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Buying Books Online
February 12, 2000
Darcy Sage
Many people have predicted that the Internet would make regular paperback books extinct. After all, how can a mere book compete against the flash and glitter of the Online Revolution? In reality, books have fared very well. Book publishers and avid readers are using the Internet to their advantage introducing a whole new generation to the wonders of reading.
One of the great advantages the Internet offers to those interested in reading is the ability to sample chapters of popular books while in the comfort of your own home. In this way, you can see if it's worth borrowing the book from your local library, or perhaps buying it either directly from a bookstore or through one of the many online sources.
Further, many of these web sites offer reader reviews and recommendations, an excellent way to see what others think of the book you're interested in, as well as suggesting similar books unknown to you.
It is hard to name a book that is not listed on Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com). This is an invaluable resource in finding the titles of those little known works by more obscure authors. One of Amazon's unique features is feedback on the Reader Reviews. If others have not found the reviews helpful you can avoid reading them.
For a more Canadian experience try Chapters.ca (http://www.chapters.ca). While not as comprehensive as Amazon, Chapters provides Reader Reviews from a uniquely Canadian perspective and makes it easy and same to buy books, music, CDs, and DVDs online.
Certainly one of the more popular resources available for books is Oprah's Book Club, which can be found at http://www.oprah.com/obc/obc_landing.html. This site provides the current and previous Selection of the Month, a perfect place to start if you want to be sure to pick up a popular and well-read book.
These online resources help to sleuth out books you will enjoy and open up a whole new world of reading pleasure.
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