Why I Read, Then Buy

We've all seen those posts from readers, especially book bloggers, where they bemoan buying or receiving more books than they could possibly ever hope to read. Now I'm not going to say that I don't have a lot of books (I will let my tbr shelf speak for itself), but I do think I have a different philosophy for book buying than some other readers.

I don't buy a lot of books.

If I hear about a book and think it might be up my alley, my first stop will almost always be the library. I am also fortunate enough to get some review copies. But my first instinct is not to run out and purchase the book.

I know, you are about to have some stern words with me about supporting the book industry. But here's the thing: I want my dollars to really count. I want to support the authors I adore, not end up with a house full of books I will never read again. I think of my book purchases as a way to say, "Hey, Nick Harkaway. I like what you are doing. Keep on writing." or "Elisa Albert, your book was really important to me."

There are some authors whose entire collections I hope to amass, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Madeleine L'Engle. Multiple editions? Yes, please. These are the books I will come back to again and again. I want them physically on my shelves for me to see, to touch, to experience over and over.

I don't buy as many books as some other readers. But my purchases matter. The books I buy speak volumes about what I value in a story and the things that I want to see in the future from writers and publishers.

What is your book buying philosophy?