Cheap reads

I've spent plenty of money on books over the last 30 years. The first one I really remember wanting to buy was "Tiger Eyes," by Judy Blume. I remember going crazy on those Sweet Valley High ones in junior high, too. And I had to buy many of the classics, from D.H. Lawrence to Emily Bronte.

I still like to buy them, but since my budget isn't so consumer friendly, I've made a new friend of the public library. I check out the popular new books section if I know I have time to read. These books are generally due in seven days and carry a bigger late fee than regular books. I didn't realize that until I noticed a $1 fine for returning George Bush's "Decision Points" a few hours late (OK, that's technically a day late at the library). The regular fine is 20 cents per day. The fine mysteriously disappeared. I count my blessings. A dollar is a dollar, and I now know not to be late again.

My favorite thing to do now is pick up audio books, which can easily run $30 or more. Seriously, how often will you listen to a book? For me it's once, so borrowing it at no cost makes much more financial sense.

Besides saving money, I love that I can listen to a well-told story while I do other things. When I worked, I'd listen on that long 45-minute commute. Now I listen while dusting and mopping. Granted I dust and mop slower than if I were just paying attention.

Tomorrow I plan to listen to "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins as I sort out clothes going to Goodwill.

Cheers!