Hardcover Versus Paperback Books

Which Will You Choose?

You're at your local bookstore and find yourself standing in front of a shelf of books. You've found the one you want, but a situation has risen. The book comes in both hardcover and paperback. You furrow your brow as you contemplate your next move. There are pros and cons to both mediums. It's time to learn what to choose.

Cost
Hardcover books are undoubtedly more expensive than their soft and bendable counterparts. Paperback books can sometimes be as much as twenty dollars cheaper. Hardcover books usually sell for around $25 while trade paperback can go for $15 and mass market a meager $5. Trade and mass market are two different formats of paperback books. Trade paperbacks are the floppier versions and mass markets are the cheaper, smaller, fatter versions. When comparing either type of paperback book to the price of a hardcover, you'll always make out better in the end. If price is your biggest concern, go with the softer books.

Durability
If you plan to cart around your newly purchased novel to go camping or hiking somewhere dirty, it may be a better idea to choose hardcover. The precious word-filled pages are surrounded in hard cardboard armor that can save it from regular wear and tear. If instead your book is destined not to venture very far from your nightstand, you are safe to choose paperback.

Portability
In regards to carrying your book with you, hardcover books can still be cumbersome. Since they're made with a lot more material and high grade cardboard, they can be much heavier to carry. If you're keeping the book in a satchel or purse, it can weigh you down and possibly give you a neck or shoulder ache in the process. Paperback books are most helpful here because they are smaller and yield to the bend of a purse while not adding much weight.

Worth
If you consider yourself a book collector, you'll most definitely choose hardcover. Even if they may not be worth much more as far as collectables go, you will still feel more pride displaying them. Imagine showing off you full collection of hardcover Harry Potter books. It wouldn't be nearly as cool if they were paperback, you've got to admit.