Let’s Talk Bookish is a weekly meme that was created and hosted by Rukky @ Eternity Books and then cohosted with Dani @ Literary Lion. It is currently hosted by Aria @ Book Nook Bits and Dini @ dinipandareads. This meme has a discussion format, where participants get to talk about certain topics, share opinions, and spread the blogging love by visiting other posts. You can learn more about this meme here!

Hello! here we are with a new topic!

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Books are a magical escape, a window into new worlds, and a chance to learn something new. This week’s bookish topic explores whether we really think about the books we buy or if it’s just a matter of impulse.

So let’s dive into the process!

Do You Buy Books Randomly or Do You Think About What to Buy?

For many book lovers, the decision to buy a book can be impulsive. There’s something incredibly tempting about strolling through a bookstore or browsing online, discovering titles you hadn’t even heard of, and picking up something that just calls to you. That feeling when you find a book with a cover that grabs your attention or a synopsis that makes your heart race—how could you possibly resist?

On the other hand, there are those of us who are more deliberate when it comes to book purchases. We take the time to research books, read reviews, and perhaps even listen to recommendations from fellow bookworms before making a purchase. Whether it’s a new release from a favorite author or a book that aligns with a personal reading goal, there’s a sense of purpose in how we decide to spend our money.

So, do you find yourself grabbing books on a whim or do you carefully consider each purchase?

How Do You Decide Which Books to Buy vs Which Books to Borrow or Save for Later?

The decision-making process gets even more nuanced when we consider whether to buy or borrow a book. Libraries and book swaps offer an affordable alternative to purchasing new books, and with the rise of digital platforms, borrowing has never been easier. But sometimes, a book just calls for a permanent place on your bookshelf.

For some, it’s all about practicality. Maybe you decide to borrow books you’re not sure about or those you don’t feel an immediate connection to. Borrowing allows you to test the waters and see if a book is truly worth the investment. On the flip side, buying a book is often reserved for those titles you know you’ll revisit again and again, whether it’s a favorite author’s work, a classic, or a special edition.

What about saving books for later? With the rise of digital TBR lists and the ever-growing lists of “to-read” books, there’s a constant temptation to purchase books, but maybe you know you don’t have the time to read them just yet. That’s where saving for later comes in handy—buying a book to revisit when you’re ready or adding it to your list to track for when the time is right.

For Books at the Top of Your TBR, Is Your Go-To Buying a Book or Do You Check Your Library First?

Ah, the TBR (to-be-read) list—the never-ending mountain of books you can’t wait to dive into. But when a new book lands on your radar, how do you decide whether to buy it immediately or check your library for availability?

Some book lovers feel an irresistible pull to buy the book as soon as it hits the top of their list. It’s a sense of urgency and excitement—the FOMO (fear of missing out) is real when it comes to newly released titles. Others, however, are more patient. They’ll check their local library or see if an eBook or audiobook is available to borrow first. After all, why buy the book when you can read it for free or at a fraction of the cost?

I’m definitely in the camp of checking the library first. If it’s available and there’s no waitlist, I’m more than happy to borrow it and see if it lives up to the hype before making a purchase. But when it comes to beloved authors or books that I know I’ll want to keep forever, I don’t hesitate to click “buy.”

What Book Formats Do You Own Most Of—Physical Books, Ebooks, or Audiobooks?

Book formats have evolved over the years, and now we have more choices than ever when it comes to how we consume books. Physical books, eBooks, and audiobooks each offer unique advantages, and most of us probably own a mix of all three. But when it comes down to it, which format dominates your collection?

For some, there’s nothing like holding a physical book—flipping through the pages, feeling the texture of the cover, and even the scent of the paper. The tactile experience of reading a physical book can’t be beaten. Others, however, prefer the convenience of eBooks, especially when they want to read on-the-go without carrying around heavy books. Plus, eBooks allow us to have entire libraries at our fingertips.

And let’s not forget audiobooks! With busy lifestyles, audiobooks offer an incredible way to enjoy literature while multitasking—whether it’s during a commute, while exercising, or as a companion to household chores. Audiobooks have become an essential format for many readers.

I personally find myself in the physical book camp for my most treasured reads, but I’ve become a huge fan of audiobooks for my daily activities and eBooks for traveling. The beauty of each format is that they cater to different aspects of our lives and needs.

Buying books is such a personal experience, and there’s no right or wrong way to approach it. Whether you’re intentional and purposeful with every book purchase or you’re more of a spontaneous reader who lets your bookish instincts guide you, the joy of discovering and owning books is universal. As for me, I love finding a balance between buying with intention and indulging in those spontaneous moments where a book just calls to me. And at the end of the day, it’s all about enjoying the stories that await on our shelves and in our minds.

How do you buy books—thoughtfully or on a whim? What’s your preferred book format? Let’s chat in the comments!

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