Do you prefer used books, or new books?

[Carrie Anne]

I always preferred used books over new ones. There's something about a used book- like, it has its own spirit. Knowing that someone else read it, and enjoyed it. (or not.) I love notes in the margins, and if the book is dog eared, I try to determine the previous owners reading habits. Like, are the pages turned at each new chapter? Are there long stretches of unturned pages, meaning the owner was too engulfed in the story to put it down? I know. I'm neurotic. But there has to be others who feel the same way, right?

[Christof]

I agree! One of the reasons I visit the Library so much, I'll even take out books I already own so as to feel that 'spirit' as you say. The term "used" does not really do them justice, some of my oldest and worn out books still have plenty of life left in them and sure their feelings would be hurt if I called them used...well read sounds better.

[PatInTheHat]

Well since I just bought over a hundred and fifty ducats worth, suggested retail of course, of used books from my local library's book sale for $5.25, I guess on it's face that would seem to be obvious.
On the other hand, if you get down to it, it really depends on the personal hygienic habits of any & all previous readers.
I mean, I don't ever want to dwell on who might have just had it in their grimey little paws, and ponder presents their particular proclivities may have generously left for me, but I simply can't help it.

Cheetos or Doritos crumbs are one thing, because those kind of bright and unique, seemingly toxic yet innocuous colors, but ones not possibly found in the natural world, don't really bother me is what I'm sayin, but there are soooo many colors, with soooo many different shades out there...why it simply boggles the mind doesn't it?
However, finding certain crushed flora and fauna at say, the beginning of chapter six, can definitely cause a pause, and quite possibly a quarantine with a healthy dose of fumigant..you know, a variety that advertises a guarantee it kills eggs!

Hmm, so I suppose that's my kind of wondering neurosis too, but not quite in such a fun fun fun curious way.
I will commend myself and say this, I've improved immeasurably in not thinking too very hard on the stuff I can't see (at least with the mandatory cursory inspection)...thankfully I no longer own a microscpe.

[Spideyman]

Used books are not only an adventure into reading the words, but also an adventure into the life of past readers. Some provide a treasure odd bookmarks. Always worry when I find a tissue or napkin stuck between pages

[Becks19]

I'm a big fan of library books. PITH I try not to dwell on the crusty unknown substances either, it's easier to just speed read that particular page without touching LOL I just love books, new books, old books, tattered books you name it.

[xkittyx]

Previously-read (isn't that nicer than used?) books are good because they're usually much cheaper than new. However, the ones that come with a not so pleasant smell are not so good... or the couple of SK books I bought on half.com that were "like-new! great condition" but really had what appeared to be a child's lovely pen scribbles all over the last 6 chapters (Misery) or the first 30 pages missing (Rose Madder) that were a little disappointing.
I like going to the bookstore and getting 'em brand new, even though it's dreadfully expensive. I like the smooth, unblemished covers, and the sensation of cracking the spine open for the first time... and the smell is good, fresh paper. Lol maybe I'm weird...

[Natjen26]

I almost always buy new books, but in the cheapest form around. I rarely buy hardbacks, unless I can't wait until the paperback is published.
And I mostly just buy second hand books when I can't find the new one anymore.
I do donate my own books to second hand book stores and if I'm there, I'll browse what is in the racks, but I rarely come upon something good.
It doesn't help that I mostly read in English, and with living in a Dutch/French speaking country, used English books aren't common.

[Doc Wilson]

I buy most of my hardcovers used or remaindered, my paperbacks are mostly new.

[xkittyx]

I buy most of my hardcovers used or remaindered

Yea! The bargain bin at Borders, that's where I got the Desperation-Regulators set with the cheapo book-light and the Green Mile all in hardback for $5 each.

[no bounce no play]

I prefer new books. Boogers and smudges that look like they might be chocolate smears but might not be creep me out There's a big half-price bookstore near us that I can't resist going into though lol.