The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion

Is anyone else freaked out that real, tangible, lovely books are going going gone? I was in a Borders in my area that's going out of business, but I wasn't in my normal book buying cheer. Then it hit me, I'm depressed that the Borders is on it's way out. Bookshelves and furniture must go! I feel like a grandma in a funk about technology but I LOVE real books. Anyone else having problems adapting to the "wave of the future"?

It is sad that we won't have as much choice as to where we get our books.

I really hope that libraries don't disappear, too.

But, I know what you mean about Borders. I have good memories of browsing, having a sweet snack, and generally enjoying a really good time picking out books and music.

I'm also sad about this. There is nothing like wandering the aisles of a bookstore or library and just browsing all those books! I hope this isn't a sign of things to come.

I've been lucky enough that the nearest Borders near me isn't closing. Thankfully. But I'm not so sure books will go entirely by the wayside. As long as there will be a need for them, they'll continue being there. Or so I hope...

i'm lucky that the borders near me is staying open...but bookstores can't compete with places like amazon and until they do or find a way, more will be closing...

case in point, i'm interested in the following book - 33 Men Inside the Miraculous Survival and Dramatic Rescue of the Chilean Miners - 25.95 at borders or 14.95 at amazon...even with my 40% off from borders, its still cheaper for me to get it from amazon...i do try to buy a couple of books a month from borders though, mostly mmpb that are on par with amazon prices for the most part

In the past 3 or 4 years both Borders in my area have gone thru the store closing process. Once this one is gone there won't be one anywhere near me. However, I do have a great Barnes & Noble and a monster Books & Co close by. But still, it's super sad that Borders is not going to be in my area at all.

My library is starting to go digital too. They have e-books and audio books that you can download from the computer at home. It is way more convenient for some people but there's something about being around the books and browsing that makes it special.

About Amazon being cheaper, I'm thinking once bookstores are gone they won't have anyone to compete with and they're going to jack their prices up. For example, Lover Unleashed (trashy, I know but really great reads) is $15 on the Kindle. That's like buying a new hardback from Target. I'm just hoping the authors are getting more money since it's not going to production.

unfortunately, Amazon has no control over prices of ebooks for all 6 of the major publishers due to what is commonly known as the Agency agreement...basically, the publishers set the price and retailers cannot discount them, whereas, they still can with print books

Borders is also closing in my area. I grabbed a bunch of those plastic book stands for $0.50 a piece.

I have to admit that I do love buying and reading books on my Kindle. The prices are just irresistible and I love having all of my notes and highlights organized so neatly and being able to download them straight to my computer. BUT there is nothing like the smell of a new (or old) book and the comfort of a bookstore. It just can't be replaced. I've noticed lately that when I finish books on my Kindle, I still want to go out and purchase the hard copy, or at least sit in the bookstore or library and thumb through it. It's as if reading the text isn't enough -- I also have to be able to leaf through the actual pages to really experience the reading. Sound crazy enough?

Do you know if they'll still take gift cards? I have one from Christmas...but I've never used it because there is no close Border's to me (I swear, I think my inlaws got me a Border's card SPECIFICALLY b/c they knew it would be a PITA for me to redeem)

they are still accepting borders bucks and you can still use your discount card so maybe...

Christine, you don't need to go to a borders to use a borders gift card. They are accepted online. I shop strictly online and I use my gift cards online.

THey will still have an onlie store as well. Much like what.circuit city did.

I find it a bit frustrating that now that I have the means to open a small bookshop, there is absolutely no way I could do it because of the changing market. I have a feeling that eventually all booksales will be online -- physical or electronic -- and that the only bookshops will be tourist attractions.

I agree. I love bookstores and libraries and will definitely be sad if they start closing down. I love my ereader for when i travel because its a lot better than carrying a backpack full of books everywhere, but when im just reading at home i like having the actual book in my hand.

I love just spending hours in and hours in a bookstore. I lost our Borders a few months ago and now a much better store close to where I work is also closing. We are getting a Books a Million in its space,a t least, but that is really not the kind of store that I am interested in. Not at all fun for browsing, just cheap books.

I've only been in one Books-a-Million, but thought it was pretty similar to a Borders, just had different decor and fewer chairs. It has been a while, so have they changed?