Hardback, Trade Paperback, or Mass Market Paperback?

[Shaun]

It's been a while since I've opened up a debate, so I thought it would be a good idea to start things up with something simple and friendly.

Which format of book do you prefer and why? Which one do you dislike and why?

Me, I prefer mass market. I like that they're relatively small, cheap, and sturdy enough to handle my usual amount of abuse on books. Hardbacks are nice, but they're impossible to lug around and expensive.

I actually dislike trade paperbacks, not because I think they are a bad format per se, but because they have a greater tendency of getting mangled. And the covers always get curved when I read them, and that's freaking irritating.

Anywho!

[Rouge]

I adore hardback books because they stay open without me having to tape it down and they ultimately last the longest. In fact, quite a few of my books are hardback.

Paperbacks are cheaper than hardback, but when I buy a book, I look for quality that will stay together and will last a long time. With me throwing a paperback book into my bag, it gets bent edges, scuffed covers, etc. But, with a hardback, I take off the cover, which allows the real book to get semi-messed up, but will still look pretty when I put it back on my shelf.

^^

[Majyk]

I prefer hardback, unless the book is really big since then it's just awkward to hold. I don't like paperbacks because they don't stay open, although I don't usually have much choice since I get most of the books I read from the library, but I especially hate getting old paperbacks (or any old book) that are falling apart.

When I buy new books, I've been ending up getting paperbacks because they're cheaper, unless the book just came out, then I go for the hard cover.

[ThatGuy]

I buy the cheapest books I can find because I tear through a 400 paged book in about five to six days tops

[Shaun]

I adore hardback books because they stay open without me having to tape it down and they ultimately last the longest. In fact, quite a few of my books are hardback.

Paperbacks are cheaper than hardback, but when I buy a book, I look for quality that will stay together and will last a long time. With me throwing a paperback book into my bag, it gets bent edges, scuffed covers, etc. But, with a hardback, I take off the cover, which allows the real book to get semi-messed up, but will still look pretty when I put it back on my shelf.

^^

Hmm, I never thought about the quality factor. Granted, I don't buy books that look like crap, but I also look for practicality. I just can't afford to buy hardbacks all the time. They're more a novelty for me, to be honest (unless they're crappy hardbacks).

At least with a mass market you don't feel so bad if it gets beat up! I think because I don't have a lot of money and I love books, it's just better to get more bang for my buck...

Mercy: More good reasons.

ThatGuy: Well, it's nice to know there are folks out there reading at that level! Spread it around.

[Fiction]

I love all books, no matter what their shape, size or edition.:reading::love:

[Nyrihaz]

I love hardback, they survive my crazy brothers... but I guess my budget loves papebacks... Well, in the end... if I really want a book I'll just get in the cover I can.

But hardbacks are just lovely :)