Thursday, February 21, 2008
BTT: Format
Once again, I spent a good chunk of my Thursday (especially since I'm locked out of the Thursday Thirteen hub by some DNS problems) pondering today's Booking Through Thursday.
All other things (like price and storage space) being equal, given a choice in a perfect world, would you rather have paperbacks in your library? Or hardcovers? And why?
In my library, huh?
Honestly, I don't care.
No, not true. To put in my library, I want hardbacks. They look good, although the lack of standardized sizing makes them hard to pile books on top of.
Now, to expand on the question and take it beyond its borders, to read, I like trade-sized paperbacks. I just like them. I like the size, I like the way they fit in my hand, I like that they aren't too heavy like hardbacks can be, I like that they stay open in my lap. I especially like that they aren't the goofy new mass market size that costs a few bucks more for a few inches taller. Bite the bullet; put them in trade size, people!
And finally... many authors dream of being published in hardback. For them, it's a prize to be won. But to be honest, I buy very few hardbacks. I don't like to spend that much money on a new hardback. Not when I can have more books for the same amount. Heck, I went to a book signing about a year ago and spent $50 and came home with ... two books. TWO.
Me, I want to be published in Trade Paperback. Given my choice -- and let's face it, unless I self-publish, I won't have a choice -- I'll pick that size.
But ultimately, what format doesn't matter. What matters is the experience I have reading it. A great book is a great book and ... yeah, I gotta say it. Size doesn't matter.
All other things (like price and storage space) being equal, given a choice in a perfect world, would you rather have paperbacks in your library? Or hardcovers? And why?
In my library, huh?
Honestly, I don't care.
No, not true. To put in my library, I want hardbacks. They look good, although the lack of standardized sizing makes them hard to pile books on top of.
Now, to expand on the question and take it beyond its borders, to read, I like trade-sized paperbacks. I just like them. I like the size, I like the way they fit in my hand, I like that they aren't too heavy like hardbacks can be, I like that they stay open in my lap. I especially like that they aren't the goofy new mass market size that costs a few bucks more for a few inches taller. Bite the bullet; put them in trade size, people!
And finally... many authors dream of being published in hardback. For them, it's a prize to be won. But to be honest, I buy very few hardbacks. I don't like to spend that much money on a new hardback. Not when I can have more books for the same amount. Heck, I went to a book signing about a year ago and spent $50 and came home with ... two books. TWO.
Me, I want to be published in Trade Paperback. Given my choice -- and let's face it, unless I self-publish, I won't have a choice -- I'll pick that size.
But ultimately, what format doesn't matter. What matters is the experience I have reading it. A great book is a great book and ... yeah, I gotta say it. Size doesn't matter.
Labels: Booking Through Thursday, books
Comments:
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LOL @ "size doesn't matter!" Yes, ultimately it's the story -- the words -- that count.
That said, trade paperback is my favorite kind of paperback, too! :)
That said, trade paperback is my favorite kind of paperback, too! :)
# posted by 
: February 21, 2008 9:50 PM
: February 21, 2008 9:50 PM
Oh, I am so with you on lovin' the trade paperbacks. I bought a new copy of Laurie R. Kings A Monstrous Regiment of Women (they're redoing the whole Russell/ Holmes series), and the new covers are too cool. I want to be published in trade paperback. :)
I prefer hard covers than paperbacks, most of the time. But like you said, yes, it's the content that counts!
# posted by : February 21, 2008 11:16 PM
: February 21, 2008 11:16 PM
I do own several hardcovers mostly on the Beatles, that I wouldn't give up for the world. But it's like you mentioned -- hard covers are more expensive, take up alot of room and dusting them is a pain!! I usually buy paperbacks and end up donating them to the library. I'm not sure what "trade" paperback is tho --? also, I was in TT yesterday, but can't get in today either!
I agree that hardcovers can get quite expensive, but I love them too much not to buy them. Luckily, I'm able to get them at a cheaper price by purchasing them when they are on the discount racks, or at a used bookstore (sometimes they still look brand-new), or at a library book sale. If you don't mind buying and reading a book that was previously owned, then you can get some really good deals this way! :)
Trade paperbacks are the best options.
BTW, the hardcover copy of HP 7 I bought for my nephew has broken apart from the spine. I think my nephew must have tried to turn it over!
