I’ve asked, in the past, about whether you more often buy your books, or get them from libraries. What I want to know today, is, WHY BUY?

Even if you are a die-hard fan of the public library system, I’m betting you have at least ONE permanent resident of your bookshelves in your house. I’m betting that no real book-lover can go through life without owning at least one book. So … why that one? What made you buy the books that you actually own, even though your usual preference is to borrow and return them?

If you usually buy your books, tell me why. Why buy instead of borrow? Why shell out your hard-earned dollars for something you could get for free?

I don’t buy alot, but when I do, it’s because I’m not good at remembering to return the books to the library on time.  Not because I don’t get them read, just because I forget to take them back.  Also, it is not usually in my schedule to go to the library, so I’d rather just pick up what I want at the store.  Lots of times I’m not the one buying though.  My mom buys alot of the books I read and then just passes them on to me when she’s done.  I also thank God for my school library because I can get books from there without worrying about the deadline.  Teachers are excused from that, as long as it’s turned in by the end of the school year.

Another reason I buy is for my classroom.  Those are books that I want the kids to be able to read again and again, so borrowing them is not really feasible.  I do get some from the library, but don’t like to keep them too long because other teachers may need them.  So, I buy at every book fair (2X a year), from Scholastic, and Half Price Books.  I do have books in my library that were donated, but for the most part, I have bought them all.

Okay, so I do buy, but usually not adult books.  If I just have to have it RIGHT NOW, I’ll buy it; otherwise, I’ll wait and borrow it from someone.

What are your thoughts on this?  See all the comments at Booking Through Thursday.

I’ve seen this series of questions floating around the ‘net the last few days, and thought it looked like a good one for us!

What was the last book you bought?

It was a children’s book titled Those Shoes.

Name a book you have read MORE than once

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

Has a book ever fundamentally changed the way you see life? If yes, what was it?

can’t really think of one at this moment

How do you choose a book? eg. by cover design and summary, recommendations or reviews

If I’m in the store or library just browsing, then it’s usually by the summary.  When I go with a specific book in mind, then it’s because of a recommendation or review.  Most of the books I’ve chosen lately have been because I’ve read about them on book blogs.

Do you prefer Fiction or Non-Fiction?

Definitely fiction.

What’s more important in a novel – beautiful writing or a gripping plot?

Gripping plot

Most loved/memorable character (character/book)

Junie B. Jones – I taught kindergarten for 9 years and I can so relate to her actions.  She just cracks me up!

Which book or books can be found on your nightstand at the moment?

Twilight; I’ve heard all the hype and I just had to read it for myself.  So far, I am loving it!

What was the last book you’ve read, and when was it?

Poison Ink; started on Monday, completed yesterday.

Have you ever given up on a book half way in?

Not since I was in High School, but yes.

If you have a minute, pop on over to Booking Mama and enter to win a great cookbook!  It is called I Like You! by Amy Sedaris.  It sounds like a must have for cookbook lovers.  She has 5 to give away…don’t miss out!

This just in!  Hey Lady! Whatcha Reading? is giving away a copy of The Last Beach Bungalow by Jennie Nash.  It is even autogtaphed.