BOOKS- do you prefer Hardcovers or Paperbacks?

Question

Hardcovers are usually more expensive and heavier, but are often published prior to Paperback releases.
Normally, I pick paperbacks as they're cheaper and easier to tote around. However I tend to prefer Hardcovers for...
1) Scientific or Historical volumes (I might read multiple times)
2) Favourite photography, art, or poem collections

There's something about the massive volume of hardcovers that I find rather soothing compared to flimsy paperbacks.
Which do you prefer? Why?

Answer 1

Paperbacks, just because I travel alot and they tend to be lighter and smaller than the Hardcovers

Answer 2

Actually, I tend to prefer paperbacks to hardcovers for two primary reasons. The first is that they are cheaper than hardcovers. Now I know what you're thinking, he's a cheapskate. But think about it, you can usually get at least two paperbacks for the price of a single hardcover. And if you don't have that much to spend on books as you'd like, it's better to get as many books as you may enjoy than it is for a single book.

The second reason is I tend to prefer reading in bed, and the key reason there is that when I read I toss and turn. Yes, I can read in a chair, but I'm still tossing and turning as I do so, which often ends up with me in an uncomfortable position. So when I'm lying on my side, I typically hold the book in one hand. And I find it easier for me to hold a paperback (and I rarely roll the opposite side back to do so, it's more using my thumb and pinky finger to keep the book open) in one hand than it is a hardcover.

Answer 3

I prefer hardcovers. I have a very large library and I like the look of genuine hardcover books on my shelves. However, I do own many paperbacks as well. I also think hardcover books show an author has "arrived". They are just more substantial and nicer to own. Besides, I dont like waiting the 6 months to a year for the paperbacks to come out. Tomorrow I will be buying the new Daniel Silva - in hardcover. With stores like Costco, the prices of hardcovers isnt that much different anyway. Pax - C

Answer 4

I generally prefer paperbacks to hardcovers, for the same reasons you gave, they paperbacks are less expensive and easier to transport. They also take up less space on the shelf. Unfortunately, paperbacks just aren't as durable as hardcovers, so if it's a book I think I am going to read a lot, I'd rather get it in hardcover so it lasts longer.

Answer 5

Hardbacks, I know what you mean! Paperbacks are fine if you want a book to read on the move, but they always get to look so dog-eared after a while. I tend to use the library quite a bit, and I always try and borrow the hardback version, even if they have it in paperback, it just seems more of a book somehow. Mind you I always seem to go for the hefty ones and it's not easy on the arms, as if it's a gripping book I can read for hours on end. One thing that really gets me though is when someone spoils an expensive library book by turning the corners down to mark the page, it sounds so petty but I hate it because it ruins a lovely book and they don't come cheap these days!
Good to hear so many people on here enjoy reading, hardly anyone I know seems to be interested in it, it's a shame really they don't know what they're missing!

Answer 6

Prefer Hardcovers 'cause they last longer, but HAVE to buy Paperbacks because of cost. If I bought Hardcover all the time, I'd be broke. I reserve that right for Harry Potter books! :D

Answer 7

I like a mixture of both. I want hardcovers for books that need to last a while and paperbacks for smaller books. I also appreciate the beautiful craftsmanship that a hardcover book has. Nothing makes me happier than a book that wonderful inside and out.

Answer 8

If it is a book I want to refer back to or want to keep around I buy the hardcover, it lasts longer. Otherwise I buy a paperback for easy travel and I don't worry about abusing it. In the long run I do prefer a hardcover, they look nicer which cause me to take better care of it.

Answer 9

Neither. While I have a very large library of hardcover books lately I find that I prefer e-books. I was given a Sony Reader for my birthday a few months ago and since I travel a lot I LOVE that I can now carry over 100 books in my purse, so these days almost all my book purchases are e-books.

Before I got my Sony Reader I hated ebooks because I don't like spending my reading time at my desk, but since I got it that's the only format I want.

Answer 10

i enjoy paperbacks not only because it's cheaper but because i take my books everywhere i go. you will never see me without a book in hand. so i like the feeling of a soft paperback not only is it more convenient but also more comfortable. i hate that the paper cover on a hardcover always comes off and gets creased. i also hate that some hardcovers have staggered and uneven pages that gets in the way while i'm reading.

Answer 11

I prefer paperbacks, they are cheaper and fit more easily into a bag or purse. I'll read a book in paperback and if I think that I'll read it again I'll buy it in hardcover because they last longer.