LITTLE BOOK CLUB discussion

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Random/Anything :D > Which book format do you prefer?

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message 1: by Enrico (new)

Enrico Efendi (enricoefendi) | 36 comments I often being confused of the pros and cons between paperbacks, hardbacks, ebooks and audiobooks. Just to be honest, I'd rather buying paperbacks than other 3 other formats, because paperbacks are flexible, cheaper, and lightweight. In fact, I usually read books with my book in my hands, not on a surface. That's why I prefer paperbacks. Hardbacks are quite expensive, because they have arts inside it, dust jackets, bonus contents, and other stuffs. I thought, why do I need other stuffs than the main content, which is the story? If I read ebooks, I can easily get tired, especially the screen is burning my eyes. Well, I don't have a kindle because I live in Indonesia. I read in my iPhone. I just can't stand enough reading in my phone. If I listen to an audiobook, I can't get into the story enough. I don't know why.
Those are my thought about 4 formats of books. Would you like to share your own thoughts?


message 2: by Lachie (new)

Lachie | 5 comments I think with audiobooks it's about finding the right ones with good speakers.
I've found myself that there are some I have no hope of getting into, and some have turned out to be amongst my favorite books.
A few good ones I think are
Ready player one - read by wil Wheaton
The Martian - read by R. C. Bray
The hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy

Overall I do still prefer paperback books though. And I have never read an ebook but have been considering it lately. So will be interested on people's thoughts on ebooks.


message 3: by Dora (new)

Dora | 15 comments Ebooks are great for when you're in bed coz you don't have to bother with switching the lights on/off. Physical books are my favourite! Audiobooks are ok, depending heavily on the narrator. I find myself zoning out whenever I try listening to audiobooks. So no I don't like audiobooks. Maybe listen to them when I'm cooking or driving :/


message 4: by Enrico (new)

Enrico Efendi (enricoefendi) | 36 comments Dora wrote: "Ebooks are great for when you're in bed coz you don't have to bother with switching the lights on/off. Physical books are my favourite! Audiobooks are ok, depending heavily on the narrator. I find ..."

Paperbacks or hardbacks?


message 5: by Dora (new)

Dora | 15 comments Probably hardcover if I had to pick. Mainly because the book stays open when I'm about midway in and I can eat with my other hand~


message 6: by Shann (new)

Shann Taylor (shanntaylor) | 17 comments im thr same i have an Ereader but im not a big fan of it, I dont like audio books either because I find I zone out and miss parts of the stroy. if i had to choose between paperback and hardback books i would probably choose hardback i think they have a nicer look about them and they are easier to hold because they are stronger, however i own many paperbacks that are great for puting in my bag and taking out with my without too much weight. :)


message 7: by Rianne (new)

Rianne | 7 comments i like paperbacks, i don't own an e reader and paperbacks are easier to take on the go than a hardback. i usually read on my way to work :D so paperbacks for me..but i have to say the hardcovers are prettier to look at :D


message 8: by HannaIsAwkward (new)

HannaIsAwkward (thefantasynerd) | 25 comments I mainly buy paperbacks because they're cheaper easy to hold and they don't weight much. I tried reading on my phone once but I didn't really like it plus I like having fysical copies that I can put on my shelf. Audiobooks never tried never will really I wouldn't really be able to concentrate. I buy hardbacks occasionally because they look good in my shelf, but they're to heavy to hold up. And I prefer holding my books in my hands. So yeah definitely prefer paperbacks.


message 9: by Cristi-Lael (new)

Cristi-Lael I like them all pretty much, but for all different reasons and situations.

Paperbacks: These are my favorite physical books to own and read. They are just the right size (no mass market, ew), they feel good in my hands, they're cheaper, and I like the fact that the cover art it right there on the book, not on a dust jacket.

