Let's Talk is a new semi-regular discussion post. This is where you can suggest a topic in the comments. I will select one that might be interesting to the book community and I'll create a post. Then you can get in the comments and join in the discussion! 

This week - Let's Talk... BOOKS ON A BUDGET.

I am quite open about my income. I don't mind people knowing that I was a child within a low income family, nor do I mind being open about the fact that I had a lot of money issues as a young adult. Finances have always been tight for me and books have never been a priority within the budget, even if they are a priority to me.

I have been reading for most of my life. I wouldn't say it was an escape because I had a very happy childhood, but I did love to spend time in different worlds. I adore stories and the characters within them. I am an introvert, and books are my happy place.

Of course, having little spare money meant that I had to find cheaper ways to find books.

• Libraries.
• Pros: The library has a good selection and it's FREE. I can always order a book through them if it is not on the shelf. I can return books that I don't like very much. 
• Cons: I have to return the books that I do like and that hurts. It takes months for brand new releases to become available and even then they are likely to be on a waiting list. If they are I can only take them for a limited time. 
• Charity Shops. 
• Pros: Usually they have amazing sales on like 3 books for £1. I can return books that I don't like and don't forget helping charities is amazing. 
• Cons: There isn't usually a lot of choice and honestly, most of the books are awful or in really bad condition.
• Sales.
• Pros: Cheap, brand new books and amazing deals. 
• Cons: When I was younger they were very rare. As an adult, and with the rise of the internet, they still sometimes only happened when I didn't have any spare cash. 
• E-books.
• Pros: Lots of free and cheap options. Lots of sales and deals. 
• Cons: As a child these did not exist. As an adult I don't have a kindle so I have to use my tablet, which hurts my eyes. Also navigating the free or cheap options is hard because so much of it is really bad.