How does a paperback consumer survive in a society where everything is converted into digital content? I remember my first marketing strategy meeting with one of my book publishers and how they insisted on pushing the Kindle version of my book. I remember feeling as though they were out of touch with my targeted demographic. I wanted to scream, "My girls buy the physical book," but I remained silent and nodded in agreement. When my first sales report was released, as I predicted, the paperback sales surpassed the e-book sales. I thought to myself, "See, I know my girls." We take pride in building our libraries. Our bookshelves become part of our room's décor. Sometimes, our bookcase is the focal point of the room. We organize in our own systems. Toni Morrison receives her own shelf. Our favorites receive their own shelf. The books we purchased at book signings and were able to snag a picture of the author as they were signing, our copy receives its own corner. Forget about organizing by genre. We organize by color, shape, mood, and author appreciation. However, how do we become intentional with our personal library and not fall victim to overconsumption and capitalism?
Personally, I believe social media can and will overhype anything, and books are no exception. Are we purchasing this title because we are actually interested in reading the story? Or have we been captured by the popular illusion of the book? When browsing through Amazon or Barnes and Noble, do you ask yourself vetting questions before you tuck the copy under your arm or add it to your cart? Next time you consider adding a book to your tbr (to be read) list, ask yourself these questions?
Is this a genre I actually enjoy?
As I previously mentioned, social media will overhype something until the end of time. It is a good practice to consider new genres from time to time. However, is this a genre you can at least tolerate? Some people love nonfiction yet can not stomach fiction, and vice versa. Some people are more committed to romance novels than they are committed to their spouses. So, are you purchasing this book to sit pretty on your bookcase, or do you intend to sit down and read it?
2. Do you just like the author?
Have you followed the author's social media pages or heard them speak and love the idea of them? Similar to how we have decided collectively that Tyler Perry's movies are ......... (shall I finish that statement?) However, we continue to stream his new releases and watch in hopes of ....... (you know where I am going with this?) The majority of my favorite authors are not popular. I rarely see their works blasted all over social media. The popular book clubs hardly consider them, yet I love their work. This can also become an issue because not every book written by my favorite authors are a hit based on my standards. This poses another issue because are we just purchasing the book based on the author, or did the back cover summary really spark an interest in us? Next time you consider spending your hard-earned dollars on a book, ask yourself if you really enjoy this author's work or if you just enjoy the author. Or, if you are a ride-or-die fan and will purchase a book based on the namesake alone? If you just enjoy the author, chances are you are wasting your money.
3. Can I borrow this book from the library?
Library? How old are you? I know libraries have lost their popularity. Unless you are searching for credible sources for your final essay, looking for a free meeting space, or having your kids enjoy a calm Saturday morning in the children's section who frequents the library in 2024? I do! I am proud to say I have a library card and use it regularly. Sometimes, those over-hyped books can be borrowed from your local library. Check it out, read it, and if you fall completely head over heels in love with the novel. Purchase it and consider it as your literary souvenir. Books that have brought exhilaration into my life will forever live rent-free on my bookshelf. Some books, such as Round the Way Girl by Taraji P. Henson and Woman Evolve: Break up with Your Fears & Revolutionize Your Life by Sarah Jakes Roberts, have motivated me in more ways than one. These titles will always have a place in my library. Think of it as a try before you buy.
Falling into the hype or being attracted by the eclectic cover design may have you just adding books to your personal library. I recognize that our bookshelves store our favorite novels and give our space a personal touch. However, the next time you see an exciting new book, ask yourself the vetting questions mentioned above because there is a difference between collecting and hoarding. And no one wants to become the weird neighbor whose house smells stale and feels stuffy with piles of &*%$ cluttering every corner of their home. Let's start becoming intentional when purchasing paperbacks. Or hardcovers if that's your style.
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