Book Haven discussion
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How do you treat books?
I used to be the "well loved" with some of them, so some of my older books are creased and more used looking. But recently I keep them "like new" I want my books to last as long as they can, I want them to be there when I'm older so I can pull it off the shelf and remember the first time I picked it up with out fear of it falling apart. I'm attached to my books, even the ones I hate.
I prefer "like new". Because of this, my son is the only one allowed to borrow one book at a time and must endure "the Speech" about caring for it every time.
LOL Lisa Anne. I have never written in a book and I feel guilty dog-earring the library books although I have no problem doing it to my own. I know when I get library books I hate when they are "well-loved" to the point of pages falling out lol. But when it comes to my books I'm okay them looking worn and used. :)
If I buy a book in new or like new condition, I do everything I can to keep it that way. No dog-earring, writing in the margins or spine-cracking for me. Those are major no-nos. That said, I do buy the majority of my books used, so some of them already have some wear and tear to begin with. I'm very picky about used condition though and won't buy used if they are too well-loved unless it's a rare book that would be difficult to find elsewhere.
Depends on the type of book. Most books I treat very gently, never dog ear the pages, try not to cause wear marks on the spines. Resource sorts of books I will do underlining and write comments in the margins, but that's as far as I usually go.
Light wear. Paperback covers might rub a little and the glossy ones end up with fingerprints all over them (you know the ones). I draw the line at writing in them, LOL.
I try to keep my books in as good condition as I bought them but I still seem to crease the spine on paperbacks. There was one time I wrote in the margins, highlighted and underlined passages, Weaveworld by Clive Barker. I actual had him sign it in a book signing a few years ago. :-)
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I keep my books as new... in fact very seldom loan them out unless i have the assurance that they return in the condition they were received. Having said that, I like Lisa-Anne's concept... and yes, any resource books I will highlight, under-line, write comments, as well as in my bible.
My books are in good condition I just have lil Post its glowing out the sides where I can find favorite quotes, comebacks or favorite parts quickly. I only crease the spine in 400 pages or more when the book is heavy and the pages keep flopping closed on me. I prefer the larger size paperback books for some reason I don't like the little paperback books they seem too tiny can't figure out why, oh well...
They just don't stay open big enough or something and the print is smaller that might be my disappointment in the little paperbacks. Plus there too tiny to display on a bookshelf.
Thats what happens to my DVD's...lol I usually paperackswap the little ones. My True Blood ones are that way and I like the series but not the little tiny copies I have Grrrrr....
Mine has the same cover as yours but is little. I haven't seen a larger paperback of this series here hmmm... The Engish have all the luck no fair...lol!!
Awww....poor thing. It gets cold here too but typical Fall days right now good reading weather just cool enough to curl up with a blanket. it's 50 degrees in the morning and in the 70's by late afternoon then plummets to the 40's at night time here it's a roller coaster ride! The good ole midwestern seasons blah blah blah...give me a day at Key West anyday!!
It's Fahrenheit here sorry, if it's 63 there it's warmer than where I live today I think a storm is brewing here today it's super windy and it's only 56 and getting dark out! I love crazy weather, I'll just imagine I'm in Forks with Edward and Jacob today...lmao
Karla wrote: "I prefer the larger size paperback books for some reason I don't like the little paperback books they seem too tiny can't figure out why, oh well... "I think there might be an age difference at work. The large size paperbacks are kind of a new innovation. While I was growing up most paperbacks were in the smaller format, and because of differences in paper and print size, they were also much thinner. I prefer the smaller sizes, but do like the increase in paper quality. I have paperbacks that are rather brownish, dry, and crumbly because of the higher acid content of the papers. And more importantly ... paperbacks used to cost 60 cents. I remember being horrified when they crossed the line to over a dollar!
Or I could be a total babe magnet and have Bill, Peeta, Gale and these new fellas I'm on vacation with in City of Bones Jace and Simon hmmmm could make for an interesting day :)
stormhawk wrote: "Karla wrote: "I prefer the larger size paperback books for some reason I don't like the little paperback books they seem too tiny can't figure out why, oh well... "I think there might be an age d..."
60 cents wow!!I do own some of those crumbling books though I'm scared to turn the page as it falls in my lap. My house would be exploding with books if they still cost that much. I still don't understand why new hardbacks are so expensive while dvds are cheeper. They have all these special effects, film copies, actors, directors, camera persons to pay, publicity cost ect; and a book just gets publicity, publisher costs ect; printed and sold for more than a movie! I think the price is rather high for a new release.
Jo wrote: "Paper quality can make a difference on how much i enjoy a book. I read a little old book that had browned paper and bold type and i found myself not wanting to read it much because of that "
I have the same sentiments Jo... I just love the feel, look.. smell of a new book. But ja, the price is a killer.
