you’re looking for a streamlined option to throw another bit of money at each month and get a decent selection of books1, and you read enough to justify the cost, then go for it.
- Don’t get Kindle Unlimited if you often have a specific book you want to read, expecting it to be available. You’ll likely be disappointed. It’s great for spelunking around to find a new book that you’ve basically already paid for. ↩