Books

Thu Apr 10 2025

Clare Mulroy | Books Reporter

Good morning booklovers! It's Books Reporter Clare Mulroy here. Life is already expensive, and sweeping tariffs imposed by the Trump administration likely mean it'll only get more so. And while books manufactured abroad are exempt from tariffs, the cost of paper and raw materials could increase the end price, NBC and Publishers Weekly reported.

We need all the freebies we can get these days.

We've brought you guides to the best places to read online for free and where to buy cheap books, but I just found out about a contest that could be even more valuable. With Bookshop.org's "Golden Bookmark Giveaway" (open through April 18), one lucky winner will receive free books for life. Technically, it's a $500 gift card annually, but it's enough that I bet you're already dreaming about a books shopping spree. (Shoutout to the person who commented "Funny you think I only spend $500 a year on books" on Bookshop.org's account.) Plus, five runners-up will win a $100 gift card each, and one nominated indie bookstore will win $500.

But wait, there's more! Back by popular demand, USA TODAY's Spring Book Challenge is now open. Hit bingo by reading a book from a new set of categories then enter the giveaway to win a $100 gift card to Bookshop.org. Click here for a printable version of the bingo board, but make sure you fill out this entry form to submit your entry.

USA TODAY's Spring Book Challenge

Alan Nguyen, Clare Mulroy

What are your favorite ways to read for cheap? Mine is the library, which I'd be remiss not to mention this National Library Week. Thanks for reading this week. Keep up with our books coverage here or let me know what you're reading at cmulroy@usatoday.com.