Sad to say, books are now a luxury item.
Books aren’t a luxury item. Maybe new hardbacks are a luxury item but anybody that actually gets books to read knows how to get them cheap. Friends of the library, walk out with two full tote bags and change for your 20.
You can check books out for free at a library.
If you buy them from a bookstore they are but if you shop at Goodwill or other thrift stores. I have picked some great books for .39 cents for paperbacks and .89 for hardbacks.
That's what libraries are for, mon ami.