That is a quandary. I used to work in a bookstore and I still could not firmly understand it.
There are actually three main ways a book can be produced. Hardbound (my personal favorite), what is called in the bookstore a 55 (the slightly over-sized paperback)and tradition paperbacks (often called pocket books).
As I said I prefer hardbound IMHO they display better and last longer. For my favorite authors especially I will spend the extra money for a hardbound cover because, it will invariably be read and reread. The 55's are nice because they are lighter weight and, lets face, easier on the eyes because the print is slightly larger. The tradition paperback or pocket book is most common due to price. It is cheaper for the publisher to print and cheaper for the public to buy. The best advantage I have found to these books is they are good for traveling. I can easily slip a couple in my purse for a long plane ride without breaking my purse or my back.
I think it's a question that will always be around.
The bookstore lingo was intriguing to read. I wonder why they call it a 55.
I also prefer hardbound. It just seems to be the way a book ought to look. The price is an issue though (and the odd fact that some books aren't being selled in new form in hardback anymore).
I really love Pratchett, and so I'm thinking of buying the hardbacks of the paperbacks that I have when I'm done. I'll make the final decision when I finish reading, since I would want it to be one of my favorites first. I feel a tad guilty because I did spend money on the paperbacks already... But the fact is hardbacks for books you love just last longer and feel better. Can't a bibliophile be allowed that? :)
Not to mention, the Pratchett hardcover books are only around in used form. So you can get it cheaper anyway from amazon.
Now I will really make you cry. When I worked in the bookstore I ONLY bought hardbound because my discount allowed me to purchase them at 5% about cost. That meant a "pocket book" which sold for retail at about $8.00 I generally paid about $2.75 and a $25.00 dollar hardbound was only about $13.00. It is really sickening the mark-up on books.
I too am a bibliophile! In fact my degree is in literacy with a minor in literature. Can you imagine what my house looks like? I never go to the library because if I am going to read it I am going to own it!
I prefer paperbacks, but for a few simple reasons:
1. They're cheaper. 2. They tend to be smaller and lighter, so they don't take up as much room in my bag. 3. Like imhilien said, you can fit more of them on a shelf! 4. They're easier to move between school and home.
Also, I was raised buying most paperback. It might make a difference what you grew up with, I think, since reading is so often a retreat, a total comfort thing.
That's a good point. Come to think of it... I think I am used to hardcover. :D
You have some very good reasons. I really do need to come to terms with the paperback. I think that for the Pratchett books I bought, since he's one of my favorite authors, I'll by them in hardback as well (when I finish the books I'll make my final decision if I can say they're one of my favorites and most important). You can only get the hardbacks used, so it's still a bit cheaper. And you don't have to buy all at once. I just like the idea of my favorites lasting longer and being sturdier.
Perhaps it's a bit insane and unproductive... But don't we all have our irrational splurge item? :)
I always was a hardcover reader but then I moved to the city and my primary reading time became my commute time too. It's less space consuming and lighter to carry around a paperback everywhere I go, instead of a heavy hardcover book. When I start a hardcover book now, it's doomed to be only my bedtime reading. And then I only finish 2-3 pages a night and it takes me 6 months to finish the book. When I read a paperback, it eventually becomes my commuting book and I finish in about 1-2 weeks.
I have actually found since then that I enjoy a softcover a bit more - it's not as heavy when I want to hold it above me and read in a different position.
There is something to be said about the history you can find in a book with marks and folded pages. :)
I hear ya! I still wrestle with my actions when I buy a book in paperback, decide that I love it, and go out and get it in hardback. I think it's stupid, but I do it anyway because I just love it. "laughs" Pratchett is bad economy then I guess. Come to think of it, I think Rowling is too since I actually took the trouble to also buy the British versions (along side my American ones).
Ah, you gotta love the Ol' Fitz! :D I've only read Gatsby... what other ones do you like of him?
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I love the light animation on your icon by the way. :)
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There are actually three main ways a book can be produced. Hardbound (my personal favorite), what is called in the bookstore a 55 (the slightly over-sized paperback)and tradition paperbacks (often called pocket books).
As I said I prefer hardbound IMHO they display better and last longer. For my favorite authors especially I will spend the extra money for a hardbound cover because, it will invariably be read and reread. The 55's are nice because they are lighter weight and, lets face, easier on the eyes because the print is slightly larger. The tradition paperback or pocket book is most common due to price. It is cheaper for the publisher to print and cheaper for the public to buy. The best advantage I have found to these books is they are good for traveling. I can easily slip a couple in my purse for a long plane ride without breaking my purse or my back.
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The bookstore lingo was intriguing to read. I wonder why they call it a 55.
I also prefer hardbound. It just seems to be the way a book ought to look. The price is an issue though (and the odd fact that some books aren't being selled in new form in hardback anymore).
I really love Pratchett, and so I'm thinking of buying the hardbacks of the paperbacks that I have when I'm done. I'll make the final decision when I finish reading, since I would want it to be one of my favorites first. I feel a tad guilty because I did spend money on the paperbacks already... But the fact is hardbacks for books you love just last longer and feel better. Can't a bibliophile be allowed that? :)
Not to mention, the Pratchett hardcover books are only around in used form. So you can get it cheaper anyway from amazon.
But I guess I'm convincing myself... "laughs"
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I too am a bibliophile! In fact my degree is in literacy with a minor in literature. Can you imagine what my house looks like? I never go to the library because if I am going to read it I am going to own it!
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You're a lucky woman, indeed!
It's amazing how books add up though. All the components...
Your house then reminds me of Mo's house in a book called Inkheart. He's a bookbinder and there are stacks of books everywhere.
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1. They're cheaper.
2. They tend to be smaller and lighter, so they don't take up as much room in my bag.
3. Like imhilien said, you can fit more of them on a shelf!
4. They're easier to move between school and home.
Also, I was raised buying most paperback. It might make a difference what you grew up with, I think, since reading is so often a retreat, a total comfort thing.
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You have some very good reasons. I really do need to come to terms with the paperback. I think that for the Pratchett books I bought, since he's one of my favorite authors, I'll by them in hardback as well (when I finish the books I'll make my final decision if I can say they're one of my favorites and most important). You can only get the hardbacks used, so it's still a bit cheaper. And you don't have to buy all at once. I just like the idea of my favorites lasting longer and being sturdier.
Perhaps it's a bit insane and unproductive... But don't we all have our irrational splurge item? :)
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I have actually found since then that I enjoy a softcover a bit more - it's not as heavy when I want to hold it above me and read in a different position.
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Perhaps the best idea is hardcovers for the ones that you consider staples in your bookshelf. Like a favorite author.
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I hear ya! I still wrestle with my actions when I buy a book in paperback, decide that I love it, and go out and get it in hardback. I think it's stupid, but I do it anyway because I just love it. "laughs"
Pratchett is bad economy then I guess. Come to think of it, I think Rowling is too since I actually took the trouble to also buy the British versions (along side my American ones).
Ah, you gotta love the Ol' Fitz! :D I've only read Gatsby... what other ones do you like of him?
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