Calling all book lovers! Whether you’re an avid reader or just looking to find your next great read, we all know that book-buying can add up quickly. Luckily, technology has made it easier than ever to discover cheap and even free books, allowing you to fill your shelves (or e-reader) without emptying your wallet. In this guide, we’ll share some of the best places to find affordable reads and even score some free books to keep your reading habit going strong.
1. eBook Platforms Offering Deals
Digital bookstores have become treasure troves for book lovers looking for deals. Here are some platforms you should check regularly:
- Amazon Kindle Deals: Amazon’s Kindle Store often features daily deals, monthly specials, and even completely free books. They offer discounts on bestsellers, indie titles, and everything in between. Use the “Top 100 Free” section to see what’s currently available at no cost.
- Kobo and Barnes & Noble: Both of these platforms often have their own set of daily deals and discounted books. They also offer free eBooks, which can be found under their respective “Free” categories.
- Project Gutenberg: One of the largest and oldest free book resources, Project Gutenberg offers over 60,000 free eBooks that are in the public domain. Perfect for diving into some classic literature without spending a dime.
2. Library Apps: Borrow Books from Anywhere
The beauty of modern libraries is that you can access their vast collections from the comfort of your home. Here are some must-have apps for borrowing books:
- Libby by OverDrive: This app allows you to borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines from your local library. All you need is a library card to get started, and the best part? No late fees on digital checkouts!
- Hoopla: Another great app that lets you borrow eBooks, comics, and audiobooks instantly. Unlike some library services, there’s no waitlist – if it’s available, you can download it right away.
- BorrowBox: If your local library supports BorrowBox, you’re in luck. The app lets you borrow a wide range of eBooks and audiobooks on your device.
3. Book Swapping and Sharing Communities
A great way to keep your reading list fresh is by swapping books with others. Here are some ways to do it:
- BookCrossing: A global book-sharing movement where you can register books, leave them in public places, and track their journey as they find new readers.
- Little Free Libraries: You’ve probably seen these charming little boxes around town. The concept is simple – take a book, leave a book. It’s a great way to share books with your community and discover something new.
- Online Book Swap Communities: Websites like PaperbackSwap and BookMooch allow readers to swap books for free, only paying for postage.
4. Newsletters and Book Recommendation Websites
You’d be surprised how many sites and newsletters are dedicated to sharing free and discounted books with readers. Here are some of the top options:
- AwesomeGang.com: (That’s us!) We regularly feature free and discounted books across genres. Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified about the latest deals and never miss a chance to grab your next read.
- BookBub: This popular service lets you customize your book preferences and receive daily emails about free and discounted eBooks based on your interests.
- Freebooksy & Bargain Booksy: These sites also specialize in finding free and bargain eBooks across genres, making it easy to discover new authors and books at little to no cost.
- BookGoodies.com: A site that highlights books in a variety of genres, with a focus on indie authors. They also offer author interviews, so you can get to know the writers behind the books you love.
- MyBookPlace.net: A site dedicated to connecting readers with both free and affordable books. They feature eBooks from various genres and often have promotions that make finding your next read easy.
- DiscountBookMan.com: If you’re a bargain hunter, this site is perfect for you. Discount Book Man showcases daily deals on books, helping readers discover new books at a fraction of the price.
5. Book Subscription Services with Free Trials
Want access to a huge library of books all at once? Try out a book subscription service – many offer free trials to get you started.
- Kindle Unlimited: This service gives you unlimited access to over a million books and select audiobooks. While it’s a paid service, Amazon often offers free trials or deals to get started.
- Scribd: Scribd is like the Netflix of books, with a massive selection of eBooks, audiobooks, and even magazines. They usually offer a free month trial, so you can read (and listen) as much as you want.
Books have the power to transport us to different worlds, teach us valuable lessons, and provide endless entertainment. And the best part is, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy them! By exploring different platforms, using library apps, participating in book swaps, and staying connected with book recommendation sites like AwesomeGang, you can keep your reading list full and your wallet happy.
Our Facebook group has a lot of very talented authors. Here is a list of our Awesomegang Family of authors. Go check them out and discover an author today.
