Book jackets (sometimes referred to as dust jackets) drive me bananas. They're constantly slipping off, or bending and tearing at the edges. I know they're there to protect to book, and that the jacket being damaged from normal wear and tear means the book itself is left relatively unscathed. However, unless they are taped down (like library books, which is awful on its own), they don't stay in place.
I read in very unconventional places, like next to the stove when I'm cooking (I know, I know), but I also read a lot outside of the house. I have three kids, so we're pretty busy, and I always take a book with me when we go somewhere. Hardbacks don't always fit in my book sleeves, and I like the padded protection they provide the books tossed into my purse or diaper bag.
Paperback copies are also less bulky. They take up less space on my bookshelves, which means I have more room for books (always a good thing). Plus, paperbacks are lighter, so they hurt less when they fall on my face (this happens more than I'd like to admit). They also tend to be similar in size, so my shelves look more uniform, even though I like some of the chaos.
What about you? Do you prefer hardcovers with book jackets, or paperback copies? Are you okay with both? Let's talk books!
As pretty as hardcovers look on my shelf, they're a pain when it comes to actually reading them. They're bulky, hard to hold, and I'm always conscious of the covers. I almost always prefer a paperback. I only cave and buy a hardcover when I'm absolutely desperate for the book and cannot wait the 6 months-1 year for the pb release.
ReplyDeleteStill laughing at you dropping a book on your face. Heeheehee!
I've dropped books on my face sooo many times, but it's infinitely worse when I fall asleep reading on my iPad, haha! That thing weighs a ton and hurts like hell when it comes crashing down on your face. Paperbacks are safer! ;)
DeleteI love the look of hardcovers better on a bookshelf but I love reading from paperback more. They are lighter, smaller, and like you said, usually you don't have to fight with the jacket. Although if I'm being completely honest, I prefer to just read on my Kindle. ;)
ReplyDeleteI don't have a Kindle, so I can't compare, but I do use the Kindle App on my iPad! I had a Nook many, many years ago, but I never replaced it when it stopped working.
DeleteI don't read too many physical books, but when I do, a paperback is easier for me, because of all my hand and wrist problems. My number one reading choice is my Oasis. It's light and ergonomic and I can make the font really BIG
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've heard of an Oasis! I'll have to look it up later. I enjoy reading on an iPad, because it's like a heavy book, but there are also a lot of distractions on it, haha. Also, now that my son is older, there are educational games on there that he always wants to play. ;)
DeleteI like the way hardcovers look, but yeah, paperbacks are so much lighter!
ReplyDeleteI have so many books, and hardcovers take up twice as much room! I need all the space I can get, haha. <3
DeleteI like both, but I prefer hardcovers because they don’t fall apart as easily as paperbacks. I reread my favorite books so many times as a kid that the paperbacks are now held together with glue and rubber bands. The hardcovers are still in pretty good shape.
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
My parents didn't read to us much as children, so I don't have any beloved books from my childhood. I really hope my kids have books that are eventually glued and held together by rubber bands! I have had to duct tape some of their board books (they were my son's before the girls got them), and they've been well-loved. <3
DeleteI'm ok with both. When I read a hardcover book I always take the dust jacket off because it's a pain to try to read with it on.
ReplyDeleteI hate taking them off, because then I forget to put them back on. When that happens, a dog, cat, or small child usually damages it in some way. I've learned to leave them on or suffer the consequences, haha. ;)
DeleteI don't mind either. I think hardback books are kind of nice and they can be prettier, with end pages and whatnot. I take the dust jacket off when I read though or it would drive me nuts. LOL Paperbacks can be easier to handle and take around though!
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
I do think hardbacks have the potential to be prettier (I really like books that have the jagged edges), but paperbacks are cheaper and more convenient. I can't take my dust jackets off! Something always happens to them when I do, haha.
DeleteI loved paperbacks when I was in high school and college. Now I love hardcovers, but because they look nice on my shelves. 😂 I read almost exclusively on my Kindle, but I buy most loved books, if they have great covers, for my shelves. 😊
ReplyDeleteI feel like a lot of people read solely on their Kindle's! I prefer the feel of a book in my hand (preferable a lighter paperback, hah), because there's something grounding about it. My husband doesn't keep a lot of books, but he also doesn't do too many re-reads. I want to share my books with my children when they're older, and I want them to love them as much as I do! Whenever I only buy/keep the books I absolutely love!
DeleteI love the chaos of different sized books on my shelf! I actually prefer HC because I don't have to worry about the cover bending or the spine breaking when I read them. I always feel like I have to be so careful with PBs lol.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely when books fit together sporadically! I don't mind how hardbacks look, but I like that I can fit more paperbacks on my shelves. I'm not really concerned about bending my books, because it means they're well-loved! I know that most people don't feel the same way, but I also write in my books, highlight, make notes, and fold down the corners to mark my place and favorite parts. I do dislike stickers on books, though. They're impossible to remove and leave the book either sticky or torn. Stupid stickers! ;)
DeleteFor reading I prefer paperback but for displaying on my shelf I prefer hardback. But when I do have a hardback to read I just take off the cover and leave it on my shelf. I'm always afraid I'm going to damage it since there's a 99.9% chance I will lol.
ReplyDeleteJen @ Star-Crossed Book Blog
I know the covers are there to protect the book, but they're a hassle. It's so hard to read with a cover on a book, because it wants to slide around or bend the wrong way. If I take the cover off, I know I'm going to bend the book itself, haha. Paperbacks are just safer for me! Also, my kids like to take my books and flip through them (they can't read yet), and covers rarely make it back on the books they're supposed to be on. ;)
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