I have the same sentiments Jo... I just love the feel, look.. smell of a new book. But ja, the price is a killer.
I generally buy new cos our 2nd book shops here are a nightmare...paraticularly in my area. No order of any kind, but ja if I can get 2nds I am most particular about the condition. I have joined paperswap and hope something good comes out of that.
I'm a freak when it comes to my books. I keep them all in as new a condition as I can. I order books from amazon that are used and whatever condition they come to me in I try to preserve. I never buy anything in a less than good condition. My brand new books I have, I keep them in their new condition. I hate bending of pages of any kind. I do have a few worn books that I've read over and over again but again I will never let them get to the state where they are completely falling apart. But even thought my books are in a new condition they are still well loved. See I told you. Freak. and don't get me started about lending books out lol.
Joanne♥ wrote: "I'm a freak when it comes to my books. I keep them all in as new a condition as I can. I order books from amazon that are used and whatever condition they come to me in I try to preserve. I never b..."you are no freak :)
for my A and B format paperbacks, I made special cases... for Bs it comprises of two smaller cardboard boxes intwined, with a lid cut out and two pieces of foam, one in front of book and one under its bottom page side, that keeps it from travelling all around the case...
for As I got a special treatment - a cardboard box that I coated from the inside with antistatic cloth to keep it from getting dirty, while the cloth cleans it kinda - one under the book... then there is a piece of foam stuck above the top page side to keep the book from bouncing around... then another cloth stuck to the side of the box, kinda like flap, that can be put over the front cover, to keep the nice textured letters from the cover from scratching too much... then I put a lid over it, and so it doesnt fall off, I use an elastic band...
when reading paperbacks, I open them just enough so I have a good look on the text, so there is enough light on it... if needed I tilt the book a bit, while holding the hand under the binding to protect it from bending more... that way the binding doesnt bend and the only sign of using the book are the sweat-stains that cant really be prevented unless one plans to wear surgeon gloves while reading which would be rather weird lol
haha tell me about lending books... not many ppl know how to read a paperback properly, and I KNOW I would get my book back with scars all over the binding's side
right now I am trying to simplify the making of those special boxes made for protecting the books while travelling in your bag when you go out etc.... it could be a tremendous help for so many ppl wanting to keep their books clean, as not scratched as possible and such :)
I can abide buying a book that doesnt look like new if it is some classics or a book that doesnt have such a high priority - cos I can keep that book in the condition I got it :)
the testimony to my good reading habits and treatment of books are LOTR one volume, whole ASOIAF boxset and all Malazan books I read so far... and guys, all those books are TOMES, ranging from like 500 to 1200 pages, not a single scar ladies and gentlemen :)
I'm glad I am not alone in my obsessive need for proper etiquette with my books. My kids get mad at me (and I them) because they leave books lying on the floor, wide open so the spines get crushed, bend pages if they can't find a piece of paper to mark their spot, and loathe to dust the book shelves. I will write and mark in text books, reference books, and educational books; but I never write in my fiction books. Sadly, despite all that special love and care, most of my books have broken spines and the covers are wearing because I re-read them so often! Think how long ago they would have fallen apart if I had not taken care of them better?
(Yes, I have had quite a few wear out and some are really hard to find replacements for because they are out of print, or were not common/ popular titles.)
Now that I have a Nook, I get to "test read" a lot of books and if I really like it (likely to re-read) then I will buy a hard copy. Drives my husband nuts! He had high hopes that with the Nook he could slowly get me out of the bookshelf business. Nope, I need my books!! If I could have $1 for every book in my house, I could probably retire!
As much in new condition as I can...but they do get worn down with every re reading..
I never lend a book if I want to keep it. First rule. Second rule - no eardooging pages. Third rule - never break the spine. Fourth rule - no underlining although sometimes I would buy a second book to underline.My books are very well treated. Sometimes my DH says better than him.
Now that I have a Nook, I get to "test read" a lot of books and if I really like it (likely to re-read) then I will buy a hard copy. Drives my husband nuts! He had high hopes that with the Nook he could slowly get me out of the bookshelf business. Nope, I need my books!! If I could have $1 for every book in my house, I could probably retire!I have lost the capacity to download a sample from Amazon. Not sure why but it just doesn't work anymore. It does work when I want to download a book and pay for it. Ha Ha.
Any suggestions?
I treat my hardcovers like babies. I freak out if I drop one on the floor ... so they all look more or less like they've never been read. But in my paperbacks I love to highlight my favorite quotes and I don't mind that the book gets a little love. And looks like it.
