[jbcohen]

A question jumped into my head today:

Fo you buy your books or borrow books from the library? If you buy them, do you get them in hard or softback?

[AuntiePam]

I buy -- we have a small library, there's not much of a selection, and I like to read on my own schedule.

Three or four favorite writers I buy in hardcover, as soon as the book comes out -- George R. R. Martin, Stephen King, Joe Lansdale, Peter Straub, Dan Simmons, Clive Barker.

For everything else -- I look for used or remaindered hardcovers, book club or library editions, condition doesn't matter.

I have a problem with the smaller print in paperbacks, so I buy those only as a last resort.

[Sojourn]

I prefer to buy my books, paperbacks mostly because I find them more practical, not to mention cheaper. Some books however are worth getting in hardback, but after going through a HB buying spree some time ago, I've burned myself out. Now the only HBs I have a mind to collect are Tolkien's 'Unfinished Tales' and 'History of Middle-earth', since they're more like reference material than actual 'novels' and nothing beats a good hefty, solid reference book. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

Plus library books have to be returned eventually and like AuntiePam, I like reading at my own pace without a deadline hanging over me. And all those library stamps/reference numbers/card pockets/unsightly fungi etc., how they degrade the simple, elegant beauty of a book!

[Lani]

I get most of my books in the library, because I can't really afford to buy as much as I would like to read. Plus, our library is really good. You can get a book there just in two months after it's published.

[Elessar]

I have to agree..
I like to buy books. I don't buy hardcovers very often.. also because it's cheaper.
BUT.. if the german paperbacks that I buy were of the quality of US paperbacks, I'd never buy a paperback. US paperbacks are of a BAD quality, not only the paper but also the ink (yuck) and the fonts (eww).
I have to say that german paperback is a lot better in quality, and I'd rather spend a little more than having such stuff lying around.

Even though one of my favourite quotes is "never judge a book by his cover" (or something like that), I still like good, solid books of good quality. I admire the simple beauty that can lie in a book.. of course, it has to be mainly in what it carries, but it can be also in what it looks like "from the outside".


-- Elessar

[Valada]

Re the hardback/paperback question, I suggest that everyone find the thread that is specifically on that topic, and post there, otherwise this thread may be closed - after all, no need to have two identical threads running...

But as for borrowing/buying, usually I buy. Another good one for me is borrowing from friends - I have one friend in particular who has a wonderful collection of fantasy, and he often exposes me to new and exciting authors. But nothing can beat owning a whole heap of great books - it's a great feeling. Having said that, there are some cases where borrowing is better. For example, I still haven't tried Jordan (except for one attempt AGES ago), and I think, since I'm a little dubious about whether or not I'll like it, I'll probably borrow those from the library. But if I love the first couple of books, then I'll buy the rest!

[Rhaegar]

I'm lucky I have a good job and I can afford to buy my books. The only author I MUST have in hardcover is George R.R. Martin.

[jasers]

I actually buy all my books used on Ebay, and then when I finish, I just resell them. I used to always keep my books, but then my bookshelf kept piling up, and I always found new books to read and so never ever re-read my old ones. Hence, I just started selling. You can get some really good deals on Ebay. For the most part therefore, I usually sell for the same price as what I buy for, sometimes I even make money. Thus, I think this works out well for me since I don't have a lot of money.

[Shadowen]

I would buy a favourite author as soon as the book is published (Jordan, Martin, Hobb etc) but most of the others I would order from the library. And as I work in the library, this works out great, because I can jump the queue when there's a big reservation list! http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif

[azaz]

I always buy my books, for some reason if I take a book from the Library I never end up reading it. I mainly buy Paperback, but if there a series I really like, or a book which has just come out and I can't wait to read I will buy it in HB. I like to buy Trade-Paperbacks as well, if its a series I like, but don't want to buy HB, and can't wait till PB comes out.