All through my childhood years, even into high school, I frequented the library in my small town. My sister Kristin and I would literally go to the library five or six days a week– check out books, return books, search for books at another branch, use the internet (our parents were a little slow to get online). I loved that little library, which was really just two small rooms of books– but part of a bigger network so that we could order what we wanted.
I still love the library. The library I use here in the Twin Cities is connected to the Hennepin County system, so I have access to even more books than I ever used to. I reserve a lot of audiobooks to listen to on car rides, and I pre-order books I’m especially excited about, and I check out books all the time.
But I have a problem. I get too impatient.
I reserve a book, and then when I see that I’m 9th … or 22nd … or worse (back when I was checking out Harry Potter), I get too riled up about it, and I just go purchase the book.
Sometimes I skip the library altogether. I’ll read a review and decide, That simply must be mine.
Then I hop onto the Barnes & Noble website and order it up.
I really ought to read the book first, don’t you think? Especially for authors who don’t have a proven track record with me.
I buy faster than I read: I have so many books around my apartment that I haven’t had a chance to read yet … and still I keep buying. The loading dock guys at the university where I work know me because they are bringing 1-2 packages to my office each week from Barnes and Noble. It’s quite addicting– I love-love-love purchasing new books. If I get a coupon in my email, I will find a book to buy.
LIBRARY, JACKIE LEA. LEARN TO USE IT. REIN YOURSELF IN.
Take a look at the picture below, and let me know where I should start!
I still need to read these 19 … and have 7 more pre-ordered or on their way. I CAN’T STOP.
JACKIE LEA SOMMERS 
Hmm, that’s probably the best bad habit I’ve heard of 🙂
Oh. My. Gosh.
You need to read Bruiser, like, yesterday.
Unwholly is phenomenal, too, but I think it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger if I remember right.
My Life Next Door is a gorgeous YA summer romance, and I don’t usually like that type. Beautifully drawn characters. Small town. Amazing family dynamics.
Also, Divergent was incredible. You will adore Tris. I was really skeptical at first- it looked too mainstream, and I was thinking “oh, it’s just another ripoff of The Hunger Games.” But I loved it, and its sequel, Insurgent. Great tension, great characters.
Ok, done with my little rant. Just read them.(:
Also, I’m known at my local library as the girl who always has the box of books to pick up. I share your bad habit.(:
Definitely start with Divergent i promise promise promise that you’ll love it. It’s like a thrill-impact of action.
Start with Between Shades of Gray.
Next, Why we broke up, for some lighter fare.
Scorpio races,
Raven boys. I feel like the next one is coming out soon, so maybe just before the next one comes out.
WAIT until October to read Divergent, then read Insurgent, then the NEW and last book will be out in October.
That’s my recommendations and I’m stickin’ to them 🙂
I love your suggestions and logic behind them. 🙂
Oooh, I think you should start with the two bottom books… Just because one book has a thrilling title and the other book has an umbrella on the spine, haha!
It can get out of hand. I live somewhere now that I can’t buy too many. I just don’t have anywhere to put them. I fear I will have this problem once I move on my own and get a bookcase. Watch out.
I guess that really isn’t advice, but I feel your pain.
Yup … I keep having to add bookcases!
And I have to go through them from time to time and “prune”!
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