The search for interesting reads can be tough. Lately, I've found myself in a bit of a reading funk, as the only amiably priced literature I've seen recently includes a 900-page Charles Dickens novel and a book picturing a windblown Fabio alongside a swooning woman by the grocery store checkout counter. Basically, books that no one with half a functioning brain cell would want to read.
Because I still get serious enjoyment from reading the backs of cereal boxes and could probably find something good to say about every book I have ever read, I tend not to have as many problems spending money on books as your average novel shopper. Despite this (and my propensity to buy more books than food on a weekly basis), like every college student, I have trouble parting with my money. I worry about the difficulties of finding a book that doesn't end up in an unread pile at the back of my closet.
When I started asking around for reading suggestions, I found I received one of two answers. Answer number one: ""Well, I've been reading this really interesting journal of neuropsychoanalytic theory about the application of quasars on the ..."" at which point I generally zone out because of my sheer inability to understand the words coming out of the person's mouth. Or answer number two: ""Books? I haven't read one of those since the third grade,"" which was no help either.
So what's a girl to do?
Well, to help the reading populace, who obviously share my purchasing woes, I've used some of my amazing undercover detective skills to come up with three foolproof ways to get good books for cheap or for free.
First, I know this will be a shocker, but visit a public library. They are full of these people called ""librarians"" who are there to help you. I have found from my industrious research that librarians basically stand around waiting for people to ask them where to find good books. Then they ""give"" you the books for no money at all! It's an amazing place.
Second, look around some used bookstores. This is for the more adventurous types, as the bookshelves and lighting create a maze that you can get lost in for days. If you think I'm kidding, try visiting Paul's Books or Avol's on State Street and you'll see what I mean.
Finally, for those who think it's too much of a hassle to leave the house, buy books online. This was my most exciting discovery, as it involved no human interaction whatsoever. The books just appear at your door a few days after giving them the number on that plastic card in your wallet.
Now that I've solved all possible money and book woes, I'll return to living in a world that's populated only by books and emerging only to eat. Now if only I could find a way to have food delivered the same way as my books...
Do you fancy that fabulous Fabio book façades are the only fantastic fictions of our generation? Send a feisty e-mail to Alex at kuskowski@wisc.edu.
