When you call up a book you want and there is the choice of hardcover or paperback, which do you choose?  I have been with the bookclubs for several years now and hardbacks are  the majority of my bookshelf.  For some reason in the last few months I have been craving paperbacks, that is actually what led me to pbs.  So, for now, I choose paperback.......how about you?

I choose paperback.  I find them easier to read in bed, tote around, and mail out when I'm done.

I also prefer paperback.

Many of the books I get are for me to shove in my suitcase to take with me when I'm working in Mexico.  Living in a small town there and having little access to tv and internet turns me into a voracious reader, so I need as many books as I can get.  As a result, I prefer paperbacks.  They provide more book for the weight, which is an important consideration in my limited luggage space.

I prefer paperback, because they are easier to hold.

I think it depends for me. I'm personally not a big fan for pocket paperbacks, but if they're market paperbacks I would rather have that than a hardback.

Doesn't matter unless it's a keeper. HB for keeper. The rest, I just want to read!

Yep, same as Jane.  HB (if applicable, of course) for keepers, other than that, either is fine.  I do order more HBs  lately just becuase the print tends to be a little larger, lol,

Hardcover wins out hands-down for me, since I tend to keep most of my books.   Paperbacks just don't hold up as well over time & get looking shabby much quicker.  

Funny how we all perceive things differently, huh?  To me, a hardcover is much easier to read -  as Beth mentioned, the print tends to be a little larger (at least sometimes)    Plus you can open it up all the way without hurting the book - paperbacks don't open as wide without creasing the spine & I hate doing that.

Hardcover whenever possible.

paperback.  I tend to tote a book around in my purse, and hardcovers don't really fit.

I prefer paperbacks because they are more portable and cost less to remail.

I prefer paperbacks when I am traveling, but I like hardbacks when I am reading at home.  I love the look of hardbacks on my bookshelves.

Paperbacks are easier for the old hands to hold, but the type is usually smaller and less crisp, so I go for the HB if I have a choice. Also, PB are being put together so poorly these days that I'll spring for the HB if I think it might be a book I'll re-read or pass on to another person. Paperbacks fall apart so easily now, poor quality glue.

I never, never thought I would say this, but I've been looking at a Sony e-reader. The crispness of the type (display) may be the deciding factor for me along with the ability to increase the font size. Portable, memory holds dozens of books, no downside except missing the feel of the book in my hands.

Edited for typo

Ohhhhhhhh Lester!  I know the big dilemma!!  The eyes, the hands......   For $ reasons I read pb for years.  My husband and I hand-tool leather (saddles and tack)  and I needed my glasses more.  So, I joined the bookclubs for the bigger books, (ok, bigger print) love them! (you know, still smaller than the BookStore hardbacks)  anyway, after a few years of that, and more tooling, my hands have started to kill me!  So, back to pb for awhile!  That is actually how I came across pbs! (thanks, sister!)  So, I do understand your "I never, never thought I would say this........"  It almost feels like blasphemy from a book lover doesn't it!!!!  But I suppose it's the Words that count in the long run~ you'll be forgiven!!!  Sorry for rambling this early in the morn!    C

Carol, it's not rambling, it is hard to think about. I have always loved the feel of a book in my hands, the weight of it, the smell of the ink on paper, the way I could pass the book to someone else to read something quickly, or easily give the book to someone else, or - my wife and I often read the same books at the same time, and she has one bookmark and I have another, just one of those habits of a lifetime together - and I hate to give those things up. It feels, yes, almost like blasphemy.

But time does a number on the body. It took me awhile to get used to wearing reading glasses, but I adjusted. Took me awhile to learn to leave one hand free when I go down stairs, in case I need to grab the handrail. In the end, I'll be grateful to have a choice that will allow me to continue to read.

If I ever make the transition, I'll have hundreds of books to post here! <grin>

Definitely hardback, as I prefer these for keepers, and they do hold up much better.

I only ask for paper if there was no hardback edition printed.

Easier for me to hold, or prop on my lap and will lay flatter.

Easier to read with the larger print...

I wear tri-focals, and although I may see a title readily available in m.m. size,  I cringe at the thought of 

trying to read that size print.

(I know that the next thing coming will be going to large print editions of everything).

I don't travel that much, (no flying at all). But I still select hardback for trips, just can't take as many as I'd like.

I love the feel, and weight of the books.

I prefer paperback because we are full time RVers and the space and weight are considerations.

I have a question. What is the difference in pocket paperbacks and market paperbacks? I'm sure I should know but don't.

I choose hardback, usually--because I like hardbacks better.

Paperback, because they weigh less and take up less shelf (and box!) space.  :)  We're military so need to always be looking forward to the next big move....

I usually order the paperback, since it is sometimes cheaper for the sender to mail out, and takes up less storage room in my house. 

I generally don't have a preference, since most of the books I order go right out again after I've read them. 

If I just want to read it and swap it again, I'll go with PBs.  I like to have HCs on my keeper shelf though.  They look so much nicer and hold up better.   For reading, I prefer either HC or trade PBs because they are easier to hold and can usually lay open flat on a table if need be. 

Hardcover. I've had many damaged paperbacks sent to me, but no damaged hardcovers.

If I have a choice I always choose hardbacks.   No real reason except I like the feel of them.  Most cost no more to mail than the paperback, so I don't mind reposting them.