Today I’m taking off my author hat and putting on my reading cap!
It’s over halfway through the year, and I decided to analyze how I’m doing on my reading progress for 2021. Somehow, I’ve managed to average about 50 books a year for the past 8 years (except last year in 2020 I only read about 30).
As I took stock on where I’m at this year, I realized I’m on track with my 50-book average, in part due to Kindle Unlimited (KU). This is the first year I’ve had a subscription to KU (which is like “Netflix” for books where you pay a monthly fee and can read, well, an unlimited number of books). I wasn’t sure how I’d like it, so I decided to give their two-month trial a go. The two months was all it took to hook me.
What I especially like about KU is that when you finish a book, there are lots of suggestions for other authors who write similar style books. I’m able to try those authors without having to pay for each book.
The other aspect of KU I’ve liked is the ease of returning books that don’t jive. If I start the book and it’s not what I expected, I don’t feel obligated to finish it. To be honest, it’s somewhat freeing.
When I pay full price for a book, I feel like I need to push through and finish the book, even when it’s not really holding my interest or even when I don’t particularly like it.
However, when I’m paying a one-time monthly fee, I feel as though I need to make sure I’m “getting my money’s worth.” That means I give myself permission to “give up” on a book more quickly and move on to something that I like better.
Let’s face it, over the past ten years, the book landscape has really changed due to so many factors. And it’s changed for the better . . .
There are literally millions of books available at the click of a button. If you find an author you like, you can binge on all their books (not just their newest releases). It’s easier to discover similar authors. It’s easy to get suggestions within Facebook Groups. Books are fairly inexpensive (especially with monthly plans like KU).
My conclusion? It’s a wonderful time to be a reader!
What are some of the things you like best about being a reader in today’s current market? What is something you like the least?
Jody Hedlund
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I, too, love being a reader in today’s book market. There are so many excellent books that I enjoy reading and from which I benefit. However, the frustrating part is that there are so many excellent books that I enjoy reading and from which I can benefit that I can’t possibly read all the books I want to read in my lifetime. I am doing my best to read as many of them as I can.
I agree on the giving up part! If the book doesn’t grab me or turns out not to be my cup of tea, I return it. Just a lot easier than a real library!
I love KU. There are so books on there to try. I found Delaney Cameron and the Chapel Cove series.
I forgot to say it saves me time and money not having to visit a library especially with the pandemic if you figure in gas costs fines and the possibility of library closures due to public health concerns.
Facebook groups have been a fabulous source for book suggestions! My current book is part of a series that was mentioned in a group, written by an author I had never heard of, even though she has quite an extensive backlist. I’m so happy to have discovered her! And it’s thru KU!