As an avid reader and book collector, going to the bookstore is often the highlight of my week. But my wallet tends to disagree.
It’s hard to comply with my common sense when my favorite author just published her latest book. Or when a beloved book series drops a new limited edition with sprayed edges and upgraded cover art.
But why? Buying a digital version of a book is often much cheaper (and less physically involved) than buying hardcovers or paperbacks in person.
For one thing, Gen Z has been bringing bookstores back to life. This is mainly due to the rise of social media influencers who specialize in books. Through showcasing their book hauls, collections, and reviews, Gen Z is embracing physical copies in the age of digital media.
@readwithmeg this is all just my personal opinion!! 🙂 #booktok #books #bookrecs #bookish #reader #thesongofachilles #acotar #redwhiteandroyalblue ♬ i wonder what its like to be loved by you – favsoundds
I’m sure you’ve heard of “BookTok” and “Bookstagram,” which update you on which books need to be added to your shelf. “Book-fluencers” also garner attention for indie bookstores and reading trends to keep their audience engaged.
But social media can be used as more than a mere marketing tool. Interacting with other book lovers online can help you scout out new books you might enjoy or discover a local gem you never knew existed.
Book shopping has leveled up. And with this guide, so can you.
Prepping for the bookstore
While a spontaneous bookstore trip is always a delight, most bibliophiles have some idea of what they’re looking for when they enter. It can be as specific as a latest release or an old favorite, or as broad as a genre you’ve enjoyed lately.
Sometimes the best thing you can do to limit overspending at the bookstore is to walk in with a plan.
Setting a budget
The simplest yet most difficult constraint is a budget. Twenty dollars doesn’t feel like much when a single book is going for twenty-eight.
Having an idea of how much you’re willing to spend enables you to prioritize which books to pick once you’re there.
It’s better to be realistic when anticipating a shopping trip. If you tend to spend a hundred bucks per visit, space out your trips a bit to reduce the total amount you’re spending.
Deals and rewards
When frequenting a chain bookstore such as Books-a-Million, Barnes & Noble, or 2nd & Charles, keep track of upcoming deals. BOGO, 50% off selected hardcovers, or clearance sections can provide pleasant surprises.
In addition to limited-time deals, bookstores may also offer memberships that come with extra savings, perks, and discounts, typically for a yearly fee. If you’re in it for the long game, even becoming a free member can save you money.
Take stock of your collection
There’s nothing worse than accidentally buying a book you already own, especially since returning items is such a a hassle. Do yourself a favor: Look at what you already have and take note of what you’re missing.
Which series still needs the final novel? What books have you been devouring lately? Which ones are untouched?
Not only will you save yourself some pain, but you’ll also get a better idea of what you’ve been drawn to lately and what to look out for.
Make a book shopping list
Sometimes we want to go into the bookstore blind and see what calls to us. Several of the best books I’ve read were ones I didn’t plan on buying.
But other times, we need guidance.
I personally use Goodreads to keep track of books that have caught my eye. Whenever I feel overwhelmed in the bookstore, I scroll through my list and seek one out. You can also use apps like Fable or Bookmory to keep track of your ever-growing TBR.
But if finding books to read is a struggle, then I suggest turning to social media for book recommendations. Simply searching hashtags like “book reviews” or “book recs” can point you in the right direction.
For a more personalized recommendation, you can ask others around you. Friends, family, classmates, or even bookstore workers can give you in-depth suggestions for your next read.
Dress comfortably!
Bookstores can be massive, with rows and rows of five-foot shelves that seem to go on forever and dozens of genres and styles of books.
If books are your forte, you might be there for a while.
So, my advice? Wear comfortable shoes, stretchy pants that you can bend down in, and a light shirt for when your stack begins to get heavy. And bring a decent-sized bag to carry your things so your hands are free to rummage through the selection.
Selecting and navigating the bookstore
No one bookstore will be the same. Smaller businesses might be the same size as your living room. Others will be three times the size of your house.
How do we know where to go? And which type of bookstore works best for what we need?
Chain vs. independent
Bookstores can mainly be grouped into two categories. The large corporations that can be found across the country, and the local, independent shops that sell hard-won prizes.
If you’re looking for a specific book, you’re better off searching the tried-and-true chain locations. They’re stocked with big-name and debut authors, from the classics to the latest NYT Bestsellers.
