New or Used

[Neesy]

I'm a fan of that old-book stink as well

Ah - the 'aroma' - the 'pungency' - don't know if I would want an entire library full of them, however

To tell the truth I usually go for the best quality if I have a choice in a used book store (and if I go back another day and find a better copy I will upgrade and then donate the other book back).

 

[TarkDower]

Same here. I'm not too particular about condition, but I won't go out of my way to find the sloppiest, mistreated copies around

 

[chief4db]

I always buy 2 copies. One new for display on the shelf and one used in any condition to read. So basically my small library r unread brand new copies.

 

[TarkDower]

I always buy 2 copies. One new for display on the shelf and one used in any condition to read. So basically my small library r unread brand new copies.

I'd love to see a picture of your unread library, and I'm probably not alone!

I'm a collector myself (not of books) and collections of any kind float my boat. I'm also not a collector of butterflies, recipes, war relics or figurines, but I've seen collections of them all and none of them have failed to impress me.

 

[Debbie913]

I voted new. I am not opposed to buying used books, though. I do often, actually. They are more affordable than new. I just like the way the new ones look in my collection better. But there wasn't an either or choice...I would have picked that!

 

[DachsieMom]

yesterdays used book store purchases

The lady at the check out counter said I had good taste.

You DO have good taste, and the books are in such great shape. Of course, if they were mine, I'd have them read to tatters in no time. I actually had to replace my copy of Needful Things because it fell completely apart.

 

[DachsieMom]

I'd love to see a picture of your unread library, and I'm probably not alone!

I'm a collector myself (not of books) and collections of any kind float my boat. I'm also not a collector of butterflies, recipes, war relics or figurines, but I've seen collections of them all and none of them have failed to impress me.

I collected those AOL tins they used to send out with their spam in them. Immediately tossed out the CD & kept the box. I must have over 100 different ones.

 

[DachsieMom]

Some people are so unthoughtful, they don't even wonder if the person they're borrowing the book from wants to keep the book in good condition. I quit loaning people books I want to keep or can't replace. Too many people either don't return them at all or return them damaged.

Exactly. I follow the old saying: "Neither a borrower nor a lender be." As for how I treat my own books, that's irrelevant. I bought & paid for them. I read them more than once, and sometimes they don't come out completely unscathed. I bought them to be read, not for display. Guess I should switch to audiobooks. They don't wear out. Then I could knit while listening to a book. Wow! Multitasking! (Actually I do have many of Kings' books, as well as other favorite authors, in audio format. Hey, they're all on YouTube.)

 

[FlakeNoir]

Exactly. I follow the old saying: "Neither a borrower nor a lender be." As for how I treat my own books, that's irrelevant. I bought & paid for them. I read them more than once, and sometimes they don't come out completely unscathed. I bought them to be read, not for display. Guess I should switch to audiobooks. They don't wear out. Then I could knit while listening to a book. Wow! Multitasking! (Actually I do have many of Kings' books, as well as other favorite authors, in audio format. Hey, they're all on YouTube.)

Gar... they're not supposed to be.

 

[Spideyman]

Many of my books, especially the SK ones are new- I have been lucky to receive them as gifts for various holidays or special occasions. I ck out used book stores, flea markets etc and have an equal amount of used. Someone once told me- books are to read- so I read them. I do try my best to keep them from harm. Learned that after placing The Gunslinger near a Guinea Pig cage. It now wears a "chewed" corner.

 

[DachsieMom]

Gar... they're not supposed to be.

I was very surprised to see them there. Do a search for Stephen King audio books and see for yourself. It's quite unbelievable!

 

[DachsieMom]

Many of my books, especially the SK ones are new- I have been lucky to receive them as gifts for various holidays or special occasions. I ck out used book stores, flea markets etc and have an equal amount of used. Someone once told me- books are to read- so I read them. I do try my best to keep them from harm. Learned that after placing The Gunslinger near a Guinea Pig cage. It now wears a "chewed" corner.

Yeah! I had a cockatiel - a small parrot - that molested one of my books. She also regularly sat on top of my musicstand while I practiced my violin, and she ate my music. I could have used her for my homework in school.
Teacher - where's your homework?
Me - my bird ate it! Really!

 

[kingricefan]

Many of my books, especially the SK ones are new- I have been lucky to receive them as gifts for various holidays or special occasions. I ck out used book stores, flea markets etc and have an equal amount of used. Someone once told me- books are to read- so I read them. I do try my best to keep them from harm. Learned that after placing The Gunslinger near a Guinea Pig cage. It now wears a "chewed" corner.

I see many books at used bookstores/thriftstores that have 'chewed' corners.

 

[Alexandra M]

Most of my books I have found at Goodwill, garage sales, and ebay...all gently used from smoke and pet free environments ~ I'm sure!! I have received a few hardbacks new as gifts, which is great but there's just something to be said about bending the spine of a paperback that's just so gratifying to me! I should issue a national warning though...which is, if I find a hardback copy of The Gunslinger, The Drawing of the Three, or The Wastelands...all which are books I need to complete my collection I will throw a massive scream and dancing fit the likes of which will scare/scar young children and the elderly!!

I can relate to what you are saying; The Drawing of the Three and Wizard and Glass are the two in the DT series that are hard to find around here (hardcover). But one of these days ....

 

[blunthead]

I've purchased only one new sK book, the paperback UTD for my sister (who claims to have read it over a weekend. I don't trust her; I think she skimmed it over a weekend, since that is humanly possible). Only one of my sK books was brand new when I got it. It was received from a friend (thank you, again).

 

[Kurben]

I buy books mostly in used condition. Either in a store or of internet. So far they have been used but in good condition and thats what matters. New Kingbooks i buy directly from the storew in hardback but thats an exception. Otherwise i go for pockets. Cheaper, just as good reading experience and (very important) takes up less space in my bookshelfes.

 

[Alexandra M]

yesterdays used book store purchases

The lady at the check out counter said I had good taste.

 

[Alexandra M]

I have found that if it does have a musty odor you can pop the book (minus the dustjacket) in the microwave for about 30 seconds and it will help to kill the bacteria that is causing the odor.

Just about to try your musty book solution.....

 

[Alexandra M]

Just about to try your musty book solution.....

Yes, it worked really well; smell's MUCH better. Thanks for the tip.

 

[kingricefan]

Yes, it worked really well; smell's MUCH better. Thanks for the tip.

You're so welcome!