Hardback or Paperback ?

Remillard

Remillard

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When you go get that next book on your "Must Read" list, do you splash out the extra on the Hardback version, or just save a few groats and go get the paperback version ?


Me.. I've usually gone for the paperback, unless I simply can't wait. But lately I've found these softcover versions just can't hack it, as far as keeping the pages all in one place is concerned.

Not such an issue with a brand new book, sure, but I tend to re-read anything I'm really attached too.

I sound WAYYY too much like my grandma when I say... They just don't make em like they used too.

Any of you guys finding the same thing ?
 
Not really, the paperback seems to perform a good enough job although I do think the general standard of publishing in terms of quality paper, glue, binding etc...has slipped a bit over the years, presumably due to economic considerations...
 
*giggles* Audio all the way!

I have done all three but hard back is my choice of poison. Better quality, nice looks and bigger print.

But because I don't have a lot of time to read I'm finding that audio is really nice!
 
Solidly paperback. All available space in my flat is bookshelved, I've lent out as many as I have freinds to lend them to, the shelves are two deep, and I still have to take books to the second hand shop. Hard covers would agreviate this situation beyond tolerance. ;)
 
Hardback is nicer for the shelves and for longevity. I try and have all my favorites in hardback. But, since I prefer reading in bed lying down, paperbacks are much lighter and less stress on the wrists.
 
hardback if it is a writer i really like and trust. george r martin. i HAVE brought jordan and hobb in hardback too. regret it for jordan and hobbs shaman's crossing. but usually its paperback unless its someone i think is the bees knees :)
 
All things being equal, paperback. I do a lot of my reading in bed, and I also take whatever I'm reading pretty much everywhere I go. Never know when there will be a few spare minutes to read a page or two.:p I've even taken books to Disneyland with me. Those hour-long lines are a great place to read.

Hardbacks are not good for carrying around, and they're even worse for reading in bed. I nearly never finished The Historian because it kept falling on me when I was reading in bed.
 
I usually buy paperbacks. Ocassionally I get hardbacks when i have to have the next book in a series right away or when I can get it for less than the paperback, which has happened on several occasions. I do however love to buy older and antique books most of which are out of print. Those you will get in nothing but hardback.
 
I would love to have all the Fantasy books I keep to be in Hardback. Most of my Classics are in Hardback and always look inviting to re-read.

However, I don't find the softbacks too much of a problem if I am travelling around. My current book has been across country and back and still looks as new!!
 
If I had the money I would buy hardback every time without a doubt, they look nicer on shelves and probably last a lot longer.

My bookshelves mainly consist of paperbacks though, they are cheaper, easier to pick up and take with you to bed/foreign countries etc but they just get so messy and it makes my shelves look untidy!!!

If, however, it's a book I really want and/or have been waiting for, regardless of price, I buy it in hardback and as in the case of some books I've bought recently, if I really like a book and can afford it, I will hunt a first edition down and attempt to purchase it - I've found it surprisingly cheaper than you would think!

xx
 
I only own one hardback, because, as stated before, I couldn't wait for it. But normally, I rather wait and buy the cheaper paperback.
 
I prefer hardcover novels or trade paperbacks. I find that those two hold up the best. I have a lot of them because of my second hand shopping. It is the mass-markets I find can't handle to be read a lot. I am careful with my books but other people are not and they really show it.
 
I have got a few hardbacks. I've got four Pratchett hardbacks and two Rowling hardbacks. I definetly prefer paperbacks ~ so much easier to read at the dinner table and in the bath! :D
 
yeah, for reading in bath=paperback. But actually I don't even take care to notice. I usually don't have much of a choice anyway, it's: hardback or nothing or paperback or nothing most of the time. Yes, belgium is a barbaric country:p . Most of our youngsters speak 3 or more languages though.
 
if im buying a brand new book i like hardback but i love trawlling through book shops and if i see any i like ill have it no matter what.
 
Don't like hardbacks really - they take up too much space!! I'm already out of bookshelf space as it is... my books are piled up against every wall! Also, they cost too much, and I'm broke :p I don't actually think I've ever bought a hardback, except as a birthday present maybe. They're just awkward and heavy to carry around with you. Paper backs are much more accessible!
 
Paperback, unless one of four things occur -

*It's something special to me that I want to own in hardcover

* if i happen to have a gift voucher for the store and have credit to burn

* If a particular book I want is limitedly avaliable and only comes in hardcover. (in that situation right now and as it is I've had it on order for months. Apparently they are waiting on a reprint:rolleyes: )

*its hard cover, but is on sale

But 9 times out of 10, I go the paperback
 
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