Recently, I had an experience that I imagine is common to all library users. Since I tend to request books that have long waiting lists, I cannot always predict exactly when certain books will come into my life.
So, when I recently returned from vacation, I had three books patiently waiting for me: Snowball (Warren Buffett’s biography), weighing in at 838 pages; Dennis Lehane’s The Given Day, clocking in at 702 pages; and Kitty Burns Florey’s Sister Bernadette’s Barking Dog, a very reasonable 150 pages. Now, the first two I have been anticipating for months – which means I will only get 2 short weeks before I must return them. Eek!! I read an average of a page a minute, so I have to find 20 hours of reading time in the next 14 days. Hmmm.
What’s a reader to do? Well, recently I was contacted about one possible solution. Book Swim, the ”NetFlix for books.” I do love Netflix, so I couldn’t help but explore the site a bit.
A few things I like about the idea. First, the books come directly to your home! Now, my library is literally one mile a way, but it is still nice to have books arrive right on your doorstep. Plus, one of my future dreams is to live on a vast, rolling piece of property with hundreds (just kidding, honey) – or two – horses. So, a library may not be right around the corner. Second, and more pertinent to my current dilemma, with Book Swim readers can take their time reading the selections - no late fees!
Now, my next thought was. on a good week I am able to read 2 books a week and would hate to have to wait for the next one to arrive. Happily, Book Swim has anticipated this dilemma by offering a series of plans: Devout Reader at 20$ a month (11 books in circulation), Avid Reader at 15$ a month (7 books), Casual Reader at 12.50$ a month (5 books), or the Light Reader plan at 10$ (3 books).
Will I buy a subscription today? No – as I wrote in my Kindle review, I am blessed to not have to pay for books at this moment in my life. However, if we do find our perfect piece of property and a library is no where to be found - I will gladly spend 20$ a month for a constant supply of books.
What about you? Is Book Swim tempting? Has anyone tried it out yet?
i was looking at Book Swim as I found it in a magazine. Strted checking out few others and wonder if its woth the bother. Also, how reliable these places are.