Sarah's Reading Habits: Book Buying Excuses!

Sarah's Reading Habits is an occasional feature here on the blog where I delve a bit more into my mind as a reader and the habits I've picked up over the years.

This week I'm talking about excuses. I buy more books than I should, given how many I already own and haven't read, but somehow I always find a way to justify it to myself. Here are some of my most common excuses!

"I'm supporting the author"

Authors are amazing, and yet we're constantly reading what a tough industry it is to break into and survive in. By buying a book I am ensuring that author gets to write more of them. I think that's the best excuse, yes?

"I'm supporting my local bookshop"

Again, bookshops have been in the spotlight lately thanks to the Books are My Bag campaign. By buying a book from my local shop I am helping make sure it is still there in the future (so, you know, I can buy more books).

"It's SO CHEAP!"

We all love a bargain and I am an absolute sucker when it comes to Kindle sales and Kindle Daily Deals. Obviously it's only 99p for a limited time to I have to buy it right then, right? Right. And don't even get me started on The Works.

"Buying the e-book stops books cluttering up my room"

If I don't have to worry about where to store it then it's not a problem. Plus I can't see the books on my Kindle that I need to read, so it makes for a less intimidating TBR.

"I'm supporting a charity"

Charity shops are dangerous places for book lovers and it's where I get a lot of mine. I can't possibly feel bad buying them when I know the money goes to an awesome cause though can I?

"So-and-so said it was SO GOOD"

So a book is staring me right in the face and I know a friend or blogger I trust said it was amazing. I'd be a bad friend for not getting myself a copy.

"It's a present for someone"

And who cares if I'm buying them it partly so I can borrow it when they're done?

"I'm buying it with a gift card so it doesn't count"

It's not real money, plus someone gave you that gift card out of the kindness of your heart so it would be rude not to spend it. Same applies for birthday money.

What are your excuses for buying books? Or do you even need excuses?! Let me know in the comments!