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  book size

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  This isn't about a feature of Shelfari but a question I have about paperback books and I'd be interested in hearing other people's opinions about it. Most of the books I buy are paperbacks, although I do have my fair share of hardbound books. It seems that one of the latest trends by publishers regarding paperback books is a move towards the larger and more expensive paperbacks as opposed the older style that sells for around 7 or 8 dollars. The larger size causes a problem for me because of the price range of anywhere from 10.95 to 17.95. I am able to buy a lot more books and experience new authors and new genres at the $8.00 price. If the books go the way of the - on average - $13.00 price I just wouldn't be able to enjoy as many books. One author in particular that this is causing a problem for me is Jodi Piccoult. I picked up her book "The Pact" at the smaller size and price but all of her other books are the larger paperback size and unfortunately I just can't see my way to pay that much for a paperback.
  Does this pose a dilemma for anyone else also? Any thoughts?

  Kelly started this discussion 6 years ago. ( permalink )

• LeeLee 

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  I don't buy many new books, I hunt thrift stores, used book stores, yard sales and the Library sale. Amazon has some great prices sometimes on used books. I refuse to pay more than $8.00 for a new paperback, though I will buy a new hardback of an author I collect. My way requires patience, but there is always the library too. Sometimes hunting books my way is fun because of the serendipitous finds along the way.

  posted 6 years ago. ( permalink )

• bookwormbeth 

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  I agree, the cost of the trade paperbacks out of control. Most people like the size and I've noticed the price going up and up. I usually buy them when it is 3 for 2 or I have a coupon. Mostly I buy them at Costco where they are $7-$8. I also buy alot of books used on Amazon. I buy hardcovers of the authors I really enjoy, or if I find one cheap at a flea market or online.

  posted 6 years ago. ( permalink )

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  tatertot 

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  I agree! I find the larger size paperbacks very irritating. I too shop on the discount table, used book stores, and amazon. I find if I wait for a bit, I can get a hardback of a best seller for cheaper than the larger size paperback on the discount table, it just means I don't read the book right as it comes out.

  posted 6 years ago. ( permalink )

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  DOC-209 

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  I totally agree! The last new paperback I bought (about two years ago now) was in this format and I have since bought used paperbacks exclusively. I don't really like this format because (aside from the price) it is about the same size of a hardback book. I want my paperbacks to be a little more portable.

  posted 6 years ago. ( permalink )

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  Kelly 

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  I know it's being picky but I hardly ever buy used books. I'm even picky about the new books I buy and if a corner is a little scuffed I won't buy it. I am also very careful when I read books and sometimes you can't even tell by looking at the cover or pages that I have even read it. I keep 99% of the books I buy and have several that I have read 2, 3, 4 even 5 times. I like my books in pristine condition - that's the collector in me. Okay, so I'm kinda obsessive about that but as long as I can I will probably keep buying new books - unless all the paperbacks go to the larger size at which point I guess I will have to change - or get a second job !

  posted 6 years ago. ( permalink )

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  LilJen 

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  I'm really anal about the condition of my books too. I like them crisp and clean and smelling new. And I will be the lone one to admit that I love trade paperbacks and will go out of my way to find one so I don't have to buy a mass market paperback. I know they're more expensive but everything is more expensive where I live anyway. (Mass market books are $10 - $12 here.) Often when I travel to the US I'll buy a ton of books and ship them home which will still be cheaper than buying them here.

  posted 6 years ago. ( permalink )

  show 1 reply

  • 

    AvidReader 

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    Hi LilJen. I'm a big fan of trade paperbacks too. If a book is available in trade paperback or regular paperback I'll usually buy the trade paperback version even though they're more expensive. I prefer the look of trade paperbacks and find they keep better.

    posted 6 years ago. ( permalink )

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  Sidwell 

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  I seldom buy books at new prices. I always wait a while and pick them up cheap on sales. But I also have noticed that Clive Cusslers newest books in paperback are being done at the larger size and not the regu;lar size. Its an awkward size to hold. The inside says its done so they use a larger font for those people who have asked for a larger print. - that is what large print books arre foor. I want the regular size books & print, please. I have stopped buying clive cussler paperbacks for this reason. However I will borrow from library.
  
  And another thing that bugs me is the HUGE difference in gap between the USA price and the Canadian price - even though the exchange rate is NOT that big.
  

  posted 6 years ago. ( permalink )

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    AvidReader 

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    The gap between the Cdn and American price of books bugs me too, especially when it comes to hardcovers.

    posted 6 years ago. ( permalink )

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  RobinReads 

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  Ummmm....it's not the size that counts...LOL.

  posted 6 years ago. ( permalink )

• Twister358 

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  I used to hear that same complaint at the bookstore from kids/parents having to buy books for their school reading lists. Publishers know that a lot of literary classics are required for school and are releasing newer versions of classics in the trade paperback format. They are able to charge $5 or more for the same book and they know that kids/parents will pay it.

  posted 6 years ago. ( permalink )

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  carlags 

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  Do any of you remember The Paperback Book Club (it may still be around)? I think it was an off-shoot of the Book-of-the-Month Club. When it appeared 20+ years ago, it introduced the larger-format paperbacks, which were not generally available in normal retail outlets. I seem to be in the minority here, but I prefer the trade paperback. I like the way it fits in my hand and the portability that the hard-cover lacks. So, yes, I'll pay more, but I always try to wait for a sale price or my B&N coupons that regularly arrive by email since I bought a membership.

  posted 6 years ago. ( permalink )

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    smog 

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    Its now the quality paberback club and when you join you get four books for a dollar each. I join and get out about once a year then rejoin. I like it because they get a lot of books in trade months before they are out to the public in trade.

    posted 6 years ago. ( permalink )

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    carlags 

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    You're right, smog! I used to do exactly what you're doing. I'm glad they're still out there putting out a good product. Maybe I should take look at them again!

    posted 6 years ago. ( permalink )

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    jennynoel 

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    I also love Trade Paperbacks. I don't buy many new books, so the price difference when it's a book I really want to own and keep for a long time doesn't make a difference to me. Of course I am blessed to be in an area with several absolutely great libraries.

    posted 6 years ago. ( permalink )

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