Thrifty Thursday: FREE Summer Reading!
It's officially Summer, so that means time to catch up on that LOOOOOONG (I assume) reading list! And with this post, perhaps add a few more to that list. Books can be expensive, but here are some ways to bulk up your reading without depleting your wallet! These ideas aren't new or revolutionary, but sometimes it good to be reminded of your options. I mean, who doesn't love FREE?
~Public Library~
Yes, this seems like a no-brainer, but the county library is a GREAT place to get books! More and more libraries, especially within counties, are linked, so if there is a book you are looking for, but your local library doesn't have it, they can order it from another library and get it to you within a reasonable time frame. Usually about 2-3 days unless it is checked out. Another great feature is the reserve list. If there is a book you've been dying to read, instead of simply hoping to find it at every time you go in, get on the waiting list! The library will notify you when it is available and will keep it on hold for about a week (depending on the library). Picking one day a week (we go Tuesdays!) gets your kids to the library and in an environment where it is COOL to read. If your children are young, let them pick a huge pile to read each week. It's amazing how excited they get to pick their own stories! Good thing most libraries allow about 20-50 books out at a time! ;)
Along with the public county library, be sure to check with your local schools, elementary schools in particular. Oftentimes, they will open their library at least one day a week for families to come check out books in an effort to continue literacy through the summer. This is especially important for elementary aged children and checking out books from a place they (typically) love is a great motivator.
Another Library you may be able to check out is a local "Little Free Library". If there's not one in your community, perhaps you can start one! It'd be a great Eagle Project or Community Service endeavor. It basically is a small book stand where you bring a book to trade. It's FREE and a great way to share your old books collecting dust with your neighbors and friends. These are especially great for areas that have limited access to a county library.
~Borrow/Trade~
Again, not revolutionary, and basically the idea of the Little Free Library, but how many of us have bought the same book as our friends when really all we needed to do was wait a couple of days to borrow it? Unless you are a collector of books, it doesn't make sense to buy every book you read. Trade and borrow with friends and family!
To take it a step further, if you and a friend own a Kindle Tablet or E-Reader (not just the app) many books are lendable. This is a great option because 1) your book won't get lost/stolen and 2) they take up virtually no space in your home! Less clutter is always a win.
~Try Free Digital Books~
The Digital Age really is an awesome time to be alive, especially when it comes to access to information, including books! Often time when we think of "free" books we think they must be crap because the books we love cost about $20+! Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of junk out there, but price has little to do with it. What I love about free digital books is 1) It gives me a chance to try different genres, new authors, and "own" literally hundreds (if not thousands) of books without filling space in my home, and 2) I don't get frustrated if I don't like it-I just delete it and move on.
There are several online places to subscribe for daily, weekly, or monthly lists of digital book deals that are sent directly to your email such as BookBub and Freebooksy. I've personally used both and have bought many books from $0-$4. Another great (and free) online book reading source is Public Bookshelf.
Well, there you have it! Several ways to read for FREE this year! Now what? Don't have a list of your own? Let's see if we can find something for you! Below are some of my personal favorites, (coincidentally all with strong female characters).
1. I love Chanda Hahn's stories. They're an awesome mix of fantasy and sweet, innocent romance. She's a Christian author, but don't let that turn you off. She doesn't push a God agenda, but rather keeps her books clean of foul language and smut while exploring real emotions and confusion in a fantasy setting. Her books have just the right amount of suspense and mystery to keep you reading to the end. They are an "easy read" and would be great for your Jr. High/High School aged kids (and you of course). And best of all? Her first book, UnEnchanted: An Unfortunate Fairy Tale (link below) is FREE on Amazon, and the rest are very reasonably priced. I've read both of her series and LOVED them. I will definitely be reading more of her books in the future. My one personal gripe is that some of the Kindle editions have some crazy editing errors that can be distracting, but knowing they happen in advance helps you get over it, so there you go. Now you know. ;)
1) An Unfortunate Fairy Tale Series (5 books)
2) Iron Butterfly Series (3 books)
3) Underland
2. The Shepherd's Heart Series by Lynnette Bonner is a great Christian Western Romance/Mystery series. While each book could stand alone, it makes more sense read in sequential order simply because each book introduces a character that is expanded on in the next book. Beautifully written and (nondenominationally) God centered. I loved the sense of realness; real questions, concerns, emotions, etc. The first book is only $0.99 on Amazon and totally worth the dollar. These are also an easy read and I highly recommend them.
3. She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell is a great coming of age period piece about a young girl being raised by her father as she navigates high society during her debut. This book really made me think and had me questioning the conventions of society, then and now. It was personally eye-opening, while still a charming and warming read. If you like period pieces as much as I do, you won't want to miss this fabulous book. Sadly, this book is NOT free, but for $5 I think it is totally worth it.
4. Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith has been one of my most favorite books since I was in 7th grade. I picked it up at a book store during a National Junior Honor Society fieldtrip and have re-read it every few years since (so about 5 times?). It was originally published as two separate books (Crown Duel and Court Duel) but has since been combined into one epic novel. Again, a strong female protagonist who has to fight for her kingdom in different ways. A mix of fantasy and clean romance, this is sure to win your hearts over, young and old. Again, this Kindle books $5, and again, totally worth it! Or you're welcome to borrow mine...but I may be reading it again. ;)
5. Lastly, Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi is an intriguing sci-fi series that will keep you engaged to the last page of book 3! The series follows Aria, the daughter of a scientist in an enclosed society, and Perry, a tribesman in the outside world. As their worlds collide in more ways than one, this electric story will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Kindle prices for this series are on the pricier end, so this is great one to check out from your local library, borrow from a friend, or use a gift card on!
I hope you're inspired! I'm always looking for new books and series, so please let me know what YOUR favs are. Regardless, take the time to read something new and enjoy the Summer! :D
Smiles,
Madeline
