BTT - March 27

While acknowledging that we can’t judge books by their covers, how much does the design of a book affect your reading enjoyment? Hardcover vs. softcover? Trade paperback vs. mass market paperback? Font? Illustrations? Etc.?

A book cover doesn't affect what I think of a book, but there is something special about holding a book with a beautiful cover design. If there is more than one edition of a book I would like to buy, I tend to lean towards the one with the best cover (unless I am after a specific translation, or publisher).

I prefer softcovers, but not mass markets. Softcovers are easier to tote around, and to hold while nursing Maya (although I preferred paperback before she was born, as well). Illustrations inside a book are always a wonderful bonus, I wish more "adult" books had them. Font makes no difference - unless it is very tiny. I have 20/20 vision, but often, if I am reading a book with very small type, I tend to get easily distracted. Not sure why that is, but it is.

I am almost, finally, done Gate of the Sun by Elias Khoury, so keep an eye out for a review in the next couple days. It is redeeming itself, so the long reading time isn't necessarily a sign of displeasure.