I’m in the process of reading Alena Graedon’s new book The Word Exchange and I can’t put it down! Unfortunately, because it’s a hardcover version, it means that I have to carry it in a tote bag as opposed to just throwing it into my backpack. I don’t know what it is about hardcovers for me but I always treat them more delicately than paperbacks. So this leads me to this week’s Monday musing! Price aside, do you have a preference for either hardcovers or paperbacks? If you have a hardcover book, do you leave the dust jacket on or do you take it off?
I think my preference is paperback versions because they’re less heavy to carry around and, as I mentioned above, I find them more “low maintenance.” When I do have hardcovers I always take the dust jacket off when reading because I hate getting it crumpled and dirty! I also find paperbacks easier to read with one hand. I guess my vote is for paperbacks then!
What is your preference? Is there a specific reason why? Do you treat your hardcovers the same way as your paperbacks?
One More Page... 
I prefer paperback for the same reasons you mentioned, but of course I won’t turn away a hardcover! 😉
Haha if the book is only published in hardcover (as is the case for The Word Exchange as of right now) I will definitely pick it up regardless! But, yeah, it looks like paperbacks are slightly ahead in the poll!
Woah lots of paperback fans! I couldn’t decide, I like both.
I like both but I think the convenience of a paperback gives it an edge for me. I’m surprised that so many people voted for paperback over hardcover though. Thanks for commenting!
I voted paperback, but I really like my ereader too!
Ooh, I’m actually on the market for an e-reader! Which one do you have?
I’ve always had a Kobo, but they were gifts. I like supporting Kobo because they were originally Canadian, but I find the product is just okay (at least the two I have owned, I have a Kobo Mini right now). It does the job and is so light to carry.
I’ve heard really good things about the Kindle Paperwhite but I’m not sure if I like that the Kindle doesn’t support ePUB… hmmm…
Hmm, I can’t seem to continue our thread … Anyhoo! The Kindle Paperwhite looks gorgeous and I would consider it too, but I didn’t realize it doesn’t support epub. I wonder why.
I don’t know! Besides that one thing I’m sold on the Kindle Paperwhite though!
I prefer hardcovers. I like that they feel more solid; with paperbacks, I’m always a little afraid it’s going to fall apart on me. The price can be an issue though, so when I’m buying a book, sometimes I’ll go with a trade paperback instead, but I really don’t like mass markets.
That’s fair. There is definitely a sturdiness to hardcovers that paperbacks lack. I will say that I really dislike when the cover of my paperbacks get bent! It almost always leaves a mark that can’t be undone – so that’s definitely a point for the hardcover camp!
Not about your post topic, but . . .
OMG The Song of Achilles!!! I literally just yelled at people to read it in my post. 😀
I prefer hardcover because they are pretty under their jackets, but I prefer to hold a paperback. Paperbacks just get a little rattier through use and spending time in my purse.
Such a good book! It took a little while for me to get into it but the third half of the book had me hooked. I loved the ending!
I love it when a book looks beautiful without the dust jacket. It makes it feel so nice and special 😀
I agree. I’ll toss the jacket if the book is prettier without it!
I always toss the jacket when reading but to keep everything together I usually put it back on when the book is on the shelf. I love hearing everyone’s opinions though! It’s been so interesting 🙂
It’s good to keep the jacket, to be honest, even though I toss it. Apparently a book is only worth money (like a fancy old one) if the jacket is with it. Otherwise, it’s incomplete.
Wow, I didn’t know that about hardcovers and jackets but I guess it makes sense!