Links For Bookish Folk
In many ways, the World Wide Web is a veritable library. Barring that, it can be a virtual bookshop, coffee house, meeting place for book lovers of all kinds. This list is by no means complete. It's a sample of some of my favorite book-oriented sites. There will be more links added over time, so watch the home page for notifications of new entries.
Librarything - Librarything was launched by Tim Spaulding in 2005. Back then, it was a smallish but growing site that offered a way to catalog books online. There were some interactive features that provided a way for members to connect, but at the time it was all about the libraries. Now it's a huge place with a global reach. If there's anything they don't have that's related to books, you probably don't need it. A lifetime membership with unlimited entries still goes for twenty-five dollars. It's the smartest 25.00 I've spent for anything related to the internet.
Overdrive - If your library, school, employer, or local indie store offers e-books, it's a good bet they use Overdrive's platform. Their exhaustive catalog is tablet owner's dream. Aside from being a supplier and distributor, they host their own big read events and help encourage reluctant readers to get back into the habit by making browsing and borrowing a pleasure.
Project Gutenberg - This mostly volunteer-driven site is the place to go for free e-books. Most are public domain, so you won't find the latest Stephen King novel here. With over 57,000 free books and growing, you're bound to find something you like.
Thug Notes - Wisecrack's lit-crit channel presents a weekly analysis of a different work from the Western Canon. Host Sparky Sweets, PhD (actor/comedian, Greg Edwards) is fresh, funny, and always on point.
Overdrive - If your library, school, employer, or local indie store offers e-books, it's a good bet they use Overdrive's platform. Their exhaustive catalog is tablet owner's dream. Aside from being a supplier and distributor, they host their own big read events and help encourage reluctant readers to get back into the habit by making browsing and borrowing a pleasure.
Project Gutenberg - This mostly volunteer-driven site is the place to go for free e-books. Most are public domain, so you won't find the latest Stephen King novel here. With over 57,000 free books and growing, you're bound to find something you like.
Thug Notes - Wisecrack's lit-crit channel presents a weekly analysis of a different work from the Western Canon. Host Sparky Sweets, PhD (actor/comedian, Greg Edwards) is fresh, funny, and always on point.