Hardbacks: If there is a book series that I absolutely love, I will want to buy a copy in hardcover, especially if there is a special edition. The fact remains that hardback will stay nicer longer than paperbacks, and for a favorite book, it's good to have a really nice copy. However, I don't enjoy reading hardbacks very much. They're too large and cumbersome. Plus, they're super pricey and I hate that the dust jacket gets in the way while reading. Sure, I take it off, but then I don't get to enjoy the pretty cover art while reading the book. I will also buy the hardcover for highly anticipated books simply because I cannot wait a year for the paperback to come out.

E-books: I have a Kindle Paperwhite and love it's ease of use and compact size. Reading on it is very easy and comfortable, and there is no eye strain. It's front lit, so I have the light without doing damage to my eyes, like with a phone or tablet. I also like that I can hold eleventy million books on it. However, I have to admit that reading on my Kindle is not as much fun as with a physical book, and I can't sit and admire my ebooks on the shelf like I can my physical books. For this reason, my Kindle doesn't get used all that often.

Audiobooks: I LOVE audiobooks. I always have one going and have a subscription to Auduble. I use the app on my phone and listen to audiobooks pretty much every day. My most common times to listen to audiobooks are when I'm doing the dishes and cooking dinner every night, when I'm doing housework, when I am knitting, going on a long drive alone, running errands, and grocery shopping. It's perfect because those times are times when I wouldn't be able to read otherwise. They're "wasted" time, if you will. So, I am able to multi-task and get these chores done and still be able to read. It's win/win.
I most often pick books for audio that are particularly long or difficult tor read. These are the types of books I stall on when I try to read in physical copy. So, right now I'm listening to American Gods on audio. It's a huge book and is 19 hours on audio, but it's ok because I'm listening while doing other things. I also listened to Uncle Tom's Cabin on audio. In addition to being a long book, it was also very hard to read because of the subject matter. I found it easier to press on with the audio version. Plus, I could cry without having to stop reading. Can't do that with a physical book. :o)

So, yeah, I guess what I'm saying is that I love all forms of books and each one plays a significant role in my reading. If I was forced to pick just one form to read for the rest of my life, I would probably pick paperbacks because they're the books I like looking at and reading the most. Plus, they look so pretty on my shelves!
I would be hard pressed to give up my audiobooks, though. There have been a few times when I've gone out and forgotten my earbuds and, let me tell you, my errands were not nearly as pleasant without a book to accompany me.


message 10: by Elvedina (new)

Elvedina k hardbark is better


message 11: by A (new)

A | 13 comments I love reading hardback books because they look so beautiful and the book stays open so i can eat while reading. But I feel I read more paperback book only because they are lighter so I can take my books are read on my commute to school


message 12: by Steph (new)

Steph (stephsalive) | 1 comments Cristi-Lael wrote: "I like them all pretty much, but for all different reasons and situations.

Paperbacks: These are my favorite physical books to own and read. They are just the right size (no mass market, ew), they..."


I pretty much agree with what is said here. I have a preference for Paperback books, purely because they're cheaper, easier to carry and hold, yet still look nice sitting on my bookshelf.

I only own a few hardback books, and those are generally limited edition copies of my favourite books or a Christmas/Birthday gift.

My Kindle has been a bit of saviour to my back more than anything really! I struggle with a really bad back, but I have a habit of always carrying a book with me wherever I go, so having a Kindle where I can store hundreds of books has been super helpful. It's also easy to slip into my desk drawer at work and whenever I get 5 minutes, I try and have a sneaky read!

I've never really experienced Audiobooks, because I always felt I never had time to sit down and listen to them and when I did, I'd much rather be reading a physical book, but I've since realised that actually, they're a really good way to "read" a book while on the move, so I'm thinking of trying to get into them when I'm out running/bike riding and also on my 30 minute commute to work.


message 13: by Carolina (new)

Carolina  Alvarez (geektress) | 2 comments Hello y'all!

