> you can always acquire them later when you actually want to read them That doesn't track with my experience at all for a number of reasons: - Smaller bookst

> you can always acquire them later when you actually want to read them That doesn't track with my experience at all for a number of reasons: - Smaller bookstores who may or may not be an official part of the publishing supply chain stock smaller amount of copies of a given book. Once an edition sells out, they might not even have the means to restock/order from a new batch of printing. - Even big chain bookstores have to consider supply and demand economics when stocking their shelves so even them can't guarantee "perpetual availability" of a title. - Not to mention, books go out of print, even way before they go in the public domain. The best way to get a copy is by accident in a thrift shop. If I encounter one I really like, the best move for me would be to buy it then and there, my current reading queue be damned. - Admittedly, acquiring books is easier now due to Amazon, et. al., but we are still very from from being able to acquire a book when you actually want to read them. Not all books are available to buy online!