Do you buy physical books you have already read?

For example; I have read a book named “The Words We Keep” digitally. I loved it, it really resonated with me because it’s about something - I personally have and struggle with as well.

Thinking to buy the book physically but feel like, I can’t justify it due to the fact that I’ve already read it.

I don’t really re-read books either.

  • I read the whole thread and didn’t find anyone saying they read digital exclusively for functionality reasons.

    First, I’ll say that kids’ books are the exception. We have hundreds of children’s books, and regularly borrow heaps from the library and buy used (for both environmental and financial reasons).

    But for my reading, I exclusively read* digital books, mostly with text-to-speech. As someone working more than full time with kids and family responsibilities, my reading time is driving, doing chores, or right before sleep. Right before sleep, I like to read with my eyes along with reading with my ears*, but I shift to ear reading pretty soon so it’s completely dark. I fall asleep with a book playing (on a timer) almost exclusively.

    I have a few textbooks and course notes packages from university (half a small box), photo books, and unread physical books that were given to me (I read digital versions instead). That’s the full list.

    Even if I want to take notes on a book, live links to page references and embedded text in Logseq is so much better. I get the quote, its context, and direct links to the other idea/thought that I connected ideas with in my Logseq “Second Brain”.

    * “Reading” is the correct verb for consuming books regardless of medium. It’s ableist gatekeeping to say otherwise, just like deaf people can talk, people in wheelchairs can go for a walk, and blind people can say they’re “seeing a friend later.”