I Didn't Buy a Book for 6 Months 📖💸 How to Genuinely Stay on a Book Buying Ban 

Maybe a bit off topic, but not really off topic, yk? I recently watched a bookshelf tour of a booktube channel and I was shocked to see/hear that they had entire series on their shelves that they did not like or actively disliked "just to have them". I was like, what? Why do you still own it then? Or people who love a series and then buy the entire series like three times with different covers. Is that really necessary? I don't know. Special editions, I might understand, but otherwise. I am just really shocked at the overconsumption of booktube, booktok, bookstagram, etc. I know I'm not alone with this, just wanted to mention it under this great video

I needed this! I have a hard time not buying books and I’m a sucker for sales. I need to keep in mind that the books will always be there.

I've tried to go on a book buying ban but I always break it when I see ebooks on sale for like $1.99. I'm giving it another try starting today. So, the fact that this video popped up for me today is kind of funny. Thank you for the tips and advice!

The library has been my best friend lately. Great work with your ban!

thank you so much for this video! i’m trying to go on a sort of book-buying-ban (have 2 preorders and might need some for school). i have such a problem with buying a book and if i don’t read it very soon after buying it, i lose interest and never want to read it. we get so caught up in what’s new and exciting to us rn, but when we actually read the books that have been on our shelves for ages, we normally enjoy them and turns out we did by them in the first place for a reason 🤦‍♀️ the tips are greatly appreciated and it’s so nice to be subscribed to a youtuber who doesn’t promote the overconsumption of books (and nobody talks about how expensive it is to buy books constantly!)

Thank you so very much, RG, for this very timely video. I came to the decision last month that my book buying had become out of control and that changes must be made. IN MY DEFENSE (that's what they all say), a year ago I decided to start reading again after a decades-long reading break. My bookshelves needed bringing up to date, so I started by removing many, many books that I knew I'd never read and that I had read but wouldn't reread. Almost everything had to go. So then it was a matter of watching booktube to find out what I wanted my shelves to look like, and to discover all of the books published during my hiatus. I learned about all of the new book genres ((fantasy, horror, romantisy (WTF?), romance, mythology, etc.)), and none of those appealed to me. And while I've never bought a book based solely on the cover, I have bought beautiful editions of known and loved classics. Now my bookshelves are not completely full but they are complete to me and they look the way I want them to look. I made a list of all of the physical, audio, and Kindle books I own and my TBR is huge, as expected. I'm now on a "Read What I Own" kick. I will unsubscribe from all but my very favorite booktubers in an attempt to change my RU-vid algorithm, and go back to music and comedy videos. I worked in finance before retiring so I recognized that buying all of those books (and other stuff) is not affordable. I may or may not treat myself to one Kindle book a month, but I'm so over the terrifying credit card bills and the decreasing checking account balances. Now I've just gotta stop Grubhub!! Anyway, thank you, my dear. I really enjoyed these practical tips, delivered with your lovely Irish lilt. You have honestly helped this 67-year-old California woman change her life. Go raibh maith agat.

Not to be dramatic or anything, but this is genuinely my favorite RU-vid channel x3 The way you talk about the things you read is so pleasing to listen to! Thank you for your uploads

I’ve been tracking books coming in vs books going out each month this year. 118 in vs 64 out. Most months were pretty balanced with the exception of April. I bought 75 books at my library’s used book sale for $6 or 8-cents a piece. It was a bargain that I couldn’t pass up. Now I’m working on reading down those 75 in preparation for next year’s sale.

Great video with some excellent points! I find the big tool to alleviate the problem of too many books or spending too much money on books is of course the Library. As you said, the Library is such a great place with updated books constantly. One little trick I use that works for me when I'm hungrily grazing through a bookstore is that I pick something up that I want, but then I make myself put it down. I walk away for awhile. With just a little time away, that impulse buy feeling lessens, replaced with logical thoughts as to why not to buy that book.

Applying to other areas of my life. Also been watching you around ten years, don't think I've ever commented.

I've gotten back into watching booktube recently, and I already find myself being influenced! It's a tough terrain.

Damn that’s impressive! Really appreciate the tips and advice.😊 I mostly read and collect graphic novels and some manga, but found myself wanting to purchase more with a whole stack of unread books. I really liked your advice about avoiding the fomo and prioritizing finances. If you decided to make videos about video games I know there will be people interested! All the best from the USA

This is actually such a great video, with really brilliant tips! I love the idea of putting the money you would have spent into savings, that's genius! And it's great to know your desire to buy books has actually lessened as a result. I have a reasonably small TBR, around 30-35 books combined over physical and digital I think, but I find it really hard to get below that threshold because I use the library too much :') So that's my challenge more than book buying atm! Although I can see myself trying to not buy any more for the rest of the year, and maybe implementing a ban in the new year :)

I am tsundoku so I honestly need to hear these tips.

I always pause on any bookshelf or single book in any video (or movie) and get upset if it is out of focus, the video is swiping too fast, or the title is unreadable. Found some good unusual finds but some that really were not.

This was super helpful and insightful. I seem to bounce back and forth between ban and go crazy! I do often feel overwhelmed by the amount of books I own that I want to read but just can't read fast enough

I am so glad you made this video. First, I love your channel, and I hope you continue making content. Second, I love library hauls and I hope you will do these videos too. I've found that watching book tube has increased my spending. I'm also not as excited over new purchases as I used to be. I don't like feeling this way. Sarting in August I am going to cancel my book of the month subscription and I am not going to shop on Barnes and Noble or Amazon. I am going to start using the library again. When I was young, the library, and our local used bookstore were the only places I had to get books from. I know I need to slow down the book buying. When something is no longer enjoyable then changes need to be made. Good luck on your journey of buying less books and figuring out what works for you! Take care and happy reading!

I am not on a book buying ban but this year I have bought just a few books compared to recent years. The reason is the new books haven't been very tempting (except for the Stephen King book) and the few books I've bought has been very old ones. Also trying to read the books I already have. I wish I could use the library but it is 30 minutes away.😔

Hi there Hi there Hi there Hi hey hello there