Over the course of the last few years my reading has increased dramatically, likely due to a book club with a couple of friends. I actually prefer to read the e-book, but there's something about having a physical copy, of having my own library organized from the first book of book club to the most recent. So I'm going to start building. Just a few books at a time. But I can't decide on hardback, hardback no dust jacket, paperback, or everything in between. Some books don't have hardcover, some are much pricier in hardback. All that is to say, hey r/books, what's your collection preference?
by freetimeha
9 Comments
My collection preference is a mix between ‘this edition has a really nice looking cover’ and ‘this one is the cheapest’
For me, the ability to select font size, to look up words, and to highlight and extract sections seal the deal in favor of e-books.
That said, I have a house full of print books.
I do read mostly physical books, so how I like my shelf to look is kind of related to that as I would have read directly from the book. I like my books looking all unique and dofferent unless theyre part of a series, in that case I prefer them to match, not look identical. I have a mix between mass market paperback, paperback and hardback covers. I love the variety it gives the look of my book shelf and it helps me more easiky see the unique stories within each of the books Ive read.
I’d say 80% of what I read comes from the library/Libby. If I do buy a book, it’s nearly always an ebook or audiobook unless it’s out-of-print or otherwise unavailable in those formats. The only exception would be cookbooks or coffee table books, where a tangible copy with photos is more important.
Books are expensive, and aside from the aforementioned exceptions, I find that when I *do* buy physical books I rarely look at them again. Plus I’m a city dweller, so if I bought a bunch of books I wouldn’t have a place to store them, anyway.
I have never read an E-book. I need a real book in front of me. I have a vast library and it is a collection of hard and soft covers. I actually prefer paperback because they travel better in a backpack or suitcase. I don’t really go anywhere without books!
I have a library of 6,000+ books, about 1/2 are signed hardbacks. I also have many books on my Kindle and also enjoy audiobooks – I travel a lot. I generally buy signed hardbacks if:
1. I particularly liked a book
2. The signed hardback is reasonably priced. Signed copies of books can often be found inexpensively online by using bookfinder.com or on eBay.
I do read my actual books and I am an avid re-reader. But, I also just love having books the way my grandmother liked having Hummel figurines.
My collection is probably 30% hardcover and 70% paperbacks. I prefer the look of hardcovers, but prefer the feel and price of the paperbacks. Sometimes hardcovers are ridiculously expensive so I’m very mindful if it’s an absolute must to have the hardcover.
I also have an ereader that I love. I aim to purchase books I’ve loved on my kindle also in physical copy.
Have never read digitally, have rooms filled with shelves of hardbacks, paperbacks, etc. It doesn’t matter. Read actual books long enough and you will have tons of both.
I only read digital copies if I can help it, plus I move so often that physical collections aren’t really an option (I used to get hardbacks of my favorites, but not anymore). You can organize your ebooks very nicely if you choose to go that route! With something like Calibre, they can be arranged however you like, have whatever edition covers you like and generally look quite pleasing.