How Do You Prefer Your Books?

[Kat]

Hardcover, Paperback, Mass Market Paperback, ebook? Which one do you prefer? I prefer hardcover.

[Carrie]

I read a mixture of both, but for my favorite authors, I prefer hardcover, mostly because I can't wait for the paperback to come out. For nonfiction, I prefer hardcover or paperback. Guess I still like to mark it up with pencil and dogear the pages rather than take notes on the e-reader. But for all other reads, e-book is fine. Plus, it's easier to prop up on my treadmill.

[Stuart]

ebook for me. Easy to store. Easier to handle. Doesn't get ripped when falling asleep and I can grab a new book 24/7.

[Anima]

Stuart, I so totally agree with you. :D

[Lynn, Moderator]

Agreed!

[monet]

Paperback.

[Cathie]

Hardcover for at home, trade paperback for travelling in the city. I love the conversations a "hard" copy book generates when you are outside from other people. I have had so many great conversations with strangers in regards to the book I or they are reading because we can see what the book is; can't do that with an ebook/ereader. I also read alot of ARCs (advance reading copies)and they generate a lot of discussion when people see them and have heard about them coming out.

I very occasionally will read an ebook only if it's not available in another format. Usually that happens with novellas.

I love the line you can grab a new book 24/7. I have so many books I don't think I ever will run out (mine and borrowed from the library) and I am always buying more. I order my books online and have them delivered to my door; I can do that 24/7 :-)

I noticed in Publisher's Weekly this week that ebooks sales were up 117% for young readers ages 13-17; it's the only market share of ebooks that is growing. If it keeps trending that way then ebooks will be the majority choice in a few years as the teens turn into adults.

For me I love the feel of paper pages turning and the new smell of a book when you first crack it open. I can drop a book and it won't break, take an old fashioned book outside to read and not have to worry about sun glare and I don't have to remember to charge it.

And there are some books that are just absolutely beautiful; the scrolls on the pages, the etchings on the covers. To me there's something peaceful about reading a held book; I just don't get that same feeling looking at another digital screen. I want to shut off the digital onslaught when I curl down with a book :-)

[Jennifer]

Hardcover is probably easiest to keep propped open and read, but I read mostly paperback. No ebooks at all.

[Alycia]

Stuart wrote: "ebook for me. Easy to store. Easier to handle. Doesn't get ripped when falling asleep and I can grab a new book 24/7."

Definitely agree!

[Rebecca]

I prefer book either paperback or hardback but will occasionally use kindle if book isn't in paperback form just the feel of the book in your hand turning the page physically and being in the book love yep book form all tge way :)

[Brittany Leigh]

I've read a few books on my Nook (My parents bought it for me for Christmas last year) but I can't get myself to read books on the Nook. I mean, I can read faster, but it's hard to start reading an eBook than it is to read a 'hard copy.'

Like Cathie, I get a lot of comments by adults in my school/church, who notice that I always seem to have a book.

Personally, I prefer hardback if it's a library book, paperback if it's a book I own. I like hardbacks better because the book is better protected, and paperbacks because they take up less space.

[Victor]

I wouldn't even think twice about it. I LOVE ebooks. I've gone all digital coz I can lug my entire library of almost 2000 books w/ me co I travel a lot and it doesn't take up mammoth space.
I live in east Africa and getting paper books for 99% of titles is not possible locally so amazon is my best bet.
Ebooks are also easier to highlight & take notes in, and i can read across all my different devices or online via Amazon cloud so even if I forget my devices, I can still access my library.
Ebooks are more preferable for me.

[[deleted user]]

I have a Kindle and I've gone to ebooks too. Although, there are times when I do miss having an actual book. But I love the convenience of the Kindle.

[Valentina]

For me ebooks are more comfortable, I can take it everywhere with me without worry about space or that it might get damaged and read it in multiple devices. Buuuut, I would still love having a 'hard copy' of many of those books, I kinda love that 'new book' smell and everything.

