Are you a spine breaker? Or a dog-earer? Do you expect to keep your books in pristine condition even after you have read them? Does watching other readers bend the cover all the way round make you flinch or squeal in pain? [Suggested by Mariel]
It makes me sad when people bend the covers, break the spines, and dog-ear pages. I mean, some general wear and tear is to be expected, but you don’t need to abuse the book. Everyone likes to read books that look pretty and are nice to hold, not feel like you’re holding something that lives on the street.
Am I being too bitchy about this? Pristine isn’t necessary, but neither is destroyed. I like to keep my books in a decent condition — I use bookmarks, only open them as far as is comfortable to read, and I try not to throw them about (although I toss them in my purse on occassion).
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7 Comments
I have to agree with you! I like to keep my books in good condition. That is one reason I don’t like to loan them out. I have also caught my Mom getting ready to donate one of my books to the used book store! Can you believe that??!!! I do cringe when I see someone doing those things, and I too use bookmarks.
One lady I know will take the book cover off so it doesn’t get messed up… then dog-ear the dang pages! Don’t fold the pages, and the cover is there to PROTECT the actual book! UGH!
To tell you the truth I have started reading a lot of books as ebooks on my pocket pc…. I can’t loan those out! LOL
Well, seems as if you touched a nerve here! LOL I didn’t have intentions to write a short story here. :)
I try to keep my things (including books) in good shape. I do not any longer abuse books, but I had a dark past…
Hahaha…I thought I was alone until I read your response. Scoundrels they are!
I’m sorry that I make you sad. I just consider all of my dogearing a way to love my book.
I tend to agree with you. Exceptions would be
1. if you bought it, you can do as you like with it.
2. I’d put up with dog-eared pages if it meant someone would actually read something!
If you’re bitchy about it, I can only imagine what term would be used for me! :-)
Lezlie
I agree with you. If they’re to be read, can’t keep ‘em pristine. But they don’t need to suffer abuse, either. Books should be treated with a little respect.