Letter To Jeff Bezos

Dear Mr. Bezos:

I have an idea that I think you should seriously consider. I think that the purchase of any book through your site should include a code for the Kindle version. Now, this code would not necessarily have to mean a FREE download- perhaps simply a discounted rate for anyone who wants to add the digital version to their book purchase (higher % discount for hardcover purchases than paperbacks). You could even only offer this service to Prime members. 

I am an avid reader, and I vastly prefer actual books to reading digitally. However, while I prefer to purchase the physical book, there are many circumstances that require the ease and portability of an ereader. Traveling, for example. I also re-read my favorites quite often, and having an option of how I can consume material I've already paid full price for would be appreciated. I'm a big fantasy fan, and sometimes there are years in between sequels (ahem, George RR Martin)- not to mention they can be 1000s of pages and very heavy in a purse or briefcase! But I would never give up adding the book to my bookshelf. 

Anytime I purchase a book through Amazon, I would love to see an option at check out: add the Kindle version for $5? I can tell you that I personally would click 'yes' pretty much every time, and I think other customers would too. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this- I hope you think this idea is a great as I do!

Kate Johnson

May Reading List

I'm not sure what I did with the month of May, but it apparently wasn't read.  A respectable yet somewhat anemic 10 books passed my eyeballs this month. June and July are shaping up to be fairly busy too, so my efforts in the next few months may be severely lacking.  I'm up to 56 books this year so far (I think? Not like I'm actually going to take the time to count right at this moment), so I'm on pace to hit 100 assuming I don't get too far behind in the next 2 months.  I have several yoga textbooks on my slate which are probably not edge of your seat page turners but are required reading before July.  I also have a GIANT fantasy sequel waiting on deck, and it's equally giant predecessor that I want to re-read to remind myself what is going on.  I'm not complaining when short books bolster my count, but when a 1000 page behemoth still only gets ranked as one I totally call unfair.

Anyway, here's what went down in May:


The Blinding Knife - Brent Weeks
The Troop - Nick Cutter
The Prince of Risk - Christopher Reich
The Expats - Chris Pavone
Ripper - Isabel Allende
Yes Mommy - Amy Sprenger*
Moving Day - Jonathan Stone
Tampa - Alissa Nutting
The Accident - Chris Pavone
Hollow City - Ransom Riggs


 April, March, February, January 






*I actually know her - we're friends, even! She's super funny, and her books are too.  Go buy them!