So, if I'm having a 'hard copy' I prefer a Hardcover because, even though I'm very careful I tend to wore out paperback covers. However the convenience of ebooks is great.

[Tesa Fiona]

For me, it's the paperback and I am good in taking care of them. I wrap the cover with transparent plastic cover, but still they get folded and I get angry.
Hardcover is too heavy, I read mostly on bed, and hardcover weights me to uncomfortable reading positions.
But last month, I've read 3 ebook, at first, I felt something was missing, lol, but now I get used to it and I love it.

[Amber]

I prefer ebook for reading. I mostly read at night and when I fall asleep I don't lose my page. Also, I can take it anywhere and when I'm close to the end of the book, I don't have to lug another one with me, it's already right there.

[[deleted user]]

I prefer ebooks only because of the convenience. Receiving free books through Goodreads First Reads helps me through my withdrawals from not holding a physical book. I have best of both worlds!

[Yolie]

when I am out and about I love to read from my ebook. one because it is light and just very convenient. around the house I enjoy reading from paperback books. Sorry don't care for Hardback books

[Cathie]

I love your name Yolie! What is your background? Is there a history to your name (ie is it a nickname, a short form of something else, do you have other relatives with that name you were named after, does it have a special meaning?) It's such a happy sounding name :-)

[Regina]

I prefer paperback because they're lighter and cheaper as well. :)

[Susan]

Ebook multiple books and no one knows what I'm reading.

[Connie]

I like to hold a hardback or paperback. I also share most of my books. It's easier when you can hand it to someone.

[Jenna]

I prefer to have the book itself in my hands, whether it be paperback or hardcover, preferably hardcover.

[Brooke]

Cathie wrote: "Hardcover for at home, trade paperback for travelling in the city. I love the conversations a "hard" copy book generates when you are outside from other people. I have had so many great conversat..."

I agree with you 100%! I love books, I love paperback and hardback. I love the way they smell and the feel of the paper. Books are beautiful especially the older ones. My husband bought me a nook for Christmas and I am having a hard time with it. I will say it is easier to carry around multiple books with the nook, but I find a very large purse, glove compartment, drawers at work, and a large backpack can also fill my needs just as well.

[Cathie]

Brooke wrote: " I will say it is easier to carry around multiple books with the nook, but I find a very large purse, glove compartment, drawers at work, and a large backpack can also fill my needs just as well. "

Agree totally :-). And I'm like you Connie; I like to share books and can easily pass a good book to someone if it's dead-tree book :-)

[Zouagie]

Dead-tree book is a bit much, i'd perfer using the term "recycled for better uses".

But all the same, HARDCOVER all the way!! i cant stand using paperbacks, its too light for my tastes, cause im so used to holding hardcovers that a paperback feels foreign to me. But if I have no choice, then paperback it is, but only for certain books.

[Lisa]

I have hundreds of books because I seem to have a book buying problem! I buy the majority of my books used. They feel more "alive". I mostly have trade paperbacks, but I have nothing against hardcovers. And like a lot of people say, I love the smell and feel of books. I like seeing where my bookmark is and knowing I only have a little bit more to go. I can also move back and forth between the pages faster to find something. BUT, when I leave the house, I grab my Kindle Paperwhite first. It's great bringing as many books as I want anywhere I go. If I'm interested in a particular book, I can buy it anytime or I can see if my library has an electronic version available. Overall, I prefer actual books. If I'm offered a physical copy or an ebook, I will always choose the real deal. Is it just me or is it easier to get immersed in a physical book than it is an ebook?

[Sakshi]

I love books. I love Paperback, u can carry it anywhere with you
and then ebooks always there.
wherever you go, they follow :)

[Sherry]

I prefer paperbacks. I take the bus everywhere and they are better travellers. I've tried reading books electronically but don't enjoy it much. I guess I love the feel of a book in my hands!

