Here's this week's Booking Through Thursday question:
Are you a spine breaker? Or a dog-earer? Do you expect to keep your books in pristine condition even after you have read them? Does watching other readers bend the cover all the way round make you flinch or squeal in pain?
Despite the name of this blog, I'm not a literal spine breaker. Or a dog-earer. I want my books to look exactly the same after I read them. I'm definitely a "pristine condition" gal.
I think it's actually one reason why I prefer hardcovers to paperbacks, since the spine is much less evident with a book jacket. It bothers me how a paperback looks, especially a mass market (smaller) version, after it's read, especially if it's been "well read." And, it's why I prefer brand-new books...even from the library, if at all possible.
This is a touch off-topic...but, I also think that how I feel about the physical properties of a book is what will keep me from ever owning anything like a Kindle. Part of the reading experience for me is feeling the book in my hands.
What about you?
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16 comments:
My sister has a Kindle and while she doesn't hate it, she doesn't just love it either. It's made me not want one.
I have the same feelings about the Kindle or any ebook reader. I don't think it'd feel the same. But the thought of carrying around tons of book in one small and light package is appealing.
I have wondered about the Kindle too. I can't imagine not having the pages to turn. That is part of the joy of reading.
I am shocked by your false advertising! LOL for sure I thought my one kindred spirit would be you. Ok I don't like broken spines, but I will bend those trade paperbacks and fold over the covers. I even write in books, but I guess I am alone in my want of a book that looks well read.
Well, that's certainly interesting considering your blog's title! It's good to know you dont literally do it though.
I would not want a kindle either. I have to feel the paper and turn the pages.
I really don't like mass market paperbacks! I actually have a Sony E-Reader and I really like it but only for traveling. I never read it when I'm at home, I definitely prefer real books.
Agree. I like the feel of a book. In fact, if it's a good one, I've been known to hug it after I've finished and closed the cover!
I'm ambivalent about the Kindle right now because I totally use my books, bend the covers, write on the pages, love them, etc. I don't understand why the pristine crowd wouldn't like a Kindle because it would be easier to preserve the physicality of the book while still "holding something."
I feel the same way about the Kindle. And it's so expensive! But it comes down to the fact that I love the feel of a trade pb in my hands. Used to love a hardcover but I enjoy the lightness of trades more.
This is funny. My blog is called Dog Ear Diary, but I don't dog-ear pages, either.
I buy mostly hardbacks (when I can afford it) because even though I try to take good care of my books, paperbacks inevitably get their spines cracked and then fall apart (I re-read my books a lot).
I like my books to stay in pristine condition, too. I agree that holding books in my hands is a huge part of the whole reading experience. I can't imagine having a Kindle or the like, either, for just that reason.
I agree with you about Kindle - I love the feeling (and smell!) of real books. :)
I almost bought a Kindle, but held off for the same reason. Although it would be better on my eyes, I want to physically feel and smell -(I know, I'm wierd) the book in my hand. I try extra hard not to break the spine on paperbacks because they look so ratty with all the lines in the spine.
I completely agree about the tactile experience of reading.
And I like to keep my books neat too, although I'm not averse to making notes in them occasionally.
I got my husband a Kindle because he travels so much - he can get the newspapers 'delivered' to it, as well as any book he's interested in.
It's a good solution to his work/travel lifestyle, but I prefer to hold an actual book in my hands.
I definitely like my books in pristine condition as well. In fact, this last week I placed my latest favorite romance/fiction book "Flying Into the Sun," out on the coffee table, in perfect (dust free) condition, and it always seemed to attract an eye from any guests that visited. They all wanted to pick it up and look at it and enjoy reading tidbits from it, but not one person has yet to disfigure a single part of the book. I think people enjoy looking at a preserved book as if it were a pretty decoration on the table.
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