BTW, the hardcover copy of HP 7 I bought for my nephew has broken apart from the spine. I think my nephew must have tried to turn it over!
# posted by : February 22, 2008 8:02 AM
: February 22, 2008 8:02 AM
Yes, I prefer paperbacks. I definitely would prefer to buy softcover. Maybe if one wants to make books do double-duty as stepstools, hardcover is a good bet but I'm gentle on books.
90 % of my library is paperback, Susan. Mainly because I teach literature and I mark up my books with notes etc. I would never mark up a hardcover, hence paperbacks. Thanks for commenting on Steve Jobs and reading! Have a great weekend! :)
personally, i buy more hardcovers than paperbacks because i keep them. books which i know i will not keep after i read them, then i buy in paperback....any size....
"size doesn't matter..." LOL....perfect....
"size doesn't matter..." LOL....perfect....
I prefer hardcovers, just for the durability and the heft of it in my hand.
I'm having the same TT problems... Does anyone know what's up with that?
I'm having the same TT problems... Does anyone know what's up with that?
# posted by : February 22, 2008 5:00 PM
: February 22, 2008 5:00 PM
LOL! If you hadn't have said it then I would! :)
I prefer paperbacks to read too, they're just easier to handle. Hardbacks do look good though a book has to be special for me to buy it in this format due to cost, like my illustrated versions of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. I guess, I'm the same as you really, I buy books to read so it's not the cover format, it's what is in them that counts!
Thanks for the supportive comment BTW :) I play Sophie and other 'quiet' music to work to and then when I take a break, it's bring on the rock and the volume goes to 11!
I prefer paperbacks to read too, they're just easier to handle. Hardbacks do look good though a book has to be special for me to buy it in this format due to cost, like my illustrated versions of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. I guess, I'm the same as you really, I buy books to read so it's not the cover format, it's what is in them that counts!
Thanks for the supportive comment BTW :) I play Sophie and other 'quiet' music to work to and then when I take a break, it's bring on the rock and the volume goes to 11!
I choose hardback too. You're right, they do look better and feel better. Well, except if I'm on one of my marathon reading binges - then I prefer to be holding paper back, for the weight difference.
Happy Friday!!! :-)
Happy Friday!!! :-)
We have only certain things in hardback... like Harry Potter. I do love the trade pbs though. I don't mind the regular pbs either. I mean, I got the entire first 5 JR Ward's in pb, signed, for nothing. HEH. Pressies and contest winnings. Life is gooood.
Yeah, rub that in, Winter.
And here I thought you were COOL.
I'm dying to read JR Ward already. (along with the 400+ books already here)
And here I thought you were COOL.
I'm dying to read JR Ward already. (along with the 400+ books already here)
Hee! Size doesn't matter! Love that! I like paperbacks, myself. And, if you have to move, hardcovers are so darn big and heavy....
I sucked and didn't post a BTT this week. But I prefer hardcovers for my permanent collection like you do.
Tagged ya!
http://breenibooks.blogspot.com/2008/02/what-are-you-reading.html
Tagged ya!
http://breenibooks.blogspot.com/2008/02/what-are-you-reading.html
I'm with you. I hardly buy paperback. I prefer the more affordable ones and like you said, a good book is a good book.
HAve a great weekend! :)
HAve a great weekend! :)
I like regular paperbacks best, because I read mainly while riding the bus, and paperbacks fit best in my purse.
I've always wondered why hard-covered books are such a big deal. Here in the Great White North, the price differential is massive: often something like $35 for a hardcover, and under $10 for a softie.
Sorry, but I'm cheap. Soft it is. It is, after all, the words that matter.
Sorry, but I'm cheap. Soft it is. It is, after all, the words that matter.
I hate those goofy-sized mass market books. Oh, really, really hate them. I don't buy them, simply because they don't fit in my bathroom reading shelf. (I do a whole lot of reading in my bathtub.).
I agree trade paperback is a great size. But then, my pocketbook much prefers mass market or bargain books. I'm sorry for that, but what else can you do?
I agree trade paperback is a great size. But then, my pocketbook much prefers mass market or bargain books. I'm sorry for that, but what else can you do?
I agree - a good book is a good book no matter the size.
That said, when I'm picking up a book from the TBR pile, whether or not it fits in my purse is OFTEN a factor...
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That said, when I'm picking up a book from the TBR pile, whether or not it fits in my purse is OFTEN a factor...
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