A paperback release is a second chance for a book. No matter how successful it was in hardcover, the paperback gives a novel or nonfiction release another round on bookstore displays and book club selection lists.
This week’s contest features three excellent books—one fiction, two nonfiction, all bestsellers—that were reviewed in BookPage last year and are being released in paperback this month. If you didn’t buy or borrow these books after our fascinating interviews with Greg Mortenson about Stones Into Schools and Beth Hoffman about Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt, or the glowing review of Ken Auletta’s Googled, well, now you can win them.
Just leave a comment saying whether you prefer to buy books in paperback or hardcover—and why—before Friday, October 16. Good luck!
I prefer hardcover but sometimes wait for paperback just because it’s cheaper. I will also buy paperback books when I am iffy about whether or not the book is worth the price! Hardcover – have to have 40% or so off before it’s a buy, however.
I prefer the new larger paperback since they are convenient to have in my purse, backpack and while travelling as well.
I used to wait for paperback due to the price, but I really prefer hardcover as they are easier to read and last longer.
I prefer to buy hardbacks, but I usually buy them secondhand unless it’s something I absolutely cannot wait to read. I almost always resell my books, because at this point in my life I’m trying to “make stuff go away”. I find that my customers generally prefer to buy a used hardback than a used paperback.
I read voraciously, thanks to the local library’s access to the State Library System. Many of the books I reserve are paperback, but I prefer hardcover. Nowadays it seems a paperback tolerates only one or two reads before the spine cracks, maybe the pages loosen, and so forth. Of course, I can remember the good old days when paperbacks were 10-50 cents:)
Just as I prefer print books to using my ebook reader, so too do I prefer the longer-lasting, easier to read, hardcovers. I am thankful on the authors’ behalf for paperback issue, but for myself, I’ll go for hardcovers when possible.
If it’s a book I just have to have now then I prefer a hardback. Paperbacks are for the books on my long ‘to read’ list.
Really, if I wanted to read a book I’d read it if it was handwritten on 2 million napkins. lol
I buy at least one book every month & because of that I really prefer paperback because of the price…unless a hard copy is on the clearance rack!
I prefer paperback because they are smaller/easier to carry around and cheaper.
I buy mainly paperbacks unless a book I really want is only in hardcover. I have no preference when it comes to reading so normally go the cheaper route.
I prefer paperbacks as they are smaller and lighter. And because they are easier to hold. I have small hands so holding a heavy hardback open is sometimes painful.
I much prefer paperback to hardcover, because of comfort. I think holding a paperback fits perfectly in my hands, especially if I’m reading in bed at night. A paperback also fits perfectly in whatever current handbag I’m using so i can always take a book with me. I also like the cost of paperback vs hardcover, much easier to have a collection if it’s not breaking the bank.
I prefer hardbacks, and will skips meals to buy my favorite author. I usually buy paperbacks at half price book stores and reserve them for emergency reading (always keep one in the glovebox) I do have a Kindle, and I love it for it’s convenience, but nothing beats the feel and sensation of a hardback.
I admit I prefer a paperback to a hardcover, because its lighter and easier to store. Nevermind the fact that the paperback is usually less expensive, but there are times when I cannot wait and do buy the hardcover, when I have a coupon for 30 to 40 % off.
I prefer paperbacks….usually the new larger paperbacks because I read everywhere. I want a book in my purse, my car, volunteer totebag. Also…thanks for the slightly larger print…older eyes still love to read by tire more easily. BOOKPAGE, whether hardcopy, email or Facebook is perfect for me to keep up with what’s new and what’s inside a new book. Thanks BookPage.
Well I really like to get my books from the library and not have to buy them at all! On a budget! But when I do buy a book I much prefer hardcover. But that is more for books I want to keep forever.
I prefer hardback. If I’m going to purchase a book it’s because I plan to read it several times or (gasp) actually let someone borrow it! Otherwise, paperback is fine.
I prefer paperback books. They fit better in my purse.
I own thousands (yes, thousands) of books in every conceivable format. Leatherbound tomes with rotting bindings and mildewed frontispieces, artbooks with sumptuous color plates, practical manuals on home repair and gardening and dog-training (well-thumbed!), paperbacks with brittle yellowed pages from the dime-novel era, first editions with dust-jackets intact. But what links all those books together in my heart are the words on the pages, words whispered from the author directly to me, and thus for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, I will take those words between any available covers, and sometimes with no covers at all.