I view the fact that there are more ways to enjoy a book now a days in more than one format in more of a Pro than a Con. I love reading, its my favorite past time. But often enough life gets in the way and I have to Adult that day. Witch means take care of the family, myself and work. I like to switch up from format to format to create my book bubble depending on what I am doing. Usually in my car I listen to audio books rather than music, specially for long periods of time, as well as when I am doing stuff around the house. Nothing takes the sting from cleaning or dong the dishes than to have someone else tell you a really great story.
At home, I do alternate between physical books and e-books. I own a Kindle and have the Kindle app in every device. More often than not I also use my library app to get E-books. Even tough I love the feel of a physical book (and because you have it in your hands there is no disconcerting notion of not knowing where in the book you are) its hard to be able to switch from one book to another when its midnight (or later) and I am left with a cliff hanger and the only cure to my book induced insomnia is to get the next one...

How ever, when I buy a book I do have a tendency to get the Hard Cover editions. Keep in mind that I have probably read this book already, its one that I love and want to add to my book collection. A book that I know I will read again at some point trough out the years. So by buying the hard copy I make sure (as much as one can) that it will last me a long time in a good condition. How ever if the hard cover copy is not available, then thats when I will get the paperback.


message 14: by Emma (new)

Emma Reid I've only read one e-book and didn't mind it as much as I thought I would, but the feeling of holding my phone while reading a novel was weird. I haven't tried audio books yet, though there are a few that I've heard good things about like Ellen DeGeneres memoir. I'd want to try that one. All in all, I prefer physical copies. My favorite is hardcover, and I read them with the dust jacket on! I didn't even know that people took them off until I started watching Booktube. I like how solid and durable a hardcover is. However, I do love paperbacks, especially if it's a nice one. I own Shatter Me in paperback and it just feels nice to hold. Usually, I compare the hardcover to the paperback before I buy. If the hardcover seems exceptionally pretty or unique, I buy it but if not (or if I just like the paperback better for whatever reason) I get the paperback.


message 15: by Jenny (new)

Jenny (theaveragebookworm) | 15 comments To me, reading on a kindle is wayyy easier and faster than reading a physical book. Although I love physical books, to me I prefer the kindle. Also it's easier to get a comfortable reading position.


message 16: by Jenny (new)

Jenny (theaveragebookworm) | 15 comments To me, reading on a kindle is wayyy easier and faster than reading a physical book. Although I love physical books, to me I prefer the kindle. Also it's easier to get a comfortable reading position.


message 17: by Julio (new)

Julio Leal (julioleal) | 7 comments Now that I think about after reading all your comments I may prefer one format depending of the time of day (I know it sounds weird)

If I'm not in a hurry to finish a book I may read during the day/afternoon a paperback (hardbacks are not really popular in my country)

I only listen to audiobooks when I take long walks or very long trips. My mind sometimes wonder but I still listen to the story.

I really only read e-books at night time. It feels more light, less heavy for me than a physical book. And I read them faster.


message 18: by Bruna (last edited Jul 20, 2015 11:45AM) (new)

Bruna Rocha I just love books in pretty much all formats, but I think that are some benefits to each one of them.

I carry a kindle with me at all times, since you never know when things might get boring. I find ebooks very practical, because I have a lot of them to choose from whenever I fell like reading something.

As far as physical books, I've loved them since I was a kid, the smell, the textures, filling my shelves with different colors. Nothing will ever be as satisfying for me as reading an actual book, but my main concern is with the story itself and not the format that is comes in. For that reason, I'll read ebooks, paperbacks or hardbacks based on the situation.


message 19: by Aryaa7 (new)

Aryaa7 | 3 comments I've always loved physical books because i feel that you get easier into the story than reading a kindle. I also like the sound of the pages and the smell specially the smell of old books. I think tant even if it's the same story, the experience is completely different.


message 20: by Classic Bhaer (new)

Classic Bhaer (classicbhaer) I love physical books, but I hate carrying them around. They can be heavy, get in the way, and can get damaged. When reading I tend to read the physical copy at home, but I rent the ebook version from my library. So when I am on the go I can continue to read with less hassle.

