Do you prefer to see books on a person's bookshelf in well-read, well-worn condition or in book store perfect condition? I ask, because looking at my bookshelf, I have a quite a bit of both, but I look most fondly at my tattered copies -- the ones I've carried all over the world, read dozens of times, and loaned out too many times to count.

I also like to find tattered copies on other's shelves because I know those are the books they really enjoyed. It strikes me the same way Toy Story 2 did -- the most loved possessions are the ones that suffer the most from wear, but at the same time, they are the most interesting because they've been loved.

So, what's your take?

I like my books to look nice when they're on the shelf.

But then I don't do too much rereading. I have too much stuff on my "to read" pile to do that. And I take care to make sure that I don't damage my books when I'm reading them.

-David

Many of my books are beat up, although that is due more to them being secondhand. I do read my books quite often, but I try to take care of them.

An unread book is a wasted book.

Mine are all in returnable condition when I'm through with them. A broken spine means I buy another copy! I also obtain a hardcover copy over paperbacks if available, no matter the price.

The only books I REALLY care about keeping in mint condition are my signed and/or OOP editions, although I try to take decent care of them all...

I agree with Blade and Tor_Greg - my books are in perfect condition when I'm done reading them. Even paperbacks. Even reading them several times. I'm a collector by nature - I buy hardback books in pristine condition, first edition if possible, signed if possible. I opt for trade pb over mass market pb every time. I still have about 1/2 my collection in pb form because I'd rather have the book and upgrade when I can (so most of my pb's don't look that great because I bought them used planning on upgrading). My vision isn't that great (nearsighted and have astigmatism) so bigger fonts used in trade pb and hardbacks are a huge reason why I prefer those formats. Also LOTS less yellowing. Books are definitely my first love, and I've never thought they needed ("deserved" in actuality) to be 'abused' to be well-loved. But then NONE of my possessions were ever abused, and I grew up with antiques, so age of the item has nothing to do with it.

I'm a constant reader, and take books just about anywhere I go, including reading while eating. So virtually every book I own is scuffed, folded, warped, stained, bent, torn, or otherwise heavily used. I buy books for the words, not for the paper.

As far as my collection, it depends on how I aquired the book. About half were bought used, and those are usually worn a bit. The ones I buy new are in pristine condition since I treasure my books.

Being a book collector, I naturally try to keep my books in as nice shape as possible. If I bought them new, then they still look like new. I have paperbacks I've read and re-read that still look fresh from the store.

I occasionally buy used books if the title I'm seeking is out of print. I can live with some scuffing, creases, and general shelf wear, but what I really hate are stains, moisture damage, and fingerprints. ugh.

Most of my paperbacks look old and worn (because they are) but I keep the hardback ones in good condition.

I hate the spine creases that happen in PBs. It's my pet peeve. I'd rather keep my books in good shape although it seems easier to be attached to a book if it has imperfections.

Not only do 95% of my books look pristine, but I've covered each dust jacket with BroDart, a clear plactic cover that makes the dust jacket shine.

I have a fondness for books that are used, in well-read condition, but a nice, new hardcover is something to smile about.

Regardless, I simply hate a book that has been treated badly. I can't stand earmarks, and I hate (I don't use that word lightly) when a book is placed open, word side down, cracking the spine. Oh, the horror.

Hardbacks - good condition

PB - tore up, written in, and duck taped

(Don't lend me books, I always have to buy new ones when I return them ... even when they stink)

I try really hard not to crack the spine on paperback novels I read, which is why I hate loaning them out to people. Nothing's worse than reading a novel myself and having it still look brand new, then getting it back after loaning it to a friend and seeing the spine cracked all over and the cover creased and folded. I still buy a lot of used books that aren't in that great of shape, but if it's something I bought new--and never loaned out--chances are it still looks in mint condition even if I've read it.

Some of both - pristine and well worn. It depends on the book. If it is one that I have read again and again and passed around to friends then it is worn. I have the bad habit of keeping the worn ones even when I buy new copies of the old ones, so I often have two or three or four of the same book. I've tried to stop myself from rereading the tried favorites - seems self-indulgent when there is so much more. Facing the fact that I wouldn't be able to read everthing that I want to read in my lifetime was somewhat akin to the realization that I'm actually going to die someday.

Ah, someone else just like me! This is a major pet peeve. I keep all of my books in excellent condition. Why? Because they deserve it and look much better displayed. Even when I am shopping for a used paperback, the spine condition is the first area I inspect.

I like to keep my fiction books in the best shape I can. However, with school books and much of my non-fiction if it's not worth writing in, it's not worth reading. I highlight, underline and write notes in the margines of many of my non-fiction books. It helps me better understand and absorb the material.

I used to make an attempt at keeping my books in nice condition but lately I've taken to writing in the margins and making doodles on the blank spaces. It gives the book a lived in feel, not so sterile. Coffee ring stains are cool too but I draw the line at cutting out a compartment in the center to hide contraband.

i guess i'd prefer they all stay in good shape, but i'm not anal about it. i buy a lot of used books too and kind of like a well worn book. you know it has some history and that seems to make it a little more special.

Ohhh... my pet peeve is people who bend the corner of the page to identify where they are in a book... when I take some out at the library for homework, I go through and try to put it back to its normal state, but they are wrecked. Most of my books are in great shape, but the spines I have problems keeping ok...I never ever lend a book though.