That said, I drool to consider Beth Hoffman’s Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt in paperback.
I prefer paperbacks, simply because they’re lighter to hold while I’m reading in bed! Some books I can’t wait for, though, like ROOM by Emma Donoghue, and I just bought that in hardcover.
Right now I prefer ebooks because I just got a Kindle, but when I absolutely have to have a physical book, I generally prefer a paperback. They’re less expensive and usually more portable, which is important to me since I am always on the go (hence the Kindle).
This looks like a great selection of books!
baileythebookworm[at]gmail[dot]com
I prefer to buy them in paperback because it’s easier to hold on the train, although sometimes I get impatient and buy the hardback anyways!
It depends on the book. I prefer hardbacks of books I know I want to add to my permanent library and keep in pristine condition, and I prefer paperbacks for books I want to fill with underlining and marginalia or suspect I’ll just read and pass along to someone else.
paperback, more portable and more affordable..
I borrow hardcovers from the library though
I love books in any form. I buy mostly hardcovers and trade size paperbacks. I am a bookseller so I get an employee discount which makes it more affordable to buy hardcovers. But if it’s a book I want to read I will read it in hardcover, paperback, e-book if that’s all that is available or on a napkin like someone posted earlier. I love books. I love reading.
I like both to be honest. I do like the larger paperbacks a lot. If I have to have it, then it’s hardback since it’s out first but only with discount coupons etc. The small paperbacks are my least favorite due to size but I still get them. I just love all books! : )
If I had my way, I would own both. I love the hardbacks on my shelves at home, however, paperback fit in my bag better. (I ALWAYS have at least one book with me at all times)
The fact is, I do have multiples of books, due to having them in hardback, paperback… and then again, the paperbacks could be doubled due to the covers… I am drawn to buy new editions of books I already own if the new covers are wicked cool…
I prefer to buy hardbacks, but since they’re a bit expensive, I usually check them out from the library first to see if they’re worth buying.
I love having books in paperback! They are easier to hold at all times and especially while lying in bed, which when I do the most reading. Then if I fall asleep and drop the book on my face there is less danger of doing damage to my nose.
I prefer paperbacks.
I prefer paperbacks, too. lighter, cheaper…
I generally go with hardcovers when gifting books, but as much as I love a good hardcover on my lap when reading, I find paperbacks much more convenient (and lighter!) for carrying around in my ever-too-heavy bag.
Hi. I actually prefer to buy paperbacks because the price is a better fit for my budget. I like reading hard covers and since I am trying to borrow more books from the library, it works out well. Hardcovers make me think I need to keep the book. Paperbacks are meant to be read and shared with friends and enjoyed. I am always carrying a book around with me. Paperbacks are lighter and fit in my purse better.
Gotta go with the paperback. More comfortable to hold than the hardback.
I prefer hardbacks–they just hold up better, but I generally get paperbacks to save some $ (and space on the bookshelves!). There are certain authors that I can’t wait for paperback releases though!
The books I usually purchase, cookbooks or children’s, are hardback. I work in a library and everything else I borrow.
I much prefer to buy the “trade paperback” books. Less weight and less expensive. Also easier to bring along on trips and to the beach. The only hardcovers I read are the ones I get at the library.
I seldom buy books at all. I am lucky to have a wonderful public library – lots of books and ebooks to choose from. If I do buy a book, it’s often a hardcover because I can’t wait for the library. Once I buy a book I try to lend it out to as many people as I can.
I love hardcovers, especially the really big heavy ones, but if I read them in bed they have to stay by the bed – too big to carry around. So I usually have a pb or trade pb to carry around as well. I like 2 or 3 books going on at once.
I only buy hardcover if it’s a series i collect.I buy paperback from the half- priced bookstore, and e-books after they have been discounted.
I’m a hardcover girl because I usually just can’t wait for the paperback to come out. I do prefer paperback books though because they are easier to throw into my purse, but with the new E Readers all that may change. I think by the end of this year I will have to break down and get one, even though I would rather read from a real book, paper or hard cover.
I love both–hardbacks if I feel that it is something that will be re-read or shared with others, pbs for their light weight and portability!
I usually buy the larger size paperbacks, because they are cheaper, but if I am getting it at the library, I always get hardback if available
I like a nice paperback … light in purse means top of mind.
