Does anybody here use amazon.com? Is it worth shopping there instead of going to the local bookstore? I might start using it, and i was wondering whether it was worth my time.

I've ordered a few from them. Their prices are quite reasonable, and shipping isn't overly repressive. I like it for convenience. It's also great to receive packages in the mail, even if you did pay for them

Terry

I agree! You may not save money (or spend a bit more) but it IS a real time saver.

I recently researched the purchase of an out-of-print book. I had great luck and great service with Barnes & noble. I ordered a book they had listed as available from a used book store. Got it in about 2 weeks.

If you don't want to buy the book, check out the library! If my library doesn't have it they get it from another library. Ask at your's...I can access my library from the internet...and I'm in a small town of 11,000!

My sister and I read some of the same kinds of books but when she says, "You have to read..." whatever, I mean to read them. Truly I do. But somehow the books I already have come first. So, now instead of recommending them, she SENDS them instead using Amazon.com. Reasonable and are able to get some lesser-known (but not out of print) books for those of us with not-mainstream taste.

I've used Amazon.com quite a lot. For books, music and expecially video tapes. They've been great; I think they're probably the most ethical "store" I've ever used. They made an error once, several months back, and sent the wrong tape. I simply e-mailed, got a reply within a half-hour that the correct item was on it's way to me along with a pre-paid mailing label for returning the error item and would I please return same at my convenience after I received the correct item? Within 2 days I received my tape and the pre-paid label. Returned the error item (at their expense) and that was that. No hassle, no questions asked. Simply a sincere apology for their mistake and an instant correction. I have dealt and will continue to deal with Amazon.com more and more. I like their business ethics.

I have to agree with shuttlebunny, why even buy a book even the best of authors write a dud now and then. I think the libray is one of the great places a person can spend their time. Maybe i'm just too conservative but I just can't see myself spending $25 or more for a book when you when you ddont't really know what your getting. with the library if you dont like no harm no foul just take it back and get a different one lord only knows there is plenty to choose from.

At my local library, they sell used books, both paperbacks and hardcover. They have maybe 200-300 books $1-$2 for hardcover normally $.50 for paperback. You obviously can't go in expecting to get a specific title, but I'll go in there and for $3-$5 total walk out with a bag full of books. I've already found some good stuff there, Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Robert Ludlum, Arthur C. Clarke. Don't know if your local library does this, but it might be worth checking out.

My library does this as well. It's wonderful! I've bought lots of books this way - the majority of them in excellent condition. It's a great way to stock up on some good reading material. In fact, my library sells many of them for 50 cents to a dollar, so it's an excellent buy.

Public Service Announcement: If you have the inclination, a great thing to do would be to buy up some of these books and take them to your local retirement community or hospital. They would really, really appreciate the gesture. And, it would only cost you a few dollars.

Your right Gary I forgot all about our librarys twice a year book sale. Like Linda said you can find some great buys for fifty cents or a dollar. I like her idea about donating to a hospital or retirement community. I always take mine back to library and let them sell them over again.

I have used it to order books and a birthday gift for my daughter. I love it! My packages arrived in 2 days. I would recommed it.