I'm with Laerke here. I keep my hardcover nice and pristine, but my paperbacks are usually worn. The spines get cracked, I write notes in them, I highlight. Not to mention my dogs sometimes get a hold of them, I've dropped them in the pool, and I sometimes spill coffee (whoops!).
I try to keep my books as pristine as I can. I want them all to last for many years. That said, I do buy used but am very picky about their condition. I have very few creased books on my shelf and I'm so glad my hubby is the same way as I am with his books. It'd drive me crazy if he wasn't since I can't stand the "well-loved" look and especially marked up books.
I try to keep my books as pristine as I can. I am really picky about the condition of second hand books. I never lend books out any more as I have had them returned with coffee stains on their covers and spines broken. Even as a student I used a note pad not the book to make notes.
Nook is through B&N. Are you downloading from your computer then loading it to your Nook, or are you unable to search from your Nook? I usually find books I want to buy from my pc, in the course of a workday talking with other authors, so I haven't bought a book on my Nook since..... before Christmas? Sorry I couldn't help!
Nancy wrote: "I never lend a book if I want to keep it. First rule. Second rule - no eardooging pages. Third rule - never break the spine. Fourth rule - no underlining although sometimes I would buy a second ..."by spine do you mean the side of the binding, the part thats at the side of the book and has the glue layer there to hold the pages? if you mean that, then I think I nicely described how not to break it a couple posts above, for others :)
Mia wrote: "I'm with Laerke here. I keep my hardcover nice and pristine, but my paperbacks are usually worn. The spines get cracked, I write notes in them, I highlight. Not to mention my dogs sometimes get a..."since I am not so rich ;) to buy all books I like in hardcovers (and since I like to buy whole sagas at once it would be way too costy with hardcovers), I buy mostly paperbacks - they have beautiful covers and with enough good care they can be almost as good as new for long time... and as I already said, I can read them nicely without breaking the spine or how you call that side of the binding holding the thing together... it is simple but most ppl are too lazy to think of it... poor books :P
Razmatus wrote: "Mia wrote: "I'm with Laerke here. I keep my hardcover nice and pristine, but my paperbacks are usually worn. The spines get cracked, I write notes in them, I highlight. Not to mention my dogs som..."Well, none of my paperbacks are new ones :) I only buy used. So sometimes the condition I get them in to begin with is horrendous (three for ten cents sales yah!). I bought a Dune trilogy set for like a dime, and the cover was pretty cracked/ripped already, the spine long gone.
Hardcovers are nice, but the only ones I really own are autographed. So there's no way in hell I would read them by the pool lol.
Mia wrote: "Razmatus wrote: "Mia wrote: "I'm with Laerke here. I keep my hardcover nice and pristine, but my paperbacks are usually worn. The spines get cracked, I write notes in them, I highlight. Not to me..."I buy paperbacks new, the older ones only if they are cheap and not too damaged
I keep my books safe. I don't care if the book is hardcover or paperback. I buy the book depending on the cover that appeals most to me. However, I never ever EVER dog ear them or write on them. My sister borrowed my Harry potter & the philosopher's stone copy & she did not only bend the cover but dog eared the pages as well. Needles to say, she's not allowed near my books anymore. I treat my books like they are my babies.
nada wrote: "I keep my books safe. I don't care if the book is hardcover or paperback. I buy the book depending on the cover that appeals most to me. However, I never ever EVER dog ear them or write on them. My..."I did a little of the bending with LOTR, cos I couldnt think of better ways to mark pages where good quotes were... once I evened them they disappeared :)... anyway now I have a blank text message open where I type page numbers so I can later find the quotes and upload em somewhere :P
and yea I also buy the edition with nicest cover, haha :)
I try to keep mine as pristine as possible. In fact, I won't even buy a book if the cover or spine is nicked, or looks used (this happens a lot at B&N stores).When I read them I try my hardest not to break the spine, though it happens occasionally. I guess I'm just really anal about my books. I won't even let friends borrow them unless I know they won't damage them or well aware of the consequences.But that was before I got my eReader. Now I'm just anal about how the next looks on it. If it doesn't resemble a published book in anyway shape or form, I toss it (Recycle Bin FTW).
Nicole wrote: "I try to keep mine as pristine as possible. In fact, I won't even buy a book if the cover or spine is nicked, or looks used (this happens a lot at B&N stores).When I read them I try my hardest not ..."I dont mind that much if the page sides are yellow if it is some classics work... it just adds to the ancient feeling lol... and then, if it is yellow, you wont see the sweat stains much either :)
Razmatus wrote: "Nicole wrote: "I try to keep mine as pristine as possible. In fact, I won't even buy a book if the cover or spine is nicked, or looks used (this happens a lot at B&N stores).When I read them I try ..."I mean older books I don't mind like that. I'm talking about the newer ones. I used to go into Border's all the time and watch the employees jam books into the slots and it always bends the corners. I guess I'm just super anal about my books, which is funny because when I was younger I'd lose them all the time or didn't care about how they looked.
