Physical Books
I will never give up reading physical copies of books. There is nothing quite like going to a bookstore with no particular book in mind, walking up and down aisles, and reading book spines. I enjoy looking and taking pictures of their cover art and stashing them in my own library.
If you’re looking to purchase physical copies of books, please consider purchasing from your local independent bookstore. If you’re not sure where to locate an independent bookstore near you, checkout Indie Bound. I found a locally black owned bookstore less than 5 miles from where I grew up by using it.
Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader
I received my Amazon Kindle Paperwhite e-reader as a Christmas gift back in 2015. I used it more as a paperweight than a physical book substitute. After a few failed attempts at finding a book in a local store, I finally caved and bought a book on it. And the rest is history. Its mobility and functionality are game-changers.
With adjustable light settings, a digital bookmark, and the time remaining in a chapter included at the bottom of each page as you read is stellar. PRO: it aids in reducing my carbon footprint by offering a digital format in which to read. CON: it lacks the ability to buy from any other digital bookstore than the one that manufactures it.
Scribd
For a monthly fee of $9.99, plus tax, I’m granted access to a plethora of audiobooks to listen to when I please. Though the digital library is vast, the only issue I have with the platform is it (typically) lacks newly released novels. So, I tend to use it for catching up with reads that have been (likely) sitting on my ‘To Be Read’ pile for a minute and some change.
Libro.FM
With a monthly fee of $14.99, plus tax, I’m granted 1 credit to apply to any available audiobook in its library. An added bonus, a portion of the profit Libro.FM makes through my purchase is split with a local bookstore of my choosing.
I selected The Dock Bookshop in Fort Worth, Texas because it’s black-owned and not too far from where I grew up. I started out using Audible, but once I discovered Libro.FM gives power to its members to financially contribute to independent bookstores, I quickly made the switch. P.S. if you decide to give it a try, you receive your first two reads on Libro.FM. Just make sure you list me as your reference when asked.
Book Clubs
The best way to learn about highly anticipated new releases and meet other book enthusiasts is by joining a book club. I’m proud to say I’m apart of three different in-person and digital book clubs. Each varying in terms of their location, type of books featured each month, and the number of club members.
Literary League (DFW Chapter): A in-person and digital book club for all who are interested. This fairly new community introduces its members to a wide variety of newly released novels that cover and challenge the norm in terms of race, gender roles, and female experiences. Join Here!
Lots Of Books: Azanique of Lotsofsassblog created a digital bookclub that focuses on books that share and cover Black experiences and stories. I’ve been apart of the bookclub since its inception thanks to a friend’s recommendation and I’m often blown away at the variety of genres featured. The community is so warm and inviting that you can’t help but feel as if you’re meeting with friends you’ve known for years.