Some bloggers have posted their book sources this week as the discussion about ARC disclosure has grown. I was curious to see what my source breakdown would be so far this year. Counting all of January through July for 67 books, here were my sources:
- 37 library acquisitions for 55% of the total
- 16 were obtained from PBS/Bookmooch/Library Sales for 24%
- 9 were purchased new for 13%
- 6 ARCs for 9% (though I did receive more, I only read 6:)
The Housekeeper and the Professor
The Little Giant of Aberdeen County
The Wednesday Sisters (a holdover from last year)
The Angel’s Game
The Tricking of Freya
Shanghai Girls
I’m not surprised at these percentages at all. I am backlogged on ARCs but I find myself really wanting to complete my challenges and read some older books. Of the ARCS I did read, none of them rated below a 4. They were all great, and I believe I am severely honest in my reviews.
ARCs don’t hold the magic for me that they once did, though I don’t fault any blogger for wanting to receive them. It’s just that for me, I don’t like feeling pressured in my reading. Then it becomes work. So, I still plan on reading (or at least give them the 50 page test) all the ARCs I’ve received, I just found there was no possible way for me to keep up anyway, so I might as well get to the books whenever I get to them. I really get enormous satisfaction in completing my reading challenges. That’s not to say that I don’t like new books — I do!! I’m just more careful about requesting ARCs and I do try to obtain many new titles at the library. I really, really love the library. Really. I also love pbs, bookmooch, and library sales because I can get even more books for a reasonable price! I don’t feel guilty at all about it because I do purchase about 1.5 new books per month.
Have you done a book source breakdown yet? I’d love to see your numbers!
I may evaluate my book sources next month, perhaps, for Sunday Salon. I would estimate that half come from the library and half from trades with an ARC now and then.
I’m picky about accepting ARCs these days….Usually I’d rather choose my own books to read.
There’s no point in me doing this. Everyone knows I’m practically only reading ARCs this year. I’m still having fun with them but 2010 will see a slow down for me.
Well, if you would ask me about my stats, it will be 100% books bought
You get more actual reading done, and I appreciate your choice of books. Thank you for such wonderful recommendations.
I really LOVED Little Giant of Aberdeen County; The Housekeeper & the Professor and Shanghai Girls (good not great).
Just started blogging my hobby – so I don’t have any numbers yet. I don’t have any ARCS. Heck, I just embarrassed myself on Twitter by asking what an ARC was.
So I’ve bought all my books, for the most part. 
I do want to go to the library and get some though.
What a great idea for a post. I think I will try this for my tss post. I have no ARC’s as I am not really in that part of the book blogging world. I am just plugging along with the books I have and keep finding to read!
Happy Weekend and smiles!]
Kim
I’ve only received two ARCs ever so I haven’t really sat down to evaluate. while I have no issue with other people reading ARCs, I find the same thing is true for me as it is for you in that I feel pressure to finish. I also find that I want to discuss books (hence the blog!) and I have a much smaller pool when I have just finished an ARC. I really like library books probably for that very reason…people have read them! Thanks for the thoughtful breakdown.