Book Buying Addicts Anonymous discussion

Because of my over indulgence in purchasing in September and October I have put myself on a book buying freeze for the month of November and possibly December. I have done pretty well. I did slip for Kismet: A Serendipity Novella (I was so excited it was out it didn't even dawn on me that I had spent money on a book until 2 hours after I bought it. Plus it's and ebook I can argue that that doesn't really count, right?). Anyway the month has been going pretty good I've found other things to do other than shop at used book stores but today is not going well. I've had a rough morning and I could really really REALLY use the comfort of browsing through some bookshelves. I'm trying to stay strong, but it's just so hard!!!!!

Shannon, if you must browse but not buy (tough, I know) I'd suggest maybe visiting your local library. Good luck, I know you'll need it. :-)

I'm right there with you Shannon. I put myself on a book buying ban a few weeks ago that should last until the end of the year, with the only exemption being books bought as gifts for others for the holidays. So far I've only slipped up on one book. Today I was about to buy a bunch more off Amazon, but I stopped myself by fully realizing how many books I own that I haven't read, particularly on the subject that the books I wanted to buy were on. So far that has calmed me down, and Ive been in a state of book restriction peace for the few hours since. Hoping it holds

I've given up on these book bans. I've tried so many times over the years, only to feel like dirt when I broke down and bought a book. People! Books make us happy. How many people can truly say that? Why do we punish ourselves for loving books too much?

Well I caved tonight once I saw the book I've been wanting real bad went on sale, but stay strong Shannon

I have also put myself on a no-buy stop for November and December. But alas! I fell off the wagon early in November, I bought 8 books online (granted, they were good bargains, but still it all adds up y'know!) and two days ago I bought Isaac Asimov's Prelude to Foundation in the train station's book store while waiting for the train! *sigh* I really want to cut down on all the book shopping, for I buy books faster than I can read them! Not to mention that space is becomming an issue...

I'm still holding on, but a big shopping weekend is approaching. Luckily I really don't have a need to be out in the hustle and bustle as I prefer shopping online so hopefully I'll make it through the weekend. Wish me luck!

Give in, Shannon. Give in to temptation. Come into the light!

I'm so happy I'm not the only one that has this problem! haha I said the same thing about Nov no book buying.. and I've been doing great! I feel as though tomorrow I will fail though. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I've resisted buying books for the past few weeks, but I fell off the bandwagon yesterday. Still it wasn't too bad as I only purchased three books, two of them were manga so it won't take too much time to zip through those volumes. :)

Wow, good luck Shannon! This has to be the toughest part of the year to not go out buying.

The only thing that stops me from buying more books than I already do (apart from the money...) is thinking of all the unread books I have waiting for me on my shelves. Maybe if you get the buying urge, you could browse all your unread books? Pretend like you're at a bookstore and pick one of your books up to 'buy'. =D

Or just hide all your money, get your partner/friend/family member to change your passwords on your internet buying accounts... Good luck!

But don't feel bad if you give in and buy books ;) Books are nice.

I put myself on a "Book Buying Ban" in September, and it lasted 2 months...my hubby bought me a BUNCH (13!)of books for my birthday earlier this month...Well, technically he only got me 7, then gave me a gift card for the bookstore, so when I went to use my GC...it was like that FIRST purchase....that lead to craziness again...I came home and spent the birthday money my parents sent on more books at Amazon!! =/ I am hoping to be able to return to my book buying ban again come the first of the year, but I don't know....Christmas is coming, it may set off the craze all over again!

I bought a kindle earlier on this year and it actually stopped my book buying habbit rather quickly..lol In someways I'm happy about this cause

a) saves me money
b) got a huge tbr anyway that i need to get through
c) kindle allows me to get some books for a cheaper price now :)

Tajma wrote: "I've given up on these book bans. I've tried so many times over the years, only to feel like dirt when I broke down and bought a book. People! Books make us happy. How many people can truly say tha..."

I gave up on restricting myself, too. I feel there are much worse habits for you than buying books that are actually harmful. I have over 600 books, and I keep buying, and my sweetie just goes and buys me yet another bookcase. I only buy discounted books, even when I go to someplace like Barnes & Noble, and the rest of my books are from book fairs or paperback trading places, so I don't feel so guilty.

I'm happy to report that I made it though the holiday weekend without purchasing a single book! This was accomplished mostly through my fear of crazy holiday shoppers, they kept me far away from the local shopping areas, lol. I should mention that I'm not not putting a stop to my book buying to save money as I buy most of my books used and therefore don't feel too bad for what I spend but in organizing my bookselves here on goodreads I realized between September and October I bought 110 books and to day I have read...... one. Normally I wouldn't really care but I'm living at someone else's house until the purchase of my house is complete (hopefully that will be any day now) and I have the feeling if I bring in one more book my books and I will be put out ;-) ok it's not that serious but really I've run out of room on my two bookshelves that are in the house. I really need to make some room before I buy anything else.

