How to Read More Books and Save Money with a Kindle
Kindle changed my reading life. I went from reading one book a month to consuming three, without burnout or breaking the bank. In this article, I’m sharing how you can read more books and save money with an Amazon Kindle.
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The lie about Kindle: You stop reading physical books.
Initially, I was skeptical about buying a Kindle— I love physical books: the texture, the smell, the action of holding another world in your hands. It wasn’t until I was gifted one and started using it that I discovered the power it held.
The fear of never picking up another physical book was a fabrication. I don’t know who implanted that idea into our brains, but it’s simply not true. Despite having a Kindle, I still read physical books and listen to audiobooks. Honestly, it’s nice to alternate mediums.
Now that that’s out of the way—I’m sharing three reasons you should buy a Kindle and how they save you more book money!
Three reasons you should consider buying a Kindle.
Accessibility.
Saves you book money.
Easy-to-use.
Accessibility: Read more when you’re on vacation or at an appointment
I stopped stuffing my bag with multiple books and started taking my Kindle instead. Not only did it save space, but it saved time. I stopped debating which books to take because my Kindle gave me multiple options, probably more choices than is healthy, but who’s judging. (Not me!)
On my most recent trip to Mexico, I only took my Kindle. It was my first trip since having the device and I was a little uneasy, afraid of not having the right book. I also felt a little guilty because I have a lot of physical books I want to read. Let’s face it, the bookshelf always grows, but I put that fear aside and I’m so grateful I did.
My Kindle device lasted the entire week-long trip; I finished a book and started a new one. The best part is that I had a number of options that wouldn’t have fit in my carry-on. If you’re looking to save on luggage money, the Kindle is a lifesaver!
As long as you download your book(s) before you travel, you’re good to go! The Amazon Kindle is simple to use, and they make your library easily accessible.
This is the Kindle I use: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16 GB
I take my Kindle everywhere and love reading with it. Here’s my device, featuring a of couple books I’ve reviewed here on this blog:
Tessa and Weston: The Best Christmas Ever by Abbie Emmons | Abbie Emmons | November 1, 2021
The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams | William Morrow | August 3, 2021
You can also stop wasting baggage space with highlighters and sticky notes. (Which I still use, and love when I read physical books.) However, you can still do all of that on the device; Kindle allows you to highlight and annotate your eBook. You also have the option to save your clippings, which are those highlights and annotations saved into a separate document. You can even save them for books you didn’t buy that way you can keep your thoughts and notes saved, if you’re feeling sentimental.
2. Kindle saves you book money
Having a Kindle has definitely saved me some book money. To start, books are cheaper on the device since they are eBooks—not the physical product. Also, there are special Kindle only promotions.
The few best ways to save money on books with the device is through Libby, Kindle Unlimited, and Stuff Your Kindle Day.
Libby
When I bought my Kindle, everyone in my book club told me to download Libby. I had no idea what that was, but once I did, it became such a money saver. Libby is an app; You can link your local library with the Kindle device. Since I discovered this, I haven’t checked out a physical book from the library since. Also, I get to be picky with which books I buy. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes I still buy an eBook through Amazon, especially if I love the author’s work, but now that I can easily access library books through my Kindle, I lean into it.
2. Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited is a subscription through Amazon, giving you an entire catalogue of titles to pick and choose from. There are over 4 million titles you have access to, and you can “check out” up to 20 books at a time. It’s $11.99/month and it’s worth the money. The books are technically borrowed, but I can’t express the amount of money I’ve saved loaning them out for my book club instead of purchasing the title. With all that said, you also get instant access to them instead of getting stuck on a library waitlist.
3. Syncs with Audible
Do you have an Audible subscription? KU pairs with it! If the book on Kindle Unlimited gives you the option, you can read it on both Audible and the Kindle device. Simply look for the headphone icon next to the Kindle Unlimited sign on the book you want, and then you can swap between mediums. Personally, I don’t use this option, but that’s because whichever I begin with, whether that’s hearing the characters come to life in my imagination or listening to someone else’s voice bring them to life—I typically to stick to it. Oddly enough, it alters the book (to me.), but I’ve heard great feedback from other readers who love that option.
4. Stuff your Kindle Day
I still haven’t tried this one yet. However, the gist of this promotion is that publishers and authors batch out discounted or free eBooks for readers who own a Kindle. If you purchase a book during this event, you get to keep it permanently. For the complete breakdown of how this event works, check out this article by Bookbub.
3. Easy-to-use.
Kindle is extremely easy to use. I initially wanted a Kindle to avoid eye strain from my laptop. Especially because I was reading ARC books and beta reading for authors.
I already work on the computer, so reading with it was a nightmare. Kindle saved my eyestrain. I have the Kindle paperwhite, which feels just like reading a book. The light is gentle, and the device’s design is customizable—you can truly make it unique to your tastes. The set up is simple, the device is straightforward, and all the apps associated with it are easy to connect. Also, when you are a beta or ARC reader, you can send the document to your Kindle, making it a seamless reading experience. All you have to do is send the document to your Kindle email. Follow these instructions.
How to read more books with Kindle?
I went from reading about one book a month to reading three since having the device. It may be psychological, but it feels like you’re reading faster. When reading with Kindle, the device will tell you how many minutes are left in a chapter and how much time it will take you to finish reading the entire book. It’s all based on your reading speed.
For example: If my device tells me I have four more minutes left in a chapter, I often sit and finish it because who doesn’t have four extra minutes? That just keeps adding up the more you rationalize reading. Now, when I’m holding a physical book, I can’t gauge that. Instead, I often will put the book down, prolonging the reading experience.
This is all theoretical, but it truly seems like I do read books faster with my Kindle, and I believe this is due to a combination of reasons. For one, I see the progress, not the pages. (Psychological) Second, it’s so accessible that I read in more places. (Practical) And finally, the stats on my Goodreads are evidence; I am reading more books every year since having a Kindle.
Is Kindle worth the money?
Buying an Amazon Kindle is 100% worth the money, especially if you’re an avid reader. Over the years, my Kindle has saved me money and helped speed up my reading goals. Now I get to spend money on collectable editions or books I truly want to see on my shelf. I have never looked back and truly love my Kindle.
If you still feel like the Kindle is a little out of budget, Amazon offers used devices. There are multiple options!
Tell me in the comments if you have a Kindle and what you enjoy about it, or if you’re still skeptical and have questions.
Happy reading!
