Where to Get Books for Little to No Money

I am a huge proponent of free and cheap books. Growing up, we didn't have much money but I always had access to books, and learned how to acquire them without spending a lot of money.  Here is a (non-exhaustive) list of sources where can be found free or inexpensive books. 

1. Public Library
• Many library systems now have electronic borrowing options such as e-books and audiobooks, as well.
2. Free PDFs online
3. Free audiobooks
1.  Spotify 
2. YouTube
3. Librivox
4. Free E-Books
5. Flea Markets, Garage Sales, Thrift Stores
• Online/mobile app versions of these such as:
• Craigslist
• Ebay
• LetGo
6. Dollar Stores, e.g. Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Dollar General
7. Used Book Stores
8. Discount Book Websites
9. Borrow and swap books with friends and family

              Note: Free audiobooks and free e-books tend to be Classics/out-of-print books. 

Where have you found great books for free or very inexpensively? Do you have a favorite method to buy cheap books? Comment below!

REVIEW: As A Man Thinketh by James Allen

As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Image credit to Goodreads.

This "create-your-reality-with-your-thoughts" books is more of a "what, and why" rather than "how". This book serves as a harsh introduction or a strong review of the concepts in the book. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it as much as I did the first time I read it so, it still gets 5 stars.

This quote really struck me:

‘It has been usual for men to think and to say, "Many men are slaves because one is an oppressor. Let us hate the oppressor." Now, however, there is among an increasing few a tendency to reverse this judgment, and to say "One man is an oppressor because many are slaves. Let us despise the slaves." The truth is, that oppressor and slave are cooperators in ignorance. And, while seeming to afflict each other, are in reality afflicting themselves. ... He who has conquered weakness, and who has put away all selfish thoughts belongs neither to oppressor nor oppressed. He is free. A man can only rise, conquer, and achieve by lifting up his thoughts.’

Progress Report

It is July 2nd. I have read seven books total.

Oiy.

I have decided that if I reach my goal for the year, I will reward myself by purchasing a 1st-edition copy of Digital Computer Electronics.

It's still possible. Difficult, but possible. Stay tuned.

REVIEW: Happier: How Gratitude, Appreciation, and Kindness can Transform Your World

Happier: How Gratitude, Appreciation and Kindness can Transform Your World by Andy Lacroix
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Image credit to Goodreads.

This book is full of oversimplifications and sweeping generalizations. It is an incredibly superficial treatment of the subject, and is incredibly vapid. There is little substance to this book. There are some vague references to "scientific studies", that are meant to support the message the author is trying to put across. The text is repetitive, and the definitions of the key words presented by the author are incorrect; they're not the dictionary definitions, they are some singular interpretation of the author's.

I did find the idea of exercising gratitude, "appreciation", and kindness, as though it could be something a person can get better at with practice. He did also put forth a "30-day Challenge", which I thought was interesting as well, to practice the above every day and record it in a journal.

However, I wouldn't recommend this book, I wouldn't read it again, and other, better books have been written on the subject.

Progress 1 June 2020

The year is officially half over and I have read 5 books.

:-\

     Type in the comments the number of books you've completed so far.

Autodidact: 120 books in 2020

I have decided to read 120 books in 2020. That's the equivalent of one book per month for the past 10 years (including 2020) (which is the amount of time I've had a Goodreads account). To read 120 books in 2020 I need to complete about 2.3 books per week. I've never completed Goodreads challenge for myself where I've set a high number, but this year it's not just about the number, it's about gaining as much knowledge as possible. I will keep you updated on my progress as best I can. What are some things you want to accomplish in the book world this year?