Submitted by ThisAceWantsToSleep t3_1004rn5 in books

I’m a minor. I would like to buy books but I can’t afford them, because I don’t have money of my own. I would have asked my parents to buy them for me, but they might not be alright with the themes of some of the books I’d like to read(e.g feminism, books with lgbt themes, etc). Some friends have suggested I download the books from websites for free. But I don’t think this is right, as I am not supporting the author properly. Any advice?

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Comments

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boxer_dogs_dance t1_j2fp40y wrote

Project Gutenberg has public domain books, they are just old. If you have estate sales in your country try that.

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chortlingabacus t1_j2fjsy2 wrote

Download away. Sounds like you've no alternative, & in that circumstance most authors would without doubt be pleased to have their writing read in any form.

Sorry about your parents. Fair dos to you though for having an open mind despite their closed ones.

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FallThick963 t1_j2fkvi9 wrote

This.

I believe getting books from illegal sources in such situations is justified.

If you are financially able to buy books, then you should do it. If you are not, and your community is not helping neither (censored or poorly equiped libraries), then it's OK.

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pizzapastamix t1_j2fnqc2 wrote

I agree too. Either way the author/publisher won't get any money. At least they get free advertisment if you speak about the downloaded books. You could also look into books which are in public domain. These are legal to download and to read.

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marinekai t1_j2fx18r wrote

As an author I agree :) I'd be happy you wanted to read my books badly enough to find a way

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Lizk4 t1_j2fperh wrote

This is bad advice. Theft is never justified. Stealing is stealing. I feel bad that this person can't read the books they would like to read, but that doesn't give them the right to steal from the author.

OP, I suggest you find other books that your parents are willing to buy or look into books that are downloadable LEGALLY and freely. Many authors offer some of their books for free. Many classics are public domain and free to download through various sources.

But do not encourage pirates by using their websites. This is wrong!

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Daonico t1_j2fk7hm wrote

Talk to your parents, maybe they will agree to buy you some books if not everyone... some books is better than none.
Maybe instead of asking money for specific books, ask for something more generic, like a service like kindle unlimited?

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lydiardbell t1_j2fi68l wrote

Try the library. If your parents won't take you, your library probably has an ebook app you can use (in the English-speaking world, the most popular ones are Libby/Overdrive, Hoopla, and BorrowBox/Bolinda).

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ShirazGypsy t1_j2fp4af wrote

I applaud you for trying to ready books with subjects out of your parents’ comfort zone. It’s a good way to grow as a person!

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Waxilllium t1_j2fi0rn wrote

Library and use your library card to get the Libby app.

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thejokerofunfic t1_j2fpg0r wrote

If it's feasible I would be happy to send you a couple of whatever you're looking for

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Rom-TheVacuousSpider t1_j2fk30m wrote

Use legal book apps. Look for used book sales or whatever the equivalent is in your country. Someone sells books. On um.... not official releases of books, avoid these unless you know the author supports you getting their content that way. Most don’t. Look for books in public domain where they are free online anyways.

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[deleted] t1_j2fjxt3 wrote

[removed]

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books-ModTeam t1_j2fkeun wrote

Per Rule 3.6: No distribution or solicitation of pirated books.

We aren't telling you not to discuss piracy (it is an important topic), but we do not allow anyone to share links and info on where to find pirated copies. This rule comes from no personal opinion of the mods' regarding piracy, but because /r/books is an open, community-driven forum and it is important for us to abide the wishes of the publishing industry.

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Peachy_Keen31 t1_j2fuxhi wrote

Go to the library or use your library card with the Libby App.

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