Monday, July 21, 2008

Barnes & Noble vs. Amazon

I'm reading a blog today and the writer is talking about this book Unsung Lullabies: Understanding and Coping with Infertility. Frankly, I'm shocked that I haven't heard of it (OK, maybe I've been living under a rock for the last 6 months). So, I decided I needed to order it.

I went online to BN.com because I'm a member of their club and get a discount on all books. I added the book to my shopping cart and, being the good merchandiser they are, they recommended some other books that "You may also like". Here's what they recommended to me:
  • Managing Contraceptive Pill Patients
  • Contraceptive Technology with CD-ROM (apparently that's been my problem - I didn't have the CD to show me what I needed to do!)
  • Six Steps to Increased Fertility: An Integrated Mind/Body Program to Promote Conception
  • How to Get Pregnant
Is it just me, or do these books, or, at least, some of them, seem like strange recommendations to someone purchasing a book on understanding and coping with infertility?? Contraceptives? How to Get Pregnant? Um, I know how to get pregnant - it just doesn't work!

I was intrigued and decided to check out Amazon to see what they would offer. I added the same book to my cart there and here's what they recommended:
  • The Empty Picture Frame
  • Empty Womb, Aching Heart
  • Hannah's Hope: Seeking G-d's Heart in the Midst of Infertility
  • Sweet Grapes: How to Stop Being Infertile and Start Living Again
  • Conquering Infertility
  • I Am More Than My Infertility
  • When You Are Coping With Infertility
  • Infertility Sucks!
  • Laughin'fertility
Makes more sense, doesn't it? Not only did I purchase the intended book, I bought two others along with it.

Amazon wins.

30 comments:

Soapchick said...

You know I always use Amazon, but I have often wondered about B&N. Now I don't have to wonder, I can stay where I'm at. ha ha.

MommaLove said...

I'm so sorry for what you've been through! Good luck with IVF #6. Does it get easier each time? Or is it always a roller coaster?

Christi said...

let me know how you like them! I need to order some books for our trip!

Amazon sends me emails on baby discounts now, I guess they figured since I bought CBEFM sticks months ago that I'm pregnant :)

Erin said...

Here from ICLW. I always use Amazon, I have found that they tend to have better related items. I do usually wind up buying more than I intended though...

Anonymous said...

Here from IComLeavWe.

I read "Unsung Lullabies", I do recommend it. I was also recommended by Amazon, "Maybe Baby". I did not end up buying it but decided to check it out from the library. That book gave me a range of emotions (both positive and negative), I do not recommend that one.

Mara said...

I pretty much stick with Amazon for most of my online book purchases. I do find it telling though given the difference in the recommendations.

Maybe it has to do with more traffic?

(ICLW)

Ariella said...

So that is why I can buy just one book and not end up with a bunch of them. I buy from BN!

I agree lots of the books BN recominds just don't fit well. I also don't like thier search function either but I am a used book store girl myself.

alicia said...

those are some weird suggestions!!

here from ICLW

Shelli said...

A fellow Jersey girl popping over from ICLW.

I'm cycling myself right now and hoping beyond hope.... for both of us.

Wishing 4 One said...

Hey girl, those sound some like some good books. I'm thinking about 6 now too. See u when i get back.

nh said...

Good luck with IVF#6 and I hope your books help you deal with your feelings and thoughts. I've read some of those books (including Unsung Lullabies) and re-read a couple regularly.

(here from ICLW and returning your comment!)

bb said...

Love the post, and yes, it does seem that Amazon has it going on.

Had to read your brief Infertility History, and wow - you have been through a lot. Good luck w your upcoming cycle!

(Visiting for ICLW.)

g said...

here from ICLW :)
just wanted to add to your book list "Labor of the heart" its a good read!

the BN suggestions are quite interesting! :)
but those suggestions r good books!

TTCinDC said...

uh, yeah. I'll take Amazon's system I think. :-) Happy reading!

*Brandi* said...

I found you on ICLW. I'm sorry for your losses. I love Amazon. But in BN's defense, How to Get Pregnant is mostly about IVF. I have to say I was very disappointed when I bout it cause I'm not ready for IVF yet.

Best of luck to you on your next IVF cycle.

Cece said...

Yeah - B&N has great deal, but I just don't like shopping with them online as much as amazon.

Dagny said...

The last one is really funny. :)

Anonymous said...

wow.. amazon is so the winner! that's kind of ridiculous!

ICLW :)

Echloe said...

That is so odd. You should write to their consumer relations department.
I'm currently reading conceptions chronicles and have been loving it. Add it to your list if you haven't read it yet.

ICLW

Anonymous said...

You are too funny! Here from ICLW!

Gosh, I went through If about 10 years ago, well I started it then, but eventually had success. Anyhow, the only book I had knowledge of then was Taking Charge of Your Fertility.

Tiffanie said...

hi! a fellow infertile here from ICLW.
good luck w/IVF #6:)

Peeveme said...

Hi,
Thanks for you comment. IVF #6. You are one strong woman. Leave no stone unturned. If I had the funds I would IVF as long as it took. Eventually my ovaries are going to kick out a good egg.

Enjoy your books. I have decided that I need fiction right now. Escapism.

Kim said...

Wow, that is amazing. I always use Amazon. iclw

momofonefornow said...

Hi, over from ICLW,

I am an amazon junkie. I love it! (I just sang that) I love the recommendations and the selection. Go Amazon, a book junkie's dream.

Just Me. said...

Amazon makes me a poor woman all the time cuz i go click,click,click and then i realise that my cart's overwhelming!

The Empty Picture Frame is good. I just finished reading that book.

Here from ICLW.

Ariella said...

Lisa thanks for your comment about Zoe on my blog. I am so sorry for your loss. I can honestly say I understand, it just sucks way more than it should. (((((HUGS))))) Our pets are waiting for us at the Rainbow.

SassyCupcakes said...

I'd love to hear if you find any decent books. I'm yet to find one that doesn't make me gag.

'Murgdan' said...

OH. Amazon ALWAYS wins with me! Ok. Now when you receive your stash of good reading, let me know the best of the best on that list. I can't afford ALL those books right now.
ICLW :-)

Martha@A Sense of Humor is Essential said...

Funny, thanks for sharing, visiting from ILCW and wishing you the best for next cycle. Love the wedding photo, beautiful couple!

Mrs Woggie said...

How strange. Go Amazon! Let us know what the book is like. I am yet to purchase any IF books yet.

Here from ICLW.