I’m afraid I am going to make booksellers everywhere angry – but I rarely purchase books. Instead, I reserve them at my local library – one of my favortie places to visit!
I prefer trade paperback books. I always carry books around with me, and paperbacks are more portable, and trade paperbacks are a more comfortable size to read than mass market.
If I purchase a hardcover book I plan to keep it. Since I have so many books I prefer paperbacks so that I can get credit for them after I am done reading them at my local used bookstore(they don’t take hardbacks).
Hardcovers! But, I can’t afford them. I too take full advantage of my local library.
Paperback. Hardcovers just seem very unwieldy.
Although I will buy hardcover editions of my all-time-favorite-can’t-live-without-it books, I love paperback editions for the intimacy. Smaller and easier to curl up with, paperbacks mold to my touch; hardcovers feel bulky and impersonal in my hands. Somehow, I never forget I’m holding a book when reading hardcovers, but a paperback fades into the background leaving only me and the story. I’ve torn through copy after copy of my most favorite paperbacks, but I will always buy another (even if I have the hardcover on the bookshelf). I think of it as thanking the author over and over again…
I prefer paperbacks because they are softer and lighter to carry around.
I prefer to read new hardcovers when they first come out since it is so exciting but like to buy them in paperback since they are easier to take with you or pile up in the expectation of all those great reads.
I prefer to read hardcovers. However, I usually only buy hardcovers it they are reference books or I can find them used. I like the cheaper price of paperbacks.
I prefer paperbacks. They feel more “friendly” in my hands. Also, I have a quilted book cover that I use with paperbacks when I read away from home or travel.There is also room for cards or drink coupons if I’m flying.
I usually prefer hardbacks – they look nicer after being read than many paperbacks do – even if I am a gentle reader.
I prefer trade paperbacks. They are easy to handle and with print that is readable, and less expensive than hardback books
It depends. If it’s a favorite author, I’ll spring for the hardback. If it’s a new author, I’ll probably buy the paperback, but it really just depends on how good the books sounds, what trusted reviewers say, my budget, etc.
I read SAVING CEECEE HONEYCUTT and loved it! I hope it gets another wave of fans in its paperback form.
Depends. If I’ve been anxiously awaiting a book’s arrival, I’ll buy it right away in hardback. But if I’m just hearing about a book, or only browsing a bookstore, I’m more likely to buy the paperback version.
I actually prefer the hardcover because it just seems to have more permanence to it! But I do buy paperbacks too. Also, I’m less hard on hardcovers than I am on paperbacks!
I prefer paperback because my bag is too heavy as it is!
I like to win contests for books in hardbacks and I try to buy (except for reference materials) mostly paperbacks because I usually cannot afford hardbacks.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I prefer paperbacks because they aren’t as heavy as hardbacks.
Buying new, I prefer mass market paperbacks or overstock hardbacks because they are less expensive. I, however, purchase most books in “like new” used condition via online sources. For example, I just purchased ‘Drood’ by Dan Simmons from an online source for $5 and free shipping. A pet peeve: having to pay $2 more for the new slightly larger mass market ppbs. The extra inch or so doesn’t seem worth two bucks more.
Unless I want to keep a book, and move a book. I prefer the convenience of a paperback.
I prefer paperbacks because they’re cheaper, easier to hold, and easier to carry when traveling.
I prefer paperbacks. They are easier to carry around, easier to read in bed, and cost less then hardbacks!
Besides, if I had all my books in hardback I’d be sleeping on my roof.
Amen to that!
I prefer hardcover books as I only buy ones I want to keep in my library. I have a kindle so I am mostly download books now. But every once in awhile I will purchase a hardcover.
I prefer hardcover books…they are easier to hold, especially reading in bed at night…but paperbacks are cheaper to buy, but you usually have to wait for them to come out at a later date…
Hardcover is my first pick. Love the smell when you open a new one. Realistically the paperback is the winner hands down for it’s toteability,and price.If money were no problem,hardcover would always be my favorite expenditure. I’am always eager to read a new book by a favorite author before my library has it or the paperback comes out.
I love both as long as they are new. I love the feel and smell of new books. I even pet them. Sounds freaky, doesn’t it? I need a paperback that will fit in my purse for my “away” reading, and a hardcover for my “home” reading.
Paperbacks! I devour books and until I win the lottery, paperbacks fit my budget.
