Which book format do you prefer?

[Marty]

I'm not sure if I hear voices all the time but having listened to Maureen Corrigan review books on Fresh Air when I read Leave Me Alone, I'm Reading: Finding and Losing Myself in BooksI definitely heard her and her cadence.

[Kara]

I really prefer to read the trade paperbacks. I like the larger size... they are easier to read and hold. The cover art is nicer too. All-in-all I enjoy the experience and the keepsake better with the trade versions versus mass market, and think it's worth the extra money when buying a book to own.

I don't prefer to own books in their electronic format, however, I make an exception with audio.
=)

[Sandi]

Given a choice, I prefer the audio format for both science fiction and fantasy. For example, I had a hard time getting through Red Mars but I listened to both Green Mars and Blue Mars which were read by Richard Ferrone and really enjoyed them both.

[Garland Coulson]

For a while, I was "collecting" hardcover versions of my favorite books. But, since I like to reread them again and again, I found the hardcovers heavy to hold.

So I switched to paperback versions for new acquisitions.

But lately, I am using my iPhone and reading ebooks and have totally fallen in love with this format.

It is a true "pocketbook" - light to hold and I can turn pages with one hand. I control the font size and can read without a light so I don't bother my wife.

I also love that there is a LOT of good free science fiction and fantasy ebooks for me to read. A great way for me to find new authors to try.

I have about 150 ebooks on it to read at present.

[cook777]

I like audiobooks, actually most all books I read are in audio format even books that don't normally have an audiobook for them. (Being legally blind does have some nice things at least.)

Though when it comes to an actual book I prefer hardcover. I was very surprised by how many people found them to be too heavy for reading. Back when I went to high school (and under) I had to have large print text book. (not only are they huge[length and with wise] they are hardcover as well that are cut into 4 big books) I carried thoughs around for more then one class textbook. (not all the parts of course.) So carrying around a hardcover book that's small not something I ever thought to mind. And the other thing about hard books other then that is they don't get all bend up. The reason I hate that go books (go a game) are not hardcover.

I have been somewhat interested in the ebooks formats. (Books that are not audio for one reason) Though I really question if I would like them seeing that I don't really like reading book at all on a computer screen. Making the size bigger and inverting the colors does sound great though.

[Tammy]

Garland Coulson wrote: "For a while, I was "collecting" hardcover versions of my favorite books. But, since I like to reread them again and again, I found the hardcovers heavy to hold.

So I switched to paperback version..."

Same here..I had so many books in piles, on shelves and hidden in bags. My house was a disaster.

My Sony eReader saved my life!

[Sandra]

I'm not sure I have a favorite format. Can't remember if I've commented here before or not, but have to say I am gradually being converted to eformat with my Nook. If I really love a book, I also buy it in hard copy, usually trade paperback or hard cover. I still love the smell and feel of a book. But the Nook is so nice in readability, searchability, portability, that I'm finding it mighty convenient. Unfortunately, not every book is available in this format, so I still have quite a pile of unread book books on my table.

And I do love audiobooks, but I am picky about narrators. Have had too many potentially good books ruined by a bad narrator.

[Mike]

For printed works, I think I prefer trade paperbacks. Hardbacks are too big and heavy in most cases and paperbacks can just be a pain to hold. I don't have an ereader of any kind so I can't comment on that.

[Lurple]

I love books in any format. Up until recently I'd buy hardcovers for series I love and used paperbacks for most of the rest.

With ebook technology evolving I've been making the switch to ebooks. I usually read on my iPad, a kindle 2, or my phone (if I'm out and about). The convenience for me-being able to carry hundreds or even thousands of books on a portable device- is just too handy to turn down. Plus I love the way the iPad reads-low backlighting is great for bedtime without bothering your bedmate if you have one, and the Kindle keys make a clucking noise in addition to lacking a backlight.

So I'm a technophile who also loves the feel of a real book but who has begun to switch mainly to ebooks. Part of me feels sad that in a generation or two kids won't grow up with real books, but on the other hand they'll have easier access to free classics and a far more convenient format. In the meantime I'll keep loving reading whatever format books move into.

[Ken]

Mike wrote: "The convenience for me-being able to carry hundreds or even thousands of books on a portable device- is just too handy to turn down"

I never got the whole being able to have 1000s of books at a time. Guess if I was on the road all the time, or a stduent with textbooks. Personally for me I am a one book at a time guy. They only real switch to e-books for me is the Subway. I ride transit in the winter and I usually end up standing. The other part of the equation is I read Hard Covers only in the winter so they are heavy and awkward to read.

[Philip]

I'm pretty format agnostic, and even pull out the hated Sony Reader from time to time, but if I absolutely had to choose, I've always enjoyed the feel of a trade paperback, especially with a matte finish cover and French flaps.

[Helen]

I like paperbacks, although I hate it when an author has different sized paperbacks. I've just bought a kindle 3 and I do like that, much lighter than a lot of my books. I'm prepared to wait for paperbacks rather than read the hated hardbacks!