Book lovers: do you prefer to buy hardbacks, paperbacks, or simply borrow your books?

Cafe Society
1

Prompted by a thread I just glanced at but am too lazy too link to ad, anyway, I’d been thinking about starting this thread for a while now anyway.

Tell us about your book-acquisition practices. Do you prefer to buy only hardbacks? Only trade paperbacks? Do you avoid purchasing entirely and go to the library? When you buy, do you prefer to go to a used bookstore, a chain, Amazon, or somewhere else?

Answering my own question:

I prefer to only buy hardbacks, as if I’m selling out hard-stolen dukats for a book I want to keep it indefinitely. But before I buy I generally check it out from the library, and only after I’ve read it do I make the jump.

There are exceptions, of course. I’ll buy anything Valerie Martin, Mary Gaitskill, Toni Morrison, or Ernest Gaines publishes sight unseen. And I just bought all 12-volumes of The History of Middle-earth, but that was at a garage sale from someone who only bought them to fill up shelf space anyway, and there were a dollar each.

I generally go to used or independent bookstores, both because I like to support the one my friend owns and because it’s a natural consequence of only buying hardbacks and only until after I’ve read them. Online bookstores I go to only in an emergency; I like the tactile experiences of reading and browsing as much as I like the intellectual aspects.

Anybody else?

2

I hit up the libraries.

If I had money I would buy my books.

3

I move around a lot, so I just borrow books from the library or from friends. I like to think that once I settle down somewhere, I’ll start buying books.

4

I do libraries. I just don’t have the space. I have about 200+ books as my “core” library; other than that, library has everything I need.

After that, I prefer to read paperbacks…more comforting, somehow.

But for a certain few authors I will shell out the money for hardback.

5

Paperbacks, their cheaper and eaiser to read on the toilet and in the bath tub.

6

I work my branch librarians to a frazzle. However, I do buy Stephen King’s books in hardcover on the day they come out. If my husband builds me some bookshelves as he’s planned, I’ll think about buying more books.

7

I buy my books, and I’m not choosy about the format. I’ll shell out for hardcover if I really want to read something now rather than wait until it comes out in softcover.

One of my dreams is to someday build a really nice library room with built-in shelves. Right now, I’m running out of storage space.

8

I prefer paperbacks - hardcovers are physically difficult to read, since I prefer to read while reclining, rather than leaning over a table.

9

Authors I love: hardbacks all the way for my permanent collection. I try to find them through used book stores or online. I try not to buy brand new books because I don’t have much discretionary income for that anymore. I used to buy a couple of books a month.

Crap that I just want to read: Trade through www.paperbackswap.com (I’m frosti there–look me up and request my books!).

I prefer hardbacks because paperbacks do not hold up as well to repeat readings.

I used to go to the library for things I just want to read, like when I decided I wanted to go through a Atwood marathon or when I want to read up on how to do something. I rarely check out a book to see if I want to add it to my collection later.

10

Library for me. The deadline for returning it helps me to read.

If I bought the book, it may very well end up sitting in the bookcase collecting dust. (More than a few I’ve bought are doing exactly that right now.)

11

I prefer trade paperbacks. I will buy certain author’s books, but mostly I borrow.

12

My first choice is the library, since it doesn’t cost me anything. If I buy a book and end up not liking it, I’m pretty much stuck with it (and I’ll be mad that I spent money needlessly). If I’ve read a book and really liked it, or need to read a book right away (like Harry Potter) I will probably buy it.

13

I tend to prefer hardbacks, though I don’t often buy them thanks to the cost–I find them more comfortable to hold. Overall though I don’t particularly care, and will happily buy a paperback unless it’s a book I know I’ll reeeeeeally like, or it’s in the bargain bin. Sorry, I can’t pass up a new hardback novel for $8. I was also in a book club for a while that sold mostly hardback novels, so I have quite a few from back then, some of them bought at half the retail price.

I don’t hit up libraries much, but mainly because I find it a hassle. Plus I never seem to live near one that has a decent selection. When I do go I rarely have a particular book in mind, but it’s a good way to find stuff to read, and I can try out new authors without having to worry about if i like them or not.

14

I can’t borrow books because I am hard on them. I literally break their spines. And I prefer paperbacks.

I have no idea why I am about to share this, but, I used to read Stephen King when I was a little girl. Traumatized myself with Carrie, Pet Cemetary, etc. Even the books that people didn’t really consider scary creeped me out, (Firestarter). All of a sudden, I am tempted to go out and by one of those huge Dark Tower books that my friend keeps telling me I can read, because it isn’t scary. I will give the spine a nice snap and snuggle with my cat and read it. I mean, not snap the cat’s spine…you know what I mean.

15

Usually used Hardbacks via Amazon or bookfinder.com Have never been burned by either not receiving something I have ordered or by it arriving in condition not a nice as noted.

16

I like owning my own books and I hate to spend money. Consequently, the vast majority of my collection are paperbacks from the used book store.

Paperbacks are more convenient to read anyway. They may not be as durable, but I don’t re-read them or lend them out all that often. I’ve got plenty of paperbacks that are older than I am…

17

Hardbacks for favorite authors and books highly recommended by Dopers and others I trust. Trade paperbacks for authors who are new to me, and for classics (which aren’t usually available in hardback anyway).

I don’t use the library – they don’t have what I want and I don’t like reading on a deadline.

18

Paperbacks. To me, a book has to live. Being all torn up from travelling in your pocket or backpack, bent corners, annotations in the margins etc…, to me that’s part of what makes a book a REAL book, not just an ornamental library fixture. Paperbacks acquire that “lived in” feel more readily, and I feel less guilty about damaging them.

I hasten to add that the preceding feeling doesn’t apply to borrowed books at all. Those, I’m downright paranoid about. I’ll buy my friends a pristine copy should I cause the merest, hairline spine bend.

Neurotic ? Naaaah.

19

I prefer hardbacks if I think it’s a book I’ll read more than once. Otherwise, trade paperback where available. I’ll sometimes upgrade to a hardback if I really like something I read in paper. I keep most books I buy. I also use libraries.

I buy most of my books used or through clubs, reserving about 25% of my book buying for full price, independent booksellers. Probably another 50% are used or discounted through independent book sellers.

20

Hardback for books I intend to keep or just-came-out-and-I-need-it-now-and-won’t-wait-for-the-paperback. Paperback for the rest. I *should *use the library, but I don’t.