I’m in Canada, so options available in Canada are especially appreciated.
It doesn’t answer your specific question and isn’t meant to be preachy, just want to say that I’m shocked more people don’t use public libraries for books they don’t want to keep forever. Check it out as often as you want, no need to keep it on a shelf, if you really love it, then buy it.
You don’t even have to go there! Ebooks and audiobooks are widely available through libraries too. Depending on your area you might also have access to free language programs or classes on other subjects. Emedia has really taken off with libraries.
I use the Libby app with my library card for digital loaned books and audiobooks, maybe the same system works with Canadian libraries
Are there any local bookstores near you still? I’m an American and we still have a few Barnes & Noble around, but there’s also at least one independent local bookstore that has a decent selection of new titles and can order most other titles currently available from publishers. They regularly have events with authors on tour, so that could be a way to find a store near you.
I appreciate local bookstores and brick and mortar B&N…BUT prices.
Unfortunately online is much cheaper than in store.
Sure, there’s a price differential, but I think of it as a “cover charge” for going and hanging out in their bookstore.
If the difference were only a nominal % I might agree with you.
When I bought the Complete Calvin and Hobbes the price at the local bookstore was about twice the online prices.
Ouch, twice the price is rough, fair enough.
Yeah but they don’t have the Robinson Jeffers book I’m looking for.
Can they not order it through their contacts?
Yeah probably.
But you’re better off coming down to Portland and visiting the mothership in person.
I haven’t been (to PDX) since before the pandemic. Powell’s is an excellent reason to change that.
If you want to support local book stores, you can use bookshop.org. not sure how that affiliate outside the US though
Secondsale.com has treated me well
Well there’s always Indigo, they’re not much better than Amazon but they do have a comparable selection. If you’re in Toronto, BMV has decent prices and variety of books, mainly paperbacks editions though. They’re website isn’t mobile friendly so in-store is the way to go.
Book outlet! They’re based in Thorold Ontario. They don’t have everything but I always check them first.
Looks worth checking whenever I’m looking for a book, but their catalog is very limited.
I just want to let you know that abebooks is owned by Amazon.
Last book I bought online was from Wob. World of Books. I don’t think they are owned by Amazon.
I use www.ethicalbooksearch.com to find the best second hand options in the UK. You can change your location to Canada, for which they say they search Awesome Books, Better World Books, Biblio and ebooks.
Maybe Thriftbooks? They do offer shipping to Canada but it’s not always cheap.
Abe books. Ebay. If the book is new, bookshop dot org.
But 💯 thriftbooks
Abe books is owned by Amazon :(
Biblio is a solid but not perfect
Yeah, looks like they have a pretty good selection. Thanks!
Kobo isn’t bad.
I’m looking for hard copy books. Paper in my hands!
Maybe a local independent bookstore?
Facebook marketplace for used books and used goods in general. Lots of good quality basically new stuff on there for cheap. I guess because so many Canadians just buy stuff without thinking and then it piles up and they need to make space.
Some neighbourhoods also have some boxes on posts (not sure what they’re called, they resemble mailboxes) where people can take and give away books for free as well.
You can also type ‘bookstores’ in google maps and seeing what local stores will come up.
AbeBooks. Usually better prices than Amazon, too.
AbeBooks was bought by Amazon in 2008.
dammit why do they own everything relating to books? I did use AbeBooks and they were great but I guess it’s still funding Amazon.
This is what I used and they’ve been great.