I haven't really tried to "ban" myself, but I have been trying to only buy books for series I currently have!! :) Has helped a little.

Rehab is officially OVER! I bought 8 books on Friday. Sadly I already owned 3 of them. Out to the trade websites they go!

I've been doing so well. I've mostly brought books from Friends of The Library sales or from Haif Price Books from their clearence rack. I just sold a bunch of books yesterday at HPB. Only got $5 but I have room for new books. :)

I plan on going on a book-buying ban for the entire year of 2012. I went insane with book-buying in 2011, and I do mean insane. I own enough good books to last me for at least a few years so I need to start making a dent in that pile and less of dent in my bank account

I'm going to try for no more than 3 books a month. Unless they cost $1.00 or less.

Good Luck Chrissy!!!!!
I have tons of books but no way could I last for a year. December was bananas for me thought (I ran across a sale that had paperback for only 50 cents each and end up buying 57 books at that one sale alone) Needless to say in January I really need to curb my buying...... Well starting today, so the 12 books I bought yesterday don't count.

Shannon wrote: "Good Luck Chrissy!!!!!
I have tons of books but no way could I last for a year. December was bananas for me thought (I ran across a sale that had paperback for only 50 cents each and end up buying..."

I thought I was bad with 22 books at once, and this was after going without for 6 months.

Karen M wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Good Luck Chrissy!!!!!
I have tons of books but no way could I last for a year. December was bananas for me thought (I ran across a sale that had paperback for only 50 cents each a..."

I have a bad habit, hence my need for rehab. I make myself feel better about it by realizing that most of the books I buy only cost a dollar. Love my local Goodwill Stores.

Thanks for the support Shannon!

My book-buying wasn't a problem until last year when I went crazy (and I place some of that blame on joining GR). Yesterday I tallied up how many books I bought myself last year which was around 148, not to mention the 15 or so books I received as gifts last year. I also tallied up how much money I spent on books for myself last year, and I was completely SHOCKED! Despite the fact I try to not pay over $5 for a book, the number was still incredibly high. At this point in my life, I can't afford that so hence my book-buying ban for 2012. And I'm really serious about it this time. I imagine I will be coming back frequently to this thread though when the itch hits and I'm trying not to cave.

Well, you could do what Susan Hill did, she wrote a book about her "ban". I thought this was a brilliant idea - it could keep you distracted from all the books you aren't buying when you're not reading all the books you already have. I am not one to talk AT ALL. I have thousands of books, the majority of which I've not read - yet I keep buying... *sigh* And, yes, I bought this one too...!

Chrissy wrote: "Thanks for the support Shannon!

My book-buying wasn't a problem until last year when I went crazy (and I place some of that blame on joining GR). Yesterday I tallied up how many books I bought my..."

Chrissy let me know whenever you need a cheering session and I will tell you I am in awe of your willpower ;)

Samantha wrote: "I've tried book buying bans and they last a few days at most. When I get paid I take care of the "have-to" stuff like bills and then the leftover money goes to books. Like the comment above I thoug..."

I have exactly the same feeling. I am at work or communting for 14 or 15 hours a day, 6 days a week and have zero free time for anything except sleeping and eating. So I buy books to read on my commute, and my bills get paid first obviously but I indulge myself.

I do need to cut down a little bit right now though, I have so many that I need to read I have started piling them up on the floor because they don't fit on my shelves anymore lol. So I am not going to buy anything except ebooks, and only ebooks that are less than $5, until all my paper TBR books fit on the shelves again. Or until I give in because of a good deal lol.

Chrissy wrote: "Thanks for the support Shannon!

My book-buying wasn't a problem until last year when I went crazy (and I place some of that blame on joining GR). Yesterday I tallied up how many books I bought my..."

Chrissy do you have a Kindle? I got mine in November and have downloaded around 350 free books. It's definitely sublimating the desire to buy books. I got money for Christmas so that was why I went on a binge but when the moneys gone the binge will be over.

Karen M wrote: "Chrissy wrote: "Chrissy do you have a Kindle? I got mine in November and have downloaded around 350 free books. It's definitely sublimating the desire to buy books. I got money for Christmas so that was why I went on a binge but when the moneys gone the binge will be over."

Nope, I don't have a Kindle currently. I read mostly non-fiction military history and am very particular about which books I read, so the vast majority of free books available wouldn't interest me. And I can almost always get a very good used copy of a book I want for less than the cost of the e-book version. There are a few classics that I want to read eventually that are available for free as an e-book though

Chrissy if you can stand reading on your computer then the classics can be downloaded to either the Kindle or Nook Apps. I started with the Kindle App on my computer for the first few months and found I had no trouble reading for a few hours a day but I know some people's eyes bother them.

