Books... why so expensive lately?

S

sdd

Expert Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2006
Messages
2,116
Reaction score
1
Location
Johannesburg
I've loved books since forever, buying a couple hardcopies each month.

Is it just me but are books just becoming more and more off a luxury item. The hard copies are getting so expensive!

Have switched to ebooks for financial prudence. But they are just not the same.
 
The worst thing about ebooks is that I don't get to fill my library in the study. And the book smell is gone.
 
I'd contended that books provide better value than the other "entertainment" options available even at present price levels.

During my early years, books were the one thing that had a +- unlimited budget. Good call on my parents part - I shall be implementing the same.

Jola said:
Exchange rate would be part of the problem. #ProudlyBroughtByANC
Click to expand...
That contributes as well.
 
It's been a while since I last visited this forum.

I know why I favoured it so much... the tips and leads you pick up are wonderful!

Thanks Nanfeishen.
 
Secondhand book stores is also a great way to get books for cheap. I really picked up a few great bargains that way. Just December I found "The great train robbery", Micheal Crichton, a first edition release hard copy for R40 and it is still in good condition.
 
Last edited:
Books have always been insanely expensive, for as long as I can remember. In high school it wasn't uncommon for me to get excited about the new release in a series just to find it costs R400 upon release. I love reading, but novels just aren't worth that price, imo.
 
beans100 said:
Secondhand book stores is also a great way to get books for cheap. I really picked up a few great bargains that way. Just December I found "The great train robbery", Micheal Crichton, a first edition release hard copy for R40 and it is still in good condition.
Click to expand...

You should check if your local SPCA has a monthly book sale. I used to pick up books in fantastic condition for under R20. Prices range as low as R2 a book.
 
I liked buying 2nd hand books.. i dunno it just rocked reading from a read book?

Anyway with ebook sales up, labour costs increasing, petrol price (shipping), inflation and exchange rates i reckon prices are naturally & artificially higher
 
sdd said:
It's been a while since I last visited this forum.

I know why I favoured it so much... the tips and leads you pick up are wonderful!

Thanks Nanfeishen.
Click to expand...

No problem :)

As a "bookworm" i know there is a certain amount of pleasure walking into a new bookstore for the first time, especially when you have time on your side and dont need to be anywhere in hurry.
 
You guys reckon that Bargain Books in Diep River would have Stephen King's Dark Tower Series books?

I really want to get into them. Well them and so many more titles I've been missing out on...
 
antiques are generally more expensive :whistle:

*ducks and runs*
 
I have been collecting and reading books most of my life but basically stopped reading after kids arrived as I never got time. Since I got my tablet a year ago though I have started reading a lot again due to how easily accessible the ebooks are. Just bought the entire mistborn series for a grand total of a R120 odd for all 3 via kobo discount codes.

Not sure I will ever go back to paper other than for some special cases which I already own anyways.
 
Shake&Bake said:
You guys reckon that Bargain Books in Diep River would have Stephen King's Dark Tower Series books?

I really want to get into them. Well them and so many more titles I've been missing out on...
Click to expand...

They might, seeing as The Dark Tower is a pretty popular series. I found that a lot of time bargain books aren't 100% up to date with new releases and only have the biggest and most popular new releases. I've many times gone to them in search of a bit more obscure titles just for them not to have them. The latest was the second Witcher book, which was released in English a few years ago but which they didn't have any stock for.
 
Zewp said:
They might, seeing as The Dark Tower is a pretty popular series. I found that a lot of time bargain books aren't 100% up to date with new releases and only have the biggest and most popular new releases. I've many times gone to them in search of a bit more obscure titles just for them not to have them. The latest was the second Witcher book, which was released in English a few years ago but which they didn't have any stock for.
Click to expand...

Thanks - I'll be popping in when I pass there again.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X