I agree with past commenters when they say each format has its pros and cons.

Either way I am always reading and happy. :)


message 21: by Lachie (new)

Lachie | 5 comments How do you rent ebooks?
Do they give out like a disc or usb or something?


message 22: by Classic Bhaer (new)

Classic Bhaer (classicbhaer) My library works with overdrive, where you can rent ebooks for different ereaders. I went in one day and my library had printed instructions for each type on a poster board. If your library has a website it will most likely have a link (my librarian showed me) or you can go in and ask if your library works with them or something like it.

I hope that helps :)


message 23: by Classic Bhaer (new)

Classic Bhaer (classicbhaer) My library works with overdrive, where you can rent ebooks for different ereaders. I went in one day and my library had printed instructions for each type on a poster board. If your library has a website it will most likely have a link (my librarian showed me) or you can go in and ask if your library works with them or something like it.

I hope that helps :)


message 24: by Lachie (new)

Lachie | 5 comments Ok cool.
Will have to check that out.
Thanks :)


message 25: by Anna (new)

Anna (annbau) Ebooks are best if you spend a lot of time away from home. An Ereader can store 150+ ebooks fitting any moodswings :)
I still prefer my favorite books as a hardcover. Mainly because a pretty cover and the touch is an important part of my reading experience.

Audiobooks are great too but as Lachie already mentioned, you'll need to find the reader you like best!


message 26: by Maddsforbooks (new)

Maddsforbooks (maddiejdrennen) I think for me it depends. I like reading ebooks when I am going to be on vacation and I don't have room for a ton of books; though when I am home I prefer an actual book. An ebook allows me to bring as many books as I want with me which I enjoy on occasion when I can't get a hold of an actual copy.

Most of the time I prefer paperback copies when I am reading as they can move the way I want them based on how I am reading at the time though, I feel that hardbacks are pretty good as well except that they can be expensive. Basically I mainly only buy those when they are on a really good sale or if I had started a series in hardback and I need to complete it.

I find though that audio books are so much harder for me to get into. A lot of people have already mentioned this but I feel that it is quite important on having the right reader portray the story when reading it aloud.


message 27: by Enrico (new)

Enrico Efendi (enricoefendi) | 36 comments Wow you all have different opinions. I appreciate all your thoughts. In fact, lately I have NEVER buy a hardcover. I'm so unfortunate. Seriously, if you fly to Indonesia, you'll find yourself faint in a bookstore after checking out the unapologetic expensive prices of hardbacks! About 19 dollars or something. But does your country also sell America/UK published books with around those prices? *Sorry I changed the subject*


message 28: by Enrico (new)

Enrico Efendi (enricoefendi) | 36 comments Oh yeah I forgot. I wonder why you like eat and read. I have tried once but I can't concentrate on the book.


message 29: by Md (new)

Md Shadman (mdshadman) | 2 comments I like ebooks and paperbacks b'coz of their handling and carrying. On my daily schedule I have to travel a lot. On that occasions, ebooks are awesome. I also like audiobooks but not to a mark. In my opinion, audiobooks are good for multi-taskers.


message 30: by Leigh (new)

Leigh (aguamenti) I like all formats.

I love paperbacks because I love cracking the spine and seeing the results. Weird, I know. Plus they are cheaper and easier to carry around.

I love hardcovers because they are more durable than paperbacks and the book underneath a dust jacket is usually gorgeous!

I love ebooks because my ereader is light and has a backlight. It's wonderful not to have to pick a limited number of books to bring with me when I leave town and I can always have a book on hand via phone if I get really desperate and forget my ereader.

Audiobooks are excellent for keeping the repetitive tasks interesting and for those books that I just can't get into but really want to read (A Song of Ice and Fire for example).

