Someone above mentioned libgen, which is pretty good. Another good source, but one that is too confusing to explain in a comment here, is the bookz channel on irc. There are likely guides if you search for it. I’d only go that route if you really can’t find it elsewhere.
Like you I also really enjoy that ‘hunt’ for a used book. I enjoy browsing stacks of books and trying to find a book I’ve heard good things about while also maybe stumbling onto something interesting I’ve not yet heard of. When I visit a new book store, or buy online, it always feels like I’ve cheated the system somehow by not finding it naturally. It feels sterile, in a way. I don’t enjoy reading hardcover or the mass market size of books – they make my hands and arms hurt after a while. Trade paperback is ideal!
When I used to read more I usually browsed based on publisher rather than author or a specific title. I just trusted a few to have curated interesting works. It made browsing stacks a lot easier as you just look for the logo on the spine. Now I don’t read as much and am not interested in taking those sorts of risks haha.
Yep and it feels pretty dated. Using libgen is much easier. Using your local library is much easier and you get to show your library / local govt that the library is getting used.