Okay, i just found 2 "new" (to me) Used book stores within 20 miles of me in Charlotte. I am going with my daughter this weekend with a budget of $40!! What do you think?? Think I should leave the debit card at home and take cash only?? What if I get in there and can't leave... i am gonna be doomed. :O

I'm excited for you Alondra. Nothing like a new book store to brighten up the weekend! Do try to be careful, the cash only idea might be a good one ;)

It gets easier when you don't have alot of money and you're running outta book shelf space at home. I still occassionally buy a book, but it's fewer and farther between now and it's gotta be something I really want with space so limited left.

Alondra wrote: "Okay, i just found 2 "new" (to me) Used book stores within 20 miles of me in Charlotte. I am going with my daughter this weekend with a budget of $40!! What do you think?? Think I should leave the debit card at home and take cash only?? What if I get in there and can't leave... i am gonna be doomed. :O "

My used bookstore is run by the Friends of the Library and they don't take plastic. Cash or checks only. I haven't had any checks for my account in about 4 years.

Alondra wrote: "Okay, i just found 2 "new" (to me) Used book stores within 20 miles of me in Charlotte. I am going with my daughter this weekend with a budget of $40!! What do you think?? Think I should leave the ..."

probaby a good idea but what if you breakdown and need money- give it to your daughter for safe keeping with strict instructions

last year I bought 220 books and over nearly 250 books to read

I know I am not going to be able to not buy a book so I have said no more then 100 and that inc swapping. I have books everywhere on the floor , in containers no space

thanx for all the ideas. we went that weekend and got about 28 books, most from Goodwill. The used bookstore prices were $4 for hardbacks or more, if brand new; and $4 or less for paperbacks. Goodwill has been a treasure trove and we enjoyed it immensely. Picked up 18 more from Goodwill this past weekend; there used to be slim pickings, but they have redone all the shelves. :D

That's great Alondra! I regularly find myself driving across town just to see what books other Goodwill stores have. It's one of my favorite places for used book shopping.

I'm very proud to say the first two months of my year-long book ban have gone well. I haven't lapsed at all. Yesterday was the first time I bought a book in 2012, but it was for my step-dad's birthday in a few days so that doesn't count

Good job Chrissy! Keep up the good work.

I did a bad, bad, bad thing...not really but I did buy a bunch of used books with Christmas money. They went and had a clearance sale, so who can resist a book for 27 cents??

This year in going to try my hardest not to purchase many books until I've reached my goal of 50 books read!! Basically it's so I don't get annoyed at myself for so many unread books!! Blegh lol

Love goodreads, for I have discovered others here like me who are "fasting" from the purchase of more books. I never heard of anyone doing something similar until I came here. Hello, fellow book addicts!

My book-fast, as I like to call it, started last November. My rules are no more book purchases for a whole year (through November 2012). The only exceptions to this are utilizing gift cards and if books are given to me as gifts. Oh, and an online book swap I participate in, but the books there only come in to average one book a month, if that.

So far, I have managed to do very well and not purchase any books for myself. Well, I did use a couple of gift cards for Half Price Books from Christmas, but that is allowed. ;) Perhaps it is those purchases that has helped, but, as of now, I think I will be able to get through this year just fine.

Ask me later this year how I'm doing...

Hang in there, fellow addicts! We can hold on through this challenge together!

I am on a buy-only-what-you-need regimine until I get my credit cards paid off. That should be done in one more month.

Karen M wrote: "I did a bad, bad, bad thing...not really but I did buy a bunch of used books with Christmas money. They went and had a clearance sale, so who can resist a book for 27 cents??"

That is awesome! we all would have been disappointed if you hadn't bought anything with great prices like that! cool :)

Hi- my name is Joanne and I'm a Book Buying Addict --and I see I've finally found my home :) I'm not the only one with a house full of unread books but keep buying more ... I couldn't even consider putting a ban on myself, I'd never survive. Things did slow down a bit when my local Borders closed, and I don't really have a book store nearby to just hang out in, which I really do miss, but I've found spending time on Amazon can be just as deadly, and I don't even have to leave the house. I too got a Kindle last year and have 1100 books on it !!!!! Like when do I think I'm EVER gonna get through them all !! And then there are the shelves and shelves of unreads in my house -- I just love books, I bought 3 today from Amazon at work -- it's hopeless.

I went three weeks without buying a book. I was actually proud of myself, which is so sad! Unfortunately I caved on Sunday and bought six books..but I try to justify it by telling myself that at least I bought used books!!

I'm a week in, and I'm already having a hard time not buying.