Dry beans, peas, etc are also cheaper than buying cans.

Well, he likes to abuse people, especially children.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BDBi4Ogrru0&pp=ygUTRHJlYWRlZCBqYXJlZCBmb2dsZQ%3D%3D

this is pretty cool, but I never understood the appeal of “hey guys im reading this book”

It's more like:

You: Hey guys im reading this book

Random Guy: Hey! I'm currently reading this book as well!

You: Cool! Let me check out what else you like!

And that's how you find your book people and with them a stack of unread but cool books you need to work through.