Is a books condition important?

nirvanamargaret · Post by **nirvanamargaret** » 22 May 2016, 21:39

The more worn, the better! Adds character and life. I will have multiple copies or my favorites so I always have something readable.

BookBundle · Post by **BookBundle** » 23 May 2016, 02:27

I may not prefer the condition of the books, but Pages of the books shouldn't be fall..

Gravy · Post by **Gravy** » 23 May 2016, 06:04

Vermont Reviews wrote:
Gravy wrote:
DATo wrote:
I agree. Wouldn't it be interesting to actually meet the people who have already read it and brought it to that "well-loved" condition? And as an added bonus it would afford the perfect opportunity to yell at them for dog-earing the pages [:- )
Agreed

I always find it so interesting to pick up a used book. I picked up an old hardback collection of plays and found four leaf clover pressed between the pages. Try finding that in a new book

It is interesting what can be found in a book that someone else has owned.

Vermont Reviews

Your use of the shhh smiley concerns me a little

Post by **Heidi M Simone** » 24 May 2016, 04:04

Ant wrote:You find all sorts of stuff in old books, some good some bad.
I think I posted in the "Bookmarks" thread that I once found a Pot Noodle lid that was being used as a bookmark, can't remember what flavour it was though.

A pot noodle lid? Must have been a pretty thin lid.

I don't mind a little beat up, but I wouldn't want a book that it's pages are falling out, unexplained smudges, or too many notes written in the margins. I don't know if I feel it adds more character or not. My mind kind of goes to germs sometimes with the unexplained smudges/stains

However, I have bought my share of used books and have enjoyed them.

jlarmstr · Post by **jlarmstr** » 24 May 2016, 07:35

Yes and no. I'm a sucker for books in general, but I love things that have a history. When I find old bookmarks and notes in the margin, I find myself making my own story about the book's history. The condition only matters to me when the book is falling apart, missing pages, and illegible.

Taylor Razzani · Post by **Taylor Razzani** » 24 May 2016, 15:41

Sarah_Khan wrote:For me, if I'm just reading a book then I don't really mind if it's in bad condition... but if I'm buying a book then I would like it to be in a good-ish condition because I want to be able to have it for a long time.

I agree! My friend judged me the other week because I looked through all the copies of a book I was going up buy to make sure I was getting the best one

But if it's a book I've read a few times or other people have read I don't mind if it looks a little used.

Mona Pence · Post by **Mona Pence** » 24 May 2016, 19:39

I prefer to read a book in good condition! I love the feel of reading a clean new book! It's do exciting and refreshing! I just love it!!!

-- 24 May 2016, 19:41 --

I prefer to read a book in good condition! I love the feel of reading a clean new book! It's so exciting and refreshing! I just love it!!!

easy_dc13 · Post by **easy_dc13** » 27 May 2016, 22:49

It's fine as long as the pages don't fall off. If you're buying then it should feel brand new. If you're not, it's ok because what's written in those pages are what matters most.

KatLady9 · Post by **KatLady9** » 28 May 2016, 21:53

I prefer my books to have all the pages, but other than that the condition of the book is irrelevant. Often times books are cheaper the rougher they look.

tlblack · Post by **tlblack** » 29 May 2016, 16:21

It depends on how badly I want the book. If its something I have been searching for forever, then no, it doesn't matter. I mean, I do like neat, clean books, not a lot of creases on the spine, no stains, but if I want it bad enough I'll do my best to overlook it. Most of my books, however, are used. Goodwill, Salvation Army, Amazon, thrift stores - any used book places. Rarely do I buy books brand new.

LarkSpur25 · Post by **LarkSpur25** » 30 May 2016, 22:01

If it's a book that I bought cheaply on a garage sale etc then as long as all the pages are there and the writing is still legible I don't care what condition it's in.

adria_charles · Post by **adria_charles** » 30 May 2016, 22:20

For me, yes, I generally buy used books from second hand shops and find my finds are in the best condition I can find them. If there are more than one copy to choose from, I choose the best copy. Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate the love and wear of a used book, but enjoy seeing my appreciation worn on the books I buy.

Although I do buy most of my books second hand, there is something extremely intoxicating about buying a brand new book. Pristine condition, crisp pages, the aroma of fresh printed pages, and the knowledge that you are the only one to have read that specific copy. I almost become giddy when I get the opportunity to read a brand new book.

WickedKitty · Post by **WickedKitty** » 11 Jun 2016, 14:56

I prefer to buy books second hand since I'm more likely to find first print art. The condition matters as long as it has all the pages and I can read the words. I can handle bent pages and such.

sidhikat · Post by **sidhikat** » 11 Jun 2016, 15:53

I think it doesn't matter as long as you can read it and all the pages are there!

Post by **Annelore Trujillo** » 14 Jun 2016, 21:12

The condition of the book does not matter as long as all of the pages are there. I've read tons of beaten up books. Why would that change the book? The only time it matters is if the pages are missing or so worn out you can't read them.