My favorite hobby, after cocktailing with girlfriends and running in large parks, is reading. I have been an avid reader since I was a child and find it to be one of the most convient ways to entertain one self. It is also an amazing opportunity to get out of your own head and into someone else’s. A lovely break if you are me. I bring this up because I was invited to try Bookswim, the netflix for books. I was put on the light reader plan of three books out at a time. This is usually $23.95, but anyone can get a 1 month Free trial.
I adore the idea, mostly because I am able to get fashion oriented books that I don’t actually want to own, but have long waiting lists at my local library – there is only one copy of fashionable books to be shared by all of San Diego county. Often I am forced to purchase these types of books if I want to read them. Sure, it is an enjoyable read, but I don’t need to own them. Books like Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style and anything by Nina Garcia. So now I am stuck with a book on my shelf I only needed to read once. All of those books are available at Bookswim along with every other genre and even books that are unavailable at the public library, like Scott Schuman’s The Sartorialist.
Now for the cons of Bookswim. You really need to be a reader to get your money’s worth. If three books a month is considered a light reader then I am in trouble, and disillusioned. I am more of a 1-2 books a month because of my hectic work and social schedule. They do cater to this type of reader with their $14/month, 1-book out a month plan, but at that price you can just buy the book.
Timing can be another con. It took about 7 days from when I returned my package of two books to receive my next package of two books.
Besides that, I think the idea, website and service is necessary in our modern world. There is a quote on their website that sums it up nicely: “The ease of renting books online is GREAT! I am too busy during regular library hours to browse books and I am running out of shelf space to keep buying new books. Thanks for giving me a solution so easy and affordable.”
My product reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I never accept payment for product reviews although I am given the sample to keep. If I am sent something that is unimpressive or boring I don’t write about it.