Nicole wrote: "Razmatus wrote: "Nicole wrote: "I try to keep mine as pristine as possible. In fact, I won't even buy a book if the cover or spine is nicked, or looks used (this happens a lot at B&N stores).When I..."hahahha yeah i know
i am very anal when it comes to boys and books. literally and metaphorically hahahha
with brand new books, i really want them to be flawless. Also with my expensive art books. Art books, i take care of them really really well.
But actually, i buy second hand books, even those which are really dilapidated.
Nicole wrote: "Razmatus wrote: "Nicole wrote: "I try to keep mine as pristine as possible. In fact, I won't even buy a book if the cover or spine is nicked, or looks used (this happens a lot at B&N stores).When I..."haha at the bookstore where I work, they are pretty strict about some things - books CANT be too loose or too tight... if they are too loose, they become "bigger" cos of their weight and the air getting in between the pages, possibly bending as well... cramming books is not good either - plus there is a danger that if you take a book out many will fall from the shelf lol... I mean, sometimes I have to do it too, but thats cos of space limitations - like when most of books around are one piece-d... but if I can help it, I am trying to find new places for the books
like a couple days ago we were returning Project, Headway and such books to the publisher, so there was like a BIG hole... and we got a BIG delivery of King's books (aka like 20 of his books, some of more than one copy)... so I basically put those books in that hole, which is still near my section :)
and yea, sometimes bigger bookstore doesnt mean better treatment of books, often just bigger mess... thats how I woke up from delusion that Neo Luxor in Prague (the one at St.Vaclav Square) is the best one around - english books looked horrible, as if eaten by a cat or something lol...
so I basically buy books from two places - the bookstore I work at, taking either brand new copies or good enough conditioned books... or I can order via Oxford Bookshop - last time I ordered the whole Malazan book of the fallen saga from them, and they delivered it real nice, great condition, awesome price, just under 85 € for the whole behemoth of a saga!!!
Eurobooks is also a great place for english books, and they seem to treat their books real well too :P
Before my kindle, I only bought used books. But once in a while I would get a new book as a gift. I read fast so I never cracked the spine, never bent the corners of the pages down to mark my place, never wrote in the book etc. But, sometimes no matter how hard I tried to keep it looking new, I would spill something on it. But, I tried not to eat Cheetos or chocolate when reading. Lol
Julie wrote: "Before my kindle, I only bought used books. But once in a while I would get a new book as a gift. I read fast so I never cracked the spine, never bent the corners of the pages down to mark my pl..."thats why I dont keep food or drink near my books... and thats why I read and drink before or after reading, never while reading :)
Nice if you never have kids or pets. Buying used books, you would not believe the abuse I came across. But with a 200 dollar ereader I am way more aware of food and drink. Lol
Julie wrote: "Nice if you never have kids or pets. Buying used books, you would not believe the abuse I came across. But with a 200 dollar ereader I am way more aware of food and drink. Lol"yea, e-readers are more sensitive to liquids than paper, lol :)
Mirvan wrote: "Nicole wrote: "Razmatus wrote: "Nicole wrote: "I try to keep mine as pristine as possible. In fact, I won't even buy a book if the cover or spine is nicked, or looks used (this happens a lot at B&N..."I buy second hand books too, but the place I go only takes them if they are in good condition. So by the time I needed a new book, they weren't really that bad. Besides what can I say to the previous owner "how dare you take bad care of them?" Nah. It just bugs me more when people who go into a regular bookstore like B&N sit and read it, and then damage the spine.
Razmatus wrote: "Nicole wrote: "Razmatus wrote: "Nicole wrote: "I try to keep mine as pristine as possible. In fact, I won't even buy a book if the cover or spine is nicked, or looks used (this happens a lot at B&N..."Hmm, maybe I'll order books from Europe then. Amazon.com treats their books like garbage, I should know I used to work in a distribution center. My husband used to by them from amazon when we were first dating, and I'd get them and they were so shrink wrapped that the books would be slightly curved and the pages were always a little yellowed. But back then I wasn't as picky, I was just happy to have a book to read.
Personally I used to be in the "like new" category, however, slowly I have drifted over to the "well loved" category. I now love to write in the margins and underline my books in places of interest or intrigue, I think it makes the reading more active and gives the books more meaning. I also feel like it adds personality to the book itself, so if I ever donated it to goodwill or something the next person reading it would wonder about the previous owner. I still refrain from writing in hardcover books though, which means I now want to buy the entire 'Harry Potter' series in paperback so I can reread it and mark it up to my heart's content. :)