[Som]

I read my books on Kindle touch while sniffing on a newly bought paperback. One of the few reasons would be to avoid the quest of definition of words in those colossal dictionaries. One touch on the 'tough' word is all you need to save your time, in e-readers.

[Carrie]

Som wrote: "One touch on the 'tough' word is all you need to save your time, in e-readers."

That is definitely a nice plus of e-readers.

[Annabel]

I do love paperback have it in my hand but I have an iPad mini and most of my books are on there so I do read mostly on there and treat myself to a paperback book

[Nikki]

I prefer holding an actual book in my hand when I read (it doesn't matter which kind). But because it is hard to travel with many books, I download ebooks most of the time because it is much easier. Flipping pages while standing on the train is also something that is hard to do.

[Savanes]

Carrie wrote: "Som wrote: "One touch on the 'tough' word is all you need to save your time, in e-readers."

That is definitely a nice plus of e-readers."

I like that feature A LOT. And even more when I am reading in a foreign language. :D

[Mike]

I've gone the e-book route with my kindle and I'm not sure I can ever look back. It's just so much easier, and more convenient to read with. If I absolutely love a book or series and want to support the author some more in hopes they will put out more books, I usually buy the books in paperback as well, just to have and support.

[Charlene]

I prefer "real" books at home whether hard cover or paperback. I love the smell and feel if real books. I also love looking at them on my bookshelf and the ease of book discussions when I have friends over. Plus I would never dare take my ereader into the bath tub for obvious reasons. I do, however, love my ereader. I love the convenience of having multiple books with me at all time. And since I live in a small town with no book store, I never have to wait.

[Sara]

Ebooks outside home and normal books preferably paperbacks cause they are lighter at home.

[Rida]

Handcovers dont inspire me and I dont read reveiw as they sometimes spoils the taste of beginning. I just pick books on the basis of their titles

[Deedee]

Hardbacks for thick books, trade paperback for medium to thin books, ebooks NEVER.

[Mildred]

I prefer "real" books. It doesn't matter if they are hardcover or paperback, but I would prefer to read them. However, I will admit I am one of the teenagers raking up the sales for e-books, because I just get as many free e-books as I can get because they are easily accessible whenever I have my laptop with me.

[Jose]

I love the feel of books,and the smell of the pages. I also have a kindle which i also love especially when i go on holiday, as it is easier to pack.

[Chelsea]

I prefer paperback, because they usually fit in my purse!

[[deleted user]]

Probably Audiobooks most of the time. I read so much, it is easier to store them. I have run out of bookshelf space. Plus, I enjoy listening to stories as I run errands. Times of exceptions are when the audiobook narrator is boring to listen to. I tend to rely on ebooks when I am not home. Then only on paperback/hardback books when that is the only type I can check out of public libraries. Sometimes, I just enjoy holding an actual book - but not often.

[[deleted user]]

Another thought: I donate books after reading, too. That helps lessen the amount of bookshelf space.

[≈aleх: pнoenιх oғ тнe ғlaмe≈]

I like Hardcover. Followed by EBook then paperback. Then again, I'd be very tempted to burn all my paperbacks >:P

[Misha]

I prefer paperback versions

[Lisa]

Yes, I donate them too to either Big Brother's Big Sisters (and they pick up at the house), or the local library. It feels good!

[[deleted user]]

I donate books, too!!! I don't feel as guilty if I know I won't finish any book. I regularly donate once a month. I like to think of it as giving the gift of reading.

As for ebooks vs. regular books, I have given more thought. First and foremost, I prefer the actual book. I read ebooks only when I am out & not in a position to listen to audiobooks. As for hardback/paperbacks,
I enjoy actually seeing my reading progress. I realize that ebooks give you a percentage tracker. I can't imagine it, though. I need to see the progress I am making. To me, that is kind of a "pat on the back" for me - seeing how well I am progressing in reading a story.

[Lisa]

PS I prefer hardcover and softcover over digital.

[Shivaunn]

Digital