"If it's free, it's for me!"
Hand-me-downs, giveaways, rebates, dumpster diving (I'll save that topic for later!)--we're not particular about the method, as long as the price is
I'm especially this way about books. I am a voracious reader, but I am extremely reluctant to purchase books. Mostly, I utilize the library and the internet for my literary needs. I am very satisfied with those sources most of the time, but sometimes I would like to have a bit more time to savor what I'm reading. I put a few precious titles that I might like to own on my Amazon wishlist, and I'll purchase them if I happen to run across them at a great price (not free, but a girl's gotta compromise for the cause sometimes, right?).
So, here I am, loving all things free and all things bookish, with an occasional need to own said bookish items. Um, why didn't someone knock me upside the head and tell me to join Paperback Swap a little sooner? I signed up about two months ago, and *swoon* it is a union of all that is free and bookish and rainbows and puppy dogs and world peace and... Okay, a little exaggeration there, but I have been extremely satisfied with my experience there thus far.
I added some books to PBS I was intending to donate to Goodwill. That immediately gave me two credits. Then someone had one of the books I had listed on her wishlist (a Dr. Laura book that I considered flushing down the toilet cuz it stunk so bad) (that was a gift lest you think that I would actually pay for a book) (especially by Dr. Laura), so I sent that out and got another credit. I perused the site and added books to my own wishlist.
Since then, I have sent and received quite a few books. Many of the books I've received have been homeschooling resources. My favorite acquisition so far is a copy of the old Sonlight "Four Civilizations" curriculum. I've considered using Sonlight next year, but I have been afraid to buy it and then not like it. So even though it is an older version, it's neat for Hubby and I to preview the program and its philosophy. For free!
It is a tiny bit of a hassle to package and ship books that have been requested from my shelf. It's definitely worth the effort, and the average shipping cost of around $2.75, to have books arrive in my mailbox. For free! And I don't even have to jump into a smelly garbage can! Rock on!
3 comments:
That's way cool that you got to see the Sonlight program.
I would like to remind you, just in case you in need the extra encouragement: Sonlight has the 100% Guarantee so you can purchase the books and try them out for half a year and return everything if it's not for you.
...I realize Sonlight costs money--and I'm with you on saving money and doing things for free-but where else can you get so many great books with such amazing support? Sometimes, if you want the best, you have to spend a few coppers. [smile]
~Luke
Thanks Luke. I just wish coppers weren't so hard to come by! :)
Stephanie,
I keep hearing about PS, but haven't tried it. My husband really enjoys selling our castoff books on half.com, and we've done quite well there. May have to check this out sometime, though.
Post a Comment