You Imagine discussion

Gas prices, the cost of grain, going to our beloved Indian Palace restaurant and having the owner, Amrit, say they're worried they won't be able to get rice soon.

What are people going to start scrimping on? Will books be one of them? Educate me on this one. Or just make a stab at it. Any answer is fair game.

What are you going to cut back on?

To be honest, I won't stop buying books just because of a recession. The more you read, the better you write. I tend to think most writers won't stop buying books as most writers are avid readers.

We (my family) won't stop buying books. We'll give up other things before books. The last thing I want to do is discourage or reduce the amount of reading that my 14 year old does. We'll probably make more use of the library, but we won't stop... there are worse things to be addicted to.

I will always buy books. Always.

I'll cut back on food before I stop buying books.

I'm going to cutback on my driving and use public transportation more, but I'm definitely not going to stop buying books. I might not go to the bookstores, but I'll buy the books online. There's nothing better than sitting on the balcony on a warm day with a good book!

NO! I don't drive yet and I save up for my own money!

I couldn't tell you the last new book I bought for myself (presents are different) but I refuse to pay the exorbitant prices most publishers charge. I wish I'd bought more books when I was young. A book I bought new in 1974 for 35p is now £8.99 - that's a 10% increase every year and inflation has never been that bad.

I'd rather cut Direct TV than stop buying books!

Or give up my cell phone.

Rachel

It doesn't cost me gas to buy new books, because I buy ebooks. I have two dedicated readers and also use my phone (well, I will when iPhone catches up with the rest of the cell phones. My faithful Treo died this month). They cost less and I can buy from my computer. If I can't find an e-version, then I just shop online and let someone else buy the gas and deliver it right to my door.

I would agree. Not buying books is simply not an option. Especially when there are so many excellent opportunities to find books without using gas. Now, I realize someone has to use gas, but it is better to cut down our share than to lose it all together.

I will fess up here to being an author and a publisher, but also a voracious reader. The cost of books is going up, sure but there are ways you can help the authors survive, keep the publishers in business, AND support your local libraries. We know money is tight everywhere.

So check with your local library about carrying eBooks. Mine has a great site that offers eBooks and audio books via the Internet. The ibrary pays for the book, you get to read it, and not drive to get it. Some say they hate reading on the computer, but a book is a book is a book!

I am secure in knowing that with my mind wide open, I don't have to even consider not buying books, I just let the library spend their money buying for me.

I will buy enough gas to go to the grocery and the library. The library is one of my favorite places to go. Pamela

i dont buy books, and the library's close enough to ride my bike, so.... NOT GONNA STOP READING! THE LIBRARY IS MY FRIEND!!

I definitely will not stop buying books. The library isn't much of an option for me since I always forget to bring them back on time and end up with huge charges. Silly me.

Libraries are good!

lol, libraries are my friends... i LOVE them! hmm, i should probly see if the book i put on hold is in yet... lol