If I had to pick just one, it would be ebooks. I've totally embraced the technology revolution but there's nothing quite like a physical book (paperback or hardback doesn't quite matter).


message 31: by Isabel (new)

Isabel (lovefromisabel) | 16 comments I've never tried an audiobook but I don't really see the appeal. Maybe part of it is me being a snob and thinking it's for lazy readers, but I've always enjoyed visualising (does that work for sound?) the voices of the characters in my head, and I feel like I wouldn't be as immersed in the world while reading.

I was adamantly opposed to ebooks when they first came out because what beats a physical copy? I can't take pretty photos of it or look at my books on my shelf, but when my uncle got me one for christmas, I decided to give it a try, and I really liked it! I can carry 130980 books, and since I'm going to uni next year, it'll be really difficult to cart along my personal library (though luckily schools have loads of libraries on campus), but my kindle will keep me satiated.

Of course, I prefer physical books, so paperback and hardcover, but I always waver between which I prefer. Paperbacks are lighter and easier to carry around and read, but they also are quicker to get damaged which is no fun. Also it makes me sad when my books don't look perfect so a broken spine is a bit cringeworthy. Obviously, hardcovers stay in better condition, but dust jackets are so annoying when you're actually reading!! Granted, paperbacks are so much cheaper, so I normally reach for those anyways. :)


message 32: by Pamela (new)

Pamela | 3 comments overall hardbacks but paperbacks are more comfortable to read


message 33: by Hanne (new)

Hanne (quitethebird) I actually like reading ebooks on my iPhone/iPad because it's comfortable to hold and I feel like I'm saving the environment. Hehe
Audiobooks I enjoy because I can do other stuff whilst reading(listening), but ofc it depends on the quality of the person reading aloud.
The psycial copy is great, because I can own it for everyone to see. I can hold it in my hands, place them in my bookshelves and enjoy their prettyness. I mostly buy paperbacks since they are cheaper than hardbacks and looks more messy and cute in the bookshelf, I feel.
Personally I prefer reading ebooks, but since I want to own as many great books as possible in my shelves, I mostly read paperbacks.


message 34: by Hanne (new)

Hanne (quitethebird) I actually like reading ebooks on my iPhone/iPad because it's comfortable to hold and I feel like I'm saving the environment. Hehe
Audiobooks I enjoy because I can do other stuff whilst reading(listening), but ofc it depends on the quality of the person reading aloud.
The psycial copy is great, because I can own it for everyone to see. I can hold it in my hands, place them in my bookshelves and enjoy their prettyness. I mostly buy paperbacks since they are cheaper than hardbacks and looks more messy and cute in the bookshelf, I feel.
Personally I prefer reading ebooks, but since I want to own as many great books as possible in my shelves, I mostly read paperbacks.


message 35: by NinthMelody (new)

NinthMelody | 1 comments I have a Kindle and I love reading with it. Lots of books you can put in it but it definitely does not replace an actual, physical book. Sometimes, when I read an ebook and end up loving it, I still buy a physical book for collection purposes. I just love the idea of having it on my bookshelf. =)
Hardcovers or Paperbacks, it would depend on the purpose I guess. Hardcovers look amazing as a collection and paperbacks are way cheaper. As for audiobooks, I can't seem to concentrate listening to it. My mind just wanders off and I'd have to repeat some parts I miss so it takes me much longer to finish. haha


message 36: by Isabel (new)

Isabel (lovefromisabel) | 16 comments Lody wrote: "Sometimes, when I read an ebook and end up loving it, I still buy a physical book for collection purposes. I just love the idea of having it on my bookshelf. =)"

Oh I'm exactly the same way!! My parents don't understand it at all - they're like, you've read the book, so why do you need a physical copy?? There's so much more to books than just reading it, obviously. Book photography, anyone? xD


message 37: by [deleted user] (new)

Paperback most of the time. But I try to buy hard covers because they are prettier


message 38: by TheBookHuntress (new)

TheBookHuntress | 6 comments I have paperbacks, hardcovers and ebooks.
But most books on my shelf are paperbacks, just because they are cheaper.

