Hardback or Paperback?

I like hardbacks because they're durable. I hate it when one of my paperbacks gets their cover all bent out of shape. I like keeping my books in good condition. I also prefer hardbacks because they're easier to hold when reading. When I'm close to the beginning or end of a paperback then the cover will bend if I hold the book up. But you're right. Paperbacks are cheaper and lighter. Win some- lose some.

I prefer hardback books when I am lieing in bed because they just stand up straighter and require less arm strength to hold up to read before falling asleep. Paper backs are good for traveling. Convienent size, lighter weight, and often being cheaper than hardback books make paper backs the better traveling companion. So I guess in deciding which is better, you need to take a look at yourself and ask, "When and in what conditions will I be reading this book in?" and then I choose.

I'm with you. I waited two years to read the last Harry Potter because they kept pushing the paperback release back...first it was January, then July, then October, then it vanished for six months then finally July, two years after the hard cover release. But I waited because I can't stand reading hard cover books. And for those exact reasons...they're heavy, they're bulky, they don't fit in my purse And because high school text books were always hard cover and who wanted to read those?!

If I get the choice between a paperback and a hardback version of a book I will always go for the paperback. I carry my books everywhere with me if I can, since I can never seem to put down a book once I've started it. Paperbacks are cheaper, which is convenient for me since I'm not exactly rolling in dough, and they're easier to carry. True, hardbacks are more durable, but a little cover bending doesn't bother me much. In fact, seeing a bunch of pristine hardbacks collecting dust on someone's shelf makes me wonder if they really love books, or just love looking smart by owning lots of them. An old beat-up paperback says more about the person.