Bookshop.org vs. Amazon: Why This Site Offers Both
When you explore the Time Traveler’s Library, you’ll notice something: each book includes purchase links to both Bookshop.org and Amazon. That’s not an accident. It’s intentional—and it’s rooted in the values of access, autonomy, and awareness.
Many readers today want to shop with intention. They want their dollars to reflect their values, whether that’s supporting local economies or receiving a book in time for a weekend getaway. Others are looking for speed, availability, or the convenience of a well-oiled online shopping experience. This site respects all those motivations, and so we offer both.
Because in the end, it’s not about telling you where to shop—it’s about giving you the context to choose.
The Ethics and Practicalities of Buying Books
There’s been an ongoing cultural conversation about how and where we buy our books. On one side, Bookshop.org offers a refreshing model: it was created as an ethical alternative to Amazon, designed to funnel a portion of each sale directly to independent bookstores across the country. When you buy from Bookshop.org, you're indirectly helping local shops survive and thrive—even if you don’t live near one.
On the other hand, Amazon provides speed, selection, and user familiarity. It’s often the only place to find niche titles, out-of-print books, or works by self-published authors. For readers who need quick delivery or want the broadest possible inventory, Amazon is a practical solution—even if it doesn’t feel like the most community-friendly one.
This site includes links to both platforms because we believe readers should have access to all the tools they need—whether they’re driven by values, necessity, or a mix of both.
Comparison at a Glance
Here’s a quick breakdown of how Bookshop.org and Amazon stack up across common considerations:
Bookshop.org vs. Amazon
FeatureBookshop.orgAmazonSupports Independent BookstoresYes – a portion of each sale goes to local bookstoresNo – supports a large corporate entityShipping SpeedModerate – shipping may take longerFast – Prime delivery available for many itemsBook AvailabilityGood – may not have every title, especially obscure or self-published onesExcellent – widest selection including rare and self-published titlesPricingOften slightly higherOften lowerUser ExperienceSimple and cleanHighly optimized, but busyEnvironmental ConsiderationsMore eco-conscious packagingMixed – varies by vendor and packagingAffiliate Earnings for This SiteYes – this site earns a small commission from purchasesYes – this site earns a small commission from purchases
Why This Site Uses Affiliate Links from Both
This site earns a small commission from purchases made through both Bookshop.org and Amazon. These commissions help keep the site running—funding research, writing, and resources. But more importantly, we use affiliate links from both sources to accommodate different kinds of readers:
The mindful buyer who wants their purchase to support small businesses.
The reader in a hurry who needs a last-minute book before a trip.
The international shopper who may only have access to Amazon’s distribution.
The budget-conscious who are comparing prices.
The collector hunting for rare or out-of-print editions.
We trust that you, the reader, can make the best choice for your situation. Our job is simply to give you a trustworthy space to start from.
What Really Matters? The Books Themselves
Whether you click the Bookshop.org link or the Amazon one, the most important thing is that you’re engaging with the books—the voices, stories, histories, and ideas that populate the Time Traveler’s Library. These aren’t just products. They’re entry points into other worlds and deeper understandings. Your decision to read them is already an act of curiosity and investment in something larger than yourself.
So choose your link knowing that each option comes with trade-offs—and with benefits. What matters most is that you’re here, exploring, learning, and letting books carry you across time and space.
Because however they arrive at your door—whether in two days or ten—what matters is where they take you.