Books, Blogs, Bookshops and Libraries

Reading Matters

I love the internet, I love the worlds it has opened to me - especially when it comes to finding new things to read.

There are some great review sites (personal and media) out there and my horizons have really expanded over the past few years.

When I worked in the bookshop this was expensively dangerous as I'd read about another new book that I'd want to read and find myself plucking it off the shelf (or ordering it in) and buying it straight away. Quite a lot of the time I didn't enjoy the book as much as I'd hoped.

For a while I didn't think about the library for these brand new books, to my shame I didn't realise just how many new books are available on publication in Norfolk's libraries. (I know better now I work for them!)*

Probably 90% of books reviewed that are produced by British publishers are available as soon as they are published, it is saving me a fortune. It doesn't matter if the review turns out to be better than the actual book - I haven't spent any money on it.

I'd like to say that I don't spend as much money on books now but it isn't quite true.
I now spend my money on books from America/Canada/Australia as well as building my antiquarian collection but I am buying less books. In fact Mr Norfolkbookworm has purchased far more books than me this year (probably by a 2:1 ratio so far) but he might not actually own up to this so I'll whisper it!

Perhaps I should now stop reading so many blogs and reviews and start reading the books they talk about. Then write about them.

Now where did I put my library card...



* I should add that this blog isn't sponsored by the library and it is just my thoughts not propaganda or advertising. Just happiness that I can get my hands on so many books and save some money for my other love - travel!