A lot of my book-loving friends want to do that, too. Turns out we have plenty of options — at least 17, in fact.

Here’s a list of those offering new books, including current best-sellers. This compilation and accompanying infographic do not include textbook or used-books-only retailers, though.

Alternatives to Amazon for books

I’ve listed online book retailers in alphabetical order. Note that some sell audiobooks exclusively.

1. Alibris

Have a Rakuten account? You’ll get 2.5% back on purchases. (You don’t? Sign up with my referral link, spend a little money, and we’ll both get a cash gift!)

2. Apple Books

Read or listen to books on all of your Apple devices.

3. AudioBooks.com

Get three books free when you start a free trial.

4. Barnes & Noble

If there’s a Barnes & Noble in your area, you can buy online and pick up in store, too. That saves wondering through the store looking for the book you want – and spending more than you might have intended.

5. BetterWorldBooks

Get new and used books plus 2.5% back with Rakuten.

6. Blackwells

The popular UK retailer also delivers to the U.S.

7. Books-A-Million (BAM)

Founded in 1917, this retailer with brick-and-mortar stores is the second largest bookseller in the U.S. (And there’s that 2.5% back with Rakuten, too.)

8. Bookshop

This is my go-to site because it’s powered by indie retailers. Got a preference for a specific independent bookstore? Bookshop lets you select them for your order.

9. Chirp

I love Chirp because I can buy audiobooks without a monthly subscription. But I also appreciate the daily emails that alert me to discounted audiobooks in the genres and categories I read.

10. Downpour

This subscription-based audiobook retailer offers a free trial.

11. Google Play

Read or listen to books on your Android device.

12. Kobo

Buy books for the Kobo e-reader and as a bonus, get up to 5% back on purchases from Rakuten, which owns the company.

13. Libro.fm

Buy audiobooks from your favorite indie bookstore either through a subscription plan or ala carte.

14. Powell’s Books

This brick-and-mortar bookseller with an impressive online shop is Portland, Oregon’s top attraction.

15. Target

Don’t laugh. When my youngest is home, we always swing through Target’s book department because the discounts are good. She points out what she’s read and liked; I photograph the covers and add them to my to-be-read list. The selection online is much, much larger.

16. The Strand

This Manhattan institution has a strong online retail operation. I love wandering through this store that’s been in business since 1927.

17. Wordery

This fast-growing online bookshop offers more than 10 million books and free delivery to more than 100 countries. Get 3% cash back with Rakuten.

Don’t forget your library

Public libraries are such a gift to book lovers.

Unlike with print books that you have to pick up in person, you can borrow e-books and audiobooks online without ever walking into the building.

My public library system, like so many others, uses the Libby app for that. Download the app, find your library, sign in with your library card, and start searching. Borrowing is one-click easy.

This isn’t a comprehensive list of new book retailers, so what isn’t on it that should be? Where do you like to buy books online? Please tell us in a comment.

COVID-19 has altered how we live, work, and play while global protests have encouraged many municipalities to revisit police forces and procedures.

On a much, much smaller scale, some of us are continuing the change wave by re-examining how and where we buy books online.

The search for places to buy books online

In some cases, readers began looking for alternatives to Amazon when the coronavirus pandemic forced that giant retailer to set aside book orders so it could focus on shipping higher priority essentials.

Others have more philosophical reasons to look for options.

I’ve been aware of this, but only decided to pull together a list of alternatives when I saw this recent segment on “Sunday Today with Willie Geist.”

It tells the story of Marcus Books in Oakland, Calif., the oldest Black-owned bookstore in the country. Thanks to the Black Lives Matter movement and readers’ interest in becoming better informed about race relations, Black history, and related topics, business is booming at the store.

The segment made me realize that people had gone beyond talking about new places to buy books and starting taking action. It’s time for me to do the same.

Amazon alternatives

Here’s some of what I found in my search.

You might already know about many of these alternatives to Amazon, or you might discover something new to you. Regardless, I hope it feels good to realize you have a choice.

I’ve limited this list to those that sell new trade books. A Google search will help you find retailers specializing in used books and textbooks.

AudioBooks.com

Like its Amazon counterpart Audible, this audiobook retailer uses a subscription model. Get three books free when you start a free trial.

Barnes & Noble

If you’re lucky, there’s still a Barnes & Noble store in your community. Every six months or so, publishing sites report that the company is in danger of going out of business, so whether you want to buy online or in stores, consider helping to keep this business alive.

Books-A-Million (BAM)

The second-largest book retailer in the U.S., this store has been around for decades. (BONUS: If you shop through Rakuten, you’ll get cash back on purchases made through this site.)

Bookshop

This online store that supports local, independent bookstores is my new go-to for online ordering. I love that it lets you select a specific bookstore to support if you want. (It’s not required.) Learn more about how it works on the “about” page.

Libro.fm Audiobooks

Libro.fm makes it possible for you to buy audiobooks directly through your local bookstore — or any other local store if you don’t have one near you. It’s a great way to get the audiobooks you love while supporting an independent retailer.

Powell’s Books

Should you ever get to Portland, Ore., be certain to visit the flagship Powell’s (it’s the city’s top attraction!). You won’t be disappointed. And, with an inventory of more than two million volumes, you’ll be certain to find the book you want online.

The Strand

I love The Strand and visit as often as I can when I’m in New York City. Shop online while supporting an operation that’s been in business in Manhattan since 1927.

What can you add to this list? Please tell us in a comment.