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This week's question...
All other things being equal–do you prefer used books? Or new books? (The physical speciman, that is, not the title.) Does your preference differentiate between a standard kind of used book, and a pristine, leather-bound copy?
My answer...
I always prefer new books, but cost can be prohibitive and I'll get a used book. My only problem with used books are that some people just don't treat their books very kindly and some can be almost disgusting to touch. That's why I prefer the new books (plus I love the 'new book' smell). If I do get used books, mine are contemporary paperbacks so they are never leather-bound or first edition collectible types.
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I like your thoughts...I agree about the scent. I have experienced a library scent that I've enjoyed over the years, but that's another story.
ReplyDeleteHere's MY BTT POST
I agree, too. I prefer a hardback especially if I think it's one I will keep. I tend to buy used paperbacks, too.
ReplyDeleteI love my books and I always treat them well once I get them. I don't understand people who abuse books. Sally.
ReplyDeletehttp://theelifylop.blogspot.com/2011/02/booking-through-thursday-7.html
Okay first! I LOVE THIS CAT!! Good answer - I think all of us wish we could get all our books new. Here is my answer: http://bookskidsanimalsandmore.blogspot.com/2011/02/booking-through-thursday_24.html
ReplyDeleteYou and I are on exactly the same page with our thoughts on this!
ReplyDeleteI love new books :) Sure old ones are good too but some have a smell, and you never know what people have done with them. Like read it in the bathroom
ReplyDeleteI am not to picky about my books, I buy books wherever they are sold, that is if they interest me.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I am the odd one out, but I actually prefer to buy used books. It is better for the environment and with my limited budget I prefer to be able to buy more different books. If you buy books from a website, most of the time you can see what state the books are in. I never came across a book I bought that way that was in a horrible state. Maybe I am just lucky ;) I also try to pass on the books that I bought again through bookcrossing, trades or giveaways :)
ReplyDeleteI prefer new books too, mostly for the reason that you said "the new book smell"....I never thought about used books being dirty but glad you brought that to my attention!
ReplyDeleteI am one of the strange people that used to LOVE the smell of ink on the mimeograph machine in school (I bet you are too young to remember them! I don't even think they make them anymore)
Love that new book smell too. Don't have a preference, I just like books.
ReplyDeletehere's mine http://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2011/02/booking-through-thursday_24.html
ReplyDeleteI love scent too...but I prefer the used book smell (provided it isn't smoke or something....).
ReplyDeleteHere's mine: http://myreadersblock.blogspot.com/2011/02/booking-through-thursday-something-old.html