Of course hardcovers look prettier in the shelf but sometimes the paperbacks are more handy.


message 39: by [deleted user] (new)

I do love Hardcover but I prefer Paperback, just because when it comes to space,I feel like paperback is easier to adjust. They are also really light so for carrying it around makes it easier. And in the bookshelves it seems like it fits more books if it is paperback.


message 40: by TheBookHuntress (new)

TheBookHuntress | 6 comments Mariana wrote: "I do love Hardcover but I prefer Paperback, just because when it comes to space,I feel like paperback is easier to adjust. They are also really light so for carrying it around makes it easier. And ..."

I totally agree with you Mariana :)


message 41: by Jagoda (new)

Jagoda | 16 comments Well, I love paperbacks. But, I also read a lot of ebooks. They are more convenient... I guess :)


message 42: by Farrukh (new)

Farrukh Siddiqui (sos21) | 11 comments I just love hardcover books


message 43: by Kristen (new)

Kristen | 10 comments I'm quite partial to ebooks. They're the reason I started reading so much. The only time I read physical books anymore is if I've already purchased it in paperback or hardcover, although sometimes I'll still just get the ebook version from my library, or if my library doesn't carry the ebook version and I have to request a print copy. Ebooks are so much more portable, and for someone that reads two or three books at a time, that's something that has to be considered. I can read them in the dark so I don't disturb anyone. The only downfall is if I can't get to an outlet to recharge my tablet.

Besides ebooks, I think my favorite are paperbacks. They're lightweight and easy to hold while lying in bed or on the couch.

And that's my opinion on this :)


message 44: by Esen (new)

Esen | 2 comments I had a kindle touch and last week I upgraded to the paperwhite. I think it's really great that you can read books without needing a proper light source (because it is backlit and it doesn't hurt your eyes like normal tablets do). Also being able to buy a book in 1 minute and carrying more than a thousand books in a device which is very light and small is a great advantage. But I love physical copies too :)


message 45: by [deleted user] (new)

I prefer to read paperbacks.

I do have a kindle though, which I use frequently simply because books are usually cheaper to buy digitally.

Audiobooks is something I haven't tried yet. I prefer the quiet of reading a book, but I'll give it a shot at some point. (Probably in the far future.)


message 46: by Stephen (new)

Stephen  Alff (AlffBooks) (alffbooks) | 440 comments Of the 4 formats mentioned, I read paperbacks,hardbacks and audiobooks a lot! I have yet to get into ebooks but I might do that at some point as they are so much cheaper!


message 47: by Pan (new)

Pan Grothaus Usually I would say physical books and audio books, but I just moved and couldn't bring my physical books with me right away. So I'm trying to read more ebooks.


message 48: by Anna (new)

Anna (themusingfox) | 1 comments Nothing good like a good floppy paperback. Paperbacks are easier to read but I also feel the same way about hardcovers. I usually buy hardcovers/paperbacks based on the genre or the overall rating of the book. For example, I prefer to buy hardcover copies of the classics. For YA, or contemporary I usually purchase paperback. I adore Harry Potter and Game of Thrones so I would like to buy the Hardcover copies for myself. I agree about the e-books, I can't read them for too long my eyes become weary.
What do you guys think of audiobooks? I'm 50/50. Some individuals just have the perfect reading voice but I find them "slowing" my own reading process.


message 49: by Amalie (new)

Amalie | 2 comments Definitely prefer paperbacks. I love having a good collection of books, and having paperbacks are cheaper than owning loads of hardcovers. I don't really want to say that they're more comfortable to read, since most of the paperbacks I own are UK editions, and they are usually not the best to read. I like to read ebooks when I need a bit of a change, and I also like reading ebooks when I wanna read novellas or shorter contemporaries. I can never read a whole series as ebooks, it just doesn't work for me. I find that audiobooks slow down my reading pace in a way, but I also only like listening to them when I'm walking or doing other stuff.


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