I love books. Passionately. I do NOT, however, love mass market books. You know the ones – 4” x 6 3/4”, horrid rough and dark pages, smells disgusting, frustrating to keep open (especially if it’s a long one), yellow quickly (like as you read it). I abhor them.
No really, I think they are evil. Well, since last night I do. You see, I was reading one, ignoring my sore hand from holding the nearly 800 page volume open and trying not to destroy the spine, while laying on my stomach. Because I was leaning on my elbows, I was holding it closer to my face than when I’m sitting properly.
Now, I already know that holding one of these Godforsaken volumes means that my hands get so dry touching those pages that even after I’ve put the volume down for the day, when I apply lotion, within two minutes I need more as my skin is still parched. That’s horrible.
But it’s nothing to last night. Because the book was closer to my face, I was breathing in that… shite. Apparently something – I can’t begin to guess what exactly – from the pages of the book was inhaled and imbedded in my lung. I was hacking almost all night. Whatever I did, nothing seemed to sooth it. It was like that one molecule was sucking out all the moisture in my chest. I was barking like a sea lion. The gallon of water did nothing (except make me need to pee), covering my mouth in order to breath in the warm moisture of my own breath did nothing, finally the third Sucrets allowed me to get to sleep.
I want to chuck this book and all the other mass market volumes I own at the person who came up with such an abhorrent idea. Cheap bastard. Except, I want to find out what happens in the story. I’m torn.
One thing is for sure, I’m gathering all the ones I’ve read that don’t have sentimental value and am selling them to the used bookstore. I don’t want to wake up to find that while I was sleeping the mass market paperbacks attacked and left me completely void of moisture – meaning I’m cracking everywhere so that when a breeze comes through the open window, I blow away like dust. Like I said, EVIL.
4 comments:
Ah, but they are cheap and get the books into hands of many people who can't resist throwing one into their cart while at the store. I don't particularly like them, but they are cheap, easily thrown into a bag, and puts the books into the hands of the masses, which is exactly what the publishers and booksellers want! All of our books are trade paperbacks, but I think some would sell better at the cheaper mass market pricepoint and size. Can you tell I'm in the biz?
I am with you in the dislike of mass market books. I feel like it is a cheap copy of the real thing...not to mention they either start out smelling funny or end up that way.
When I buy a book I save up and go for a decent copy and if I can...hardback. It just feels more genuine that way.
I completely agree! Reading is a complete experience for me and the feel, smell, and overall look of the book plays a very big part in that experience. By the way, I adore your blog! Thank you so much for all that you share.
Rebecca, EGGxactly. I think sometimes along with the moisture in the room, mass market copies can also suck the life out of the book... certainly it sucks much of the joy out of the experiencing of reading!
Packergirl, get it used, equally cheap and it's a nice copy. It also won't try to kill you. Just saying.
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