Chain bookstores sell brand-new copies of books and are generally the places that are granted limited edition designs. Even Walmart and Target receive special deals due to their massive customer base.
But say you’re craving an adventure. Or maybe you’re hunting for a rare edition of an older novel.
@alienfieldnotes the most perfect name for this book shop 📍the gently mad book shop edinburgh, scotland #edinburgh #gilmoregirls #rorygilmore #books #bookstore #booktok ♬ original sound – Christopher
Then perhaps you should check your indie bookstores first. Chains may be familiar and possibly easier to navigate, but the local book shops can offer you an entirely new story.
Their collections are diverse and sporadic, with books that likely had a previous owner and are now waiting for a new home. Maybe someone is parting with their beloved first edition and wants it to go to a true bibliophile.
One thing is for certain: You’ll never be bored when exploring these novelties.
Where to start?
You have your list. You wore your favorite sneakers. You just enjoyed an amazing lunch at your favorite cafe. It’s officially time to dive in.
Where to first?
Nearly every bookstore, big or small, will have tables right up front with their latest picks. They may be new in stock or eligible for a current deal. See what they got. If nothing catches your eye, move on to the next stop.
Which genre is your go-to? Fantasy? YA? Historical Fiction? Self-help books?
Follow your own taste. For example, I’ve found that there’s always a new fantasy book that catches my eye.
Still got nothing? Take a stroll through the clearance section. You might save a few bucks, and sometimes you’ll even find big-name books due to a long shelf life or an overstock.
Time and patience
If you’re a dedicated book lover committed to scanning every row of every shelf, make sure to give yourself enough time to properly enjoy it. Bring friends along to share interesting titles or play book-hunting games to expand your horizon.
@larryreads BESTIE B&N CHALLENGE (kind of, not really, idk I made this up) @Marianna @Yana 📖✨🌙 #booktok #bookbesties #barnesandnoble #bookchallenge #bookishchallenge ♬ original sound – larry
And be patient. If you want to find the hidden gems, you have to give your eyes a chance to scan the various covers. Rummage through the “used” bins, and don’t forget to give the bottom shelf some love!
If you put in the work, you’ll reap the rewards.
Your trip is complete! Now what?
The adventure doesn’t end when you leave the bookstore. The only thing I love more than book shopping is bringing my spoils home. Most of the time, I’m already planning my next visit before I’ve even left!
Give your books a home
Books are priceless treasures. They have continuously stood the test of time, and they’re stunning when arranged on your shelf!
Once the titles are officially yours, you can properly integrate them into your collection. Have fun organizing them by genre, author, or even color. This is your own personal library, so make it feel like you.
@victoriareads_ Reorganise my bookshelf with me💌 #BookTok#bookshelf#bookshelftour#bookslover#bookaesthetics ♬ birds of a feather sped up – Kermit
Of course, remember to give your collection some love. Add decorations, collectibles, art, lights, and plants. Display your favorite covers. Stack a series in a unique way.
And remember to give it all a decent dusting every now and again.
Tackling the TBR
Book collecting is one thing. Actually reading the books is another.
You don’t need to have an in-depth, twenty-book list that you strictly adhere to. I typically just line up my next read as I’m nearing the end of my current one.
This ensures that I’m always looking forward. Any progress is still progress.
Keep up with the online book community
While reading the book is fun, talking about it afterward is the real delight.
Join your online and in-person communities to share the joy with others. “Booktok” and “Bookstagram” aren’t limited to book recs; they’re also hubs for jokes, fan art, and book news.
Publishers, authors, and businesses can spread the word on upcoming releases and new developments, offer peeks into Works-In-Progress books, and highlight gorgeous fan art and edits online to breathe new life into the story.
Keeping bookstores alive
The expectation that we must always be consuming has damaged our capacity to simply exist in public. And online shopping culture has somewhat dimmed the charm of bookstore visits.
But while social media, shopping reviews, and the people around us can tell us what we will like, nothing beats making the decision for ourselves. We have the greatest resource for constructing our own reading tastes right at our fingertips. Bookstores are crafted with the purpose of guiding you toward your next pick.
Spending time amongst the pages supplies a much-needed respite from the digital landscape. And honestly, there’s nothing like that new-book-smell to reconnect you with the real world.
Keep our bookstores open and thriving. All you need to do is browse. Exist within them and prove that they are worth it.
And while you’re at it, buy that adorable bookmark, too.
