Sometimes can't participate in reading

[Dan]

So, one problem I've had with participating in the reading is getting the book. You see, I only read ebooks (I just can't be bothered to carry around paper books), and I only buy ebooks if I know for sure I'm really going to like it.

So, I check out my ebooks from one of my local libraries (living close to a state line allows me to have library cards in two different states). I could find neither Hyperion nor Tigana at either of my local e-libraries.

Has anyone else had this kind of problem, and aside from getting the dead tree edition, has anyone found a good solution that works for them?

[Tassie Dave, S&L Historian]

Dan wrote: "I only buy ebooks if I know for sure I'm really going to like it."

I find that strange. Do you go by friend recommendation? Good Amazon reviews. An enticing blurb. Best seller charts.
All of which have bitten me in the past. I just buy a lot of books and hope I'll like at least half of them.

If you rule out buying the ebook or the paper book, there doesn't seem to be another option.

I wish Amazon allowed Australians to lend books. I'd lend my books to readers on this forum if they did.

[Aloha]

Check out this thread which deals with the eBook issue. It seems like you don't want to buy it unless you can check the eBook out first from your local library, though. Amazon does let you sample an eBook.

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/8...

[Nimrod]

Well, I know why you can't find the Tigana ebook.. Not available in the US... (at least not unless you know how to get around that)

That being said, I agree with Tassie Dave... It seems odd that you would expect to only pay for entertainment you will actually enjoy... Isn't that like going to a movie and pay for it ONLY if you knew you were going to like it?

At the risk of going into a grey area, the solution is simple, find the ebook online and load it onto your device... when you decide you want to read it, pay for the ebook... Of course, you can also read a sample here

On another note... anyone else able to read the entire book on that link? (o.0)"

[Dan]

Tassie Dave wrote: "Dan wrote: "I only buy ebooks if I know for sure I'm really going to like it."

I find that strange.
Single parent struggling to make ends meet. Toddlers are expensive (but well worth it). Seem less strange now?

Do you go by friend recommendation? Good Amazon reviews. An enticing blurb. Best seller charts.
..."
A little of all the above. Mostly though, I'll typically only buy a book if I know the author.

If I've heard really good reviews, and have heard from a friend with similar tastes that an author I've never read is one I'll really like, then I might buy a book.

Reading a sample is a good way to get a feel for a book so I'll know if I'll like it enough to pay for it, though.

Maybe I just need to find a better ebook library, though.

[Nimrod]

Dan wrote: "Reading a sample is a good way to get a feel for a book so I'll know if I'll like it enough to pay for it, though."

Again, check out that link I posted for the sample... it may just be me, but I am seeing the entire book there!

[Dan]

Nimrod wrote: "Dan wrote: "Reading a sample is a good way to get a feel for a book so I'll know if I'll like it enough to pay for it, though."

Again, check out that link I posted for the sample... it may just be..."

It seems I can see the whole book as well. Now, if I can figure out how to download that, I could take it on the subway with me.

[Tassie Dave, S&L Historian]

Dan wrote: "Single parent struggling to make ends meet. Toddlers are expensive (but well worth it). Seem less strange now?"

Sorry, I wasn't questioning you not buying books. I totally understand people with families spending less in these hard economic times.

What I found strange was knowing what you'll like before you buy the books you do buy. Your answer makes sense. Sampling is something I do a lot of, especially if the author is unknown to me.

Have you tried asking your library if they carry audiobooks?

[Nimrod]

Dan wrote: "It seems I can see the whole book as well. Now, if I can figure out how to download that, I could take it on the subway with me. "

See now we go back to that grey area again... there are ways... but...

It's like with everything else... rules dictate you pay for the convenience... but rules can always be bent and/or broken... up to you which you do...

[Dan]

Tassie Dave wrote: "Have you tried asking your library if they carry audiobooks? "
They do, but I can't stand audiobooks.

[Tassie Dave, S&L Historian]

Are you sure you can see the whole book on that link?

There are random pages missing from the one I'm looking at.
Starting with pages 44, 50 & 56 then regularly throughout.

[Dan]

Nimrod wrote: "Dan wrote: "It seems I can see the whole book as well. Now, if I can figure out how to download that, I could take it on the subway with me. "

See now we go back to that grey area again..."

Yeah, and I don't like going those routes if I don't have to. I'll admit to downloading TV shows if I can't find them on Hulu, but with books, it somehow feels more wrong to me. I'm not sure why.

That's why I love the library. They've already paid for the books.

[Nimrod]

@Tassie Dave, heh, might explain it then, but it is pretty darn big sample... lol

@Dan, That's what I mean, but either way, if you want to get a feel for that book, that link may help you do so.

[AndrewP]

I have the same problem. It might take me a couple of weeks to get hold of a book and by that time the discussion is almost over.
My reasoning is similar to what has been said above. I refuse to pay full price because it might turn out like Blindsight or The Magicians. A book from an author I know well I will buy. For unknowns, if it's not available at the library, a second hand bookstore, or EBay then I am not paying $10- $12

[Jenny (Reading Envy)]

Hey Dan, I am a few books behind because life got crazy. I'm kind of thinking I might still go back and read Hyperion. The nice thing about this forum is that you can always keep the discussion going. Maybe I'll see you there!

[Skaw]

I prefer to get book club books from the library as well, and I'm having trouble getting Tigana. Its an older book so smaller libraries don't have it, and in the bigger libraries, its missing/stolen (or checked out). I picked up one of the author's other books that I've heard good things about, The Summer Tree to tide me over until I can get a hold of Tigana.
I may have to break down and get it in a used book store.

[Harold]

Skaw wrote: "I prefer to get book club books from the library as well, and I'm having trouble getting Tigana. Its an older book so smaller libraries don't have it, and in the bigger libraries, its missing/stole..."

I also had a hard time finding Tigana at my local library, but they were kind enough to purchase a copy upon a request mentioning that it was S&L's book of the month for June. It just came in. And man, is it big. There's no way I'm finishing this thing in a month.