2012 Reading Challenge

I just found out about Good Reads, and love it. Good Reads is a website where you can get recommendations on books you've read, want to read, or are currently reading. You can follow your friends, recommend books to them, and even join in on book discussions and online book clubs.

Good Reads even has a 2012 Reading Challenge that I have decided to embark upon. Reading more was already a part of my 20 in 2012 list, so I have challenged myself to read 30 books by the end of the year. I have a widget on the right side of this page where I can track the books I've read and to keep me accountable. 

So far I have read 8 books (3 of them being The Hunger Games trilogy). You can follow my account on Good Reads here!

DIY Kindle Case

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As you know, I bought a Kindle and am completely in love with it. I wanted to buy a case for it, but had a really hard time finding anything less than $30-50. I'm pretty cheap frugal, and couldn't make myself spend that much to protect a $79 device. I instead decided to make my own.

My particular Kindle is 4.5x6.5 inches, so when I happened to find an old 5x7 inch photo album in my house (which also had a magnetic closure strap) I was thrilled! 

Step One: I ripped out all the photo sleeves keeping the spine intact. 

Step Two: Then, I added a ribbon & button w/ hot glue to add a little flair.

Step Three: Lastly, I attached the Kindle to the inside with picture hanging command strips.

I chose to use command strips because they are sturdy and I trust them not to leave a sticky residue when I remove them. I also went with the picture hanging ones because they have a locking mechanism (like Velcro) so I would have the flexibility to remove my Kindle at any time and then place it back in the case easily. 



Photo album: $3.19 (the exact one I used is available here.)
Command strips: $4.29 for 8 at Target
Decorations (optional): $??
= <$10 for a sturdy, protective Kindle case!

Do you have a case for your e-reader? Did you make your own or buy one?

Reading Obsession

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I think I've done great with my 20 in 2012...well, at least the reading part. I just read the entire Hunger Games Trilogy in 3 days, and I am officially obsessed. 

1 2 3 4

"What I need is the dandelion in the spring. The bright yellow that means rebirth instead of destruction. The promise that life can go on, no matter how bad our losses. That it can be good again." -Mockingjay

If you haven't read them, get your butt to your local library or try one of these resources. You won't regret it.

Get the Most Out of Your Kindle

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I just bought a Kindle about a month ago by using Swagbucks. I also don't have an income right now, so I did a lot of research into how to get books for cheap or free. Here's what I came up with.

1. Public Libraries
Most libraries now have the ability to borrow e-books. Get a local library card and check out their website. My library allows me to download up to 3 books at a time for 14 days, and I love that I can just download it through Wi-Fi so I can start reading in less than a minute.

2. Pixel of Ink
This is a blog that updates throughout the day with limited time free and discounted books available on Amazon. I just add the website to my Google Reader with the rest of the blogs I read so I never miss their posts.

3. BookLending.com
This website allows you to post books to lend out to others (I've added all the books I'm not currently reading) and request other books you would like to read. They match lenders with borrowers & vice versa. It's completely free and guaranteed risk-free to lend your books. If you don't know yet about book lending with your Kindle, read about it here on the Amazon website.

4. Free Classics
Of course, if you have a Kindle, you probably already know about the thousands of free classic books available. This is just another reminder that if you're short on cash, you can read Wuthering Heights, Sherlock Holmes, Pride & Prejudice and Dracula for free on your Kindle.

5. Free Sampling
If you miss thumbing through books at your local bookstore before buying them, then this is for you. Most books have free samples (which I've found to be 2-3 chapters most of the time, but I've even seen books with free sampling of the first 23 chapters). If you're on the fence about a purchase or just want to try out something, try a free sample.

On the right side of the screen after choosing your book, click "send sample now". Easy as pie.

6. Lending Library for Amazon Prime Members
If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you can borrow popular books for free. This is an added benefit as well as free 2-day shipping and movie streaming. It's $79 a year, but there are always promotions where you can get a few months for free. (I was able to get an entire year for free during 2011 because I was a student.) Also, $79 a year only comes out to $6.58 a month which, if you're a big reader, will pay for itself.

Also: You don't need an e-book for most of these things as you can download a Kindle app for your iPhone, Android, Mac or PC. More info here.

I was definitely not a Kindle believer until I bought one myself. I thought I would never like using an electronic device instead of feeling a book in my hands. Amazon has adapted the Kindle to be so much like reading a real book that I don't miss books. I love being able to read something 60 seconds after buying it, renting it, or borrowing it. I love that I can get so many books for free. I love that there's a built-in dictionary that allows me to look up a word on the stop. And I love that it's so portable that I bring it everywhere I go in case there's a 5 minute lull in my day.

What tips do you have for e-book readers? What book are you reading right now?