Recent comments in /f/books

rpbm t1_j4m319q wrote

Reply to Without access to a library, what is the best and most affordable way to read a lot? by sadlegbeard

You can get a refurbished 2018 model on Amazon right now for 49.99. I had one for years, it always worked perfectly.

I upgraded to the 2022 because it had more storage, but if you’re not like me and insist on having most of your books ON the kindle, not just available to download, the smaller storage is fine.

The plus to Amazon refurbished is they give you basically the same warranty you’d get on a new one.

I bought my first kindle in 2009, more because “hey it’s cool I want one” than because I thought it’d be well used. It’s so convenient-I no longer buy purses based on how many books they’ll hold—so long as it holds my kindle, I have thousands of books available wherever I am.

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JaneAustinPowers t1_j4lmzyf wrote

Reply to Without access to a library, what is the best and most affordable way to read a lot? by sadlegbeard

Please call your local library! I used to work outreach services and you’d be surprised how many service points there are — this includes shopping centers, firestations, etc. Not to mention, random outreach happens at various places like farmer’s markets, school functions, festivals, etc

Also, you might get lucky and the library can do things over the phone, like at my former library system, it was possible to get an e-card since we don’t need to see IDs since it’s for electronic resources with the small amount of info you give so then you can have access to ebooks and audiobooks on your electronic devices.

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ToraAku t1_j4lijce wrote

Reply to Without access to a library, what is the best and most affordable way to read a lot? by sadlegbeard

  1. Call your local library and ask what your options are. Some libraries even have the ability to ship books to patrons who can't make it to the library.

  2. If you are considering an e-ink (I have an old nook that still works great that I use but of course there is also kobo and Paperwhite) check with your local library regarding compatibility, some brands may not work with your library's systems. For example, my library uses Cloud Library which works with kindle fires but not paperwhite.

  3. Read on your phone or tablet. Even if you had trouble with the Fire, you may find one of these works for you. An app like CloudLibrary, Libby, Hoopla can give you access to e-books, e-audiobooks, and even tv and movies and music all for free through your library.

  4. Even if you can't use a phone or tablet, these services have web addresses you should be able to access through your library's website, so you can read on your PC.

  5. Read on your PC through free sites like Project Gutenberg.

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dietwatermelonvodka t1_j4l5bmk wrote

Reply to Without access to a library, what is the best and most affordable way to read a lot? by sadlegbeard

Kindle was so worth it for me personally. Ebooks are by far the cheapest way to read so finding a device you're happy to read on is a good idea. All my suggestions are for eboosk.

Do take seriously what people say about library ebooks, call your nearest library and see how they can assist you or look on your library's website if they have one and you're already a member.

Outside of the library you should look at ebook subscription services. They're basically like a streaming platform like Netflix but for books. So none of them have everything but they all have a lot of options. I've never subscribed personally but I found the article below which rates them below. Its a good thing to ask for as a gift too, a couple family members could band together and get you a year of books for under $200.

https://bestwriting.com/blog/best-ebook-subscriptions

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abu71120 t1_j4l1dvn wrote

Reply to Without access to a library, what is the best and most affordable way to read a lot? by sadlegbeard

I read on my phone with the settings switched in the kindle app (I use Kindle Unlimited) or the Libby App (free ebooks from the library) for the screen to be black and the font white. That has helped TONS! Another option is an inexpensive pair of blue light blockers or a blue light coating on your own glasses. We also check out a lot of audio books from Libby (and Hoopla is also an option at a lot of libraries) and play them when we can’t sit down to read like while going on trips or commuting to work etc.

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bishrexual t1_j4l0l4n wrote

Reply to Under the Whispering Door by Klune, an after death exploration of what it means to live a good life by boxer_dogs_dance

Personally, I give it a 5/5. I read two of Klune’s books - Whispering Door and Cerulean Sea - back to back in the weeks following the abrupt death of my father, when I was struggling to find comfort in books. Whispering Door had me weeping every night. I was deeply touched by the care and sensitivity with which Klune handles the issues of death and grief in his writing. Likely due to my emotional state when I read these books, that struck a deep chord with me. I have devoured books related to grief in the last few months, and very few books gave me comfort the way Klune’s did.

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