Whether you frequent your local Barnes and Noble bookstore every weekend or simply check out the New York Times best-sellers list once in a blue moon, books are and always have been one of America’s favorite pastimes. Not only do they give you the opportunity to learn and expand your knowledge bank, they’re entertaining!

Online bookstores are increasing in popularity as the Internet simplifies shopping for, well ... everything. So maybe The DaVinci Code wasn’t exactly your cup of tea despite the rest of society’s inability to put it down. Some of the best online bookstores offer varieties of titles from obscure authors, genres and cult followings.

What to look for when searching for the best online bookstores? Many readers want extensive book lists, hard-to-find novels, similar purchase matches and affordable pricing. Gone are the days when one megastore dominated the book-buying arena, forcing readers to purchase from them.

6StarReviews.com makes mention of several noteworthy bookstores in their online bookstore reviews, a popular option being AbeBooks, which gives readers fun perks like ordering signed novels by their favorite authors. Their vast selection also offers foreign titles for the more adventurous bookworm.

Even if you don’t enjoy reading, some of the best online bookstores offer things like DVD’s and textbooks you just might need for Biology 101. Navigating online bookstores can also be a great way to find relatives birthday presents without going over budget. Your kids probably love Harry Potter, (that you hate to admit you enjoy as well) which would make a wonderful present. Point being, there's something for everyone on bookstore sites and it doesn't hurt to look.