Paperbacks, they’re cheaper!
It all depends on how much of a rush I’m in to read a particular book…if it’s something I’m anxious to read that has been just published I will buy the hardcover; otherwise, I will either wait for the paperbook copy or, if the price is right, order it for my Kindle!
Hi! I prefer paperbacks for several reasons. One-they are easy to hold. Two-they are cheaper to buy. Three-they are easier to carry around with you
Four-if you accidentally damage the book while you are reading it, you can buy the hardback version of it if you really want to keep the book.
I buy books in paperbacks.They are less expensive.Ive heard so much about Ce Ce Honeycutt.Cant wait to read it but cant afford to buy it now. Paperbacks are just easier to carry around
I tend to prefer hardcovers for larger books – anything over six-hundred pages is better suited as a hardcover (paperbacks are likely to fall apart if they’re that large). That said, considering the volume of books I purchase, financially paperbacks make much more sense. So I tend to purchase primarily paperbacks as they’re cheaper and easier to bring with me whenever I’m likely to need a good book by my side.
I always prefer hardcover for looks, but a nice softcover that shows it’s wear can be sentimental and remind me of all of the places the book has gone with me over the course of a reading. There are memories in every crease and tear as the book becomes a part of who I am. I love it!
I love both! Generally, though, I prefer hardbooks– at least of my favorite authors. But I love having a nice paperback to tote around in my bag and read wherever I am!
I prefer hardcovers. Period. I buy both. I have not gotten used to “e-readers” yet-although I might if I owned and iPad. Hardcover girl, yes.
I prefer hardcovers because I’m a very eager reader and can’t wait for paperbacks to come out. However, I have some paperbacks that are highlighted with turned pages that I have read over and over…they have a special place on my shelf.
I don’t have a strongly preference towards hard covers or paperback books. It is easy to carry around a paperback in your purse than a hardcover.
It depends. If it’s a book I’m pretty sure I’ll want to keep for a long time (like a favourite author), then I want hardcover. Otherwise, I go paperback because it’s generally more economical.
The other consideration is if it’s part of a series — if I’m collecting, they all have to be hardcover or softcover — no mixing allowed, lol!
I prefer paperback. I take a book with me everywhere I go and paperbacks are easier to throw in a bag and carry with me.
Working in a library, we like the hardcovers better because they hold up to the repeated use. For my own personal collection of my very favorite books I usually get paperbacks, but I rarely buy books anymore since I can check out almost anything I want free at the library!
I love the feel of paperbacks in my hand when reading but hardcovers usually have larger print which for me is better.
Love either, books are books, but paperbacks are def cheaper!
Paperback, lighter and easier to carry with me everywhere!
I prefer hardback….I love the weight of them. Also I hate it when my book covers get bent. Hardback books hold up better!
I love to buy paperbacks because they are a lot easier to take with you wherever you go. All you have to do is throw them in your bag and go.
I almost always buy paperbacks because of cost. But I’m increasingly buying ebooks for my Sony Reader rather than either hardback or paperback.
I will buy hardbacks from my very favorite authors;otherwise, I buy paperbacks.
As I get older with a bit of arthritis (60ish) I find I prefer trade paperback editions. I still buy hardcovers (Wolf Hall the most recent) and detest mass market paperback size. And I’ll *never* fall victim to an e-book edition!
paperbacks are cheaper and I don’t feel bad when I bend pages and spines :-S but I really have gotten use to reading LP
)
Like Mary said earlier – I just like new books, hardcover or paperback. Though, I have to admit that I prefer the price tag of a good paperback.
I prefer paperbacks, they fit nicely in my purse, I can read them in the pool, and if I drop it in the water I haven’t thrown away $25 just a couple bucks. Reading hardcovers gives me a backache, I know it sounds silly but some of those books get heavy after a couple of hours of straight reading!
I prefer paperbacks for first time reading. And if I really love the book, I’ll get it in hardcover for my permanent library.
I prefer hardcovers because they last longer and look better on the shelf. However, I usually buy paperbacks because of the cost.
I tend to buy new books in hardcover, because I so infrequently buy books for myself. I work in a library and get most everything through our system, so when I’m really looking forward to a new book that’s coming out, I tend to buy it right away if I’m not willing to wait for it on the holds list. That’s not to say I don’t have a sizeable library of my own – over 500 books that don’t all fit onto my bookshelves!