Monday 2 August 2010

Do you like them short or long?

I know people who will only go for long books. I'm not sure if this is a way to get their money's worth or because they feel more drawn into the story if it's longer. Others like short books because they don't read much or don't have much time and the sight of a big fat brick is a bit overwhelming.

I don't have a set preference but I usually go for average sized books (about 350 pages) because I feel I can read two books in the time it would take me to read an 800 page book. But this isn't always the case, because there are books that keep you so hooked you'll finish them in no time, whereas others you'll struggle to get through it and it will take longer. Also, there is the patience factor. I'm quite impatient and I want to know the end as quickly as possible, so really long books will have me racing through the pages to get to the (hopefully) happy ending.

With blog posts I've found I leave the longer ones for later when I've got more time to read them if it's something that interests me. However I'll read a short post right there on the spot. 

What do you prefer? Do you like short or long books? Do you think about it before buying a book?

12 comments:

  1. Ooh, good question! For some reason, I shy away from very thin volumes...maybe because I feel I won't be able to get into the story as much. Hm. Whatever the reason, I tend to go for medium to long books...

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  2. Do I have a dirty mind? The title of this post made me snicker. Long! I like them loooonnnng!

    Ahem. Anyway.

    I only notice when I have a trans-Atlantic flight, and then - all things being equal - I go for long.

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  3. Either is fine with me. But most of what I read is in the 300-400 page range.

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  4. Length doesn't matter, it's what the author does with it that counts. I like them with plenty of substance...

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  5. I have to say,sometimes I do get a bit put off if it's a thick book, however, if it's by an author I know I like, I'll still buy it. Classics aside, I've started reading thick books by writers I usually love but just can't finish as I feel it's taking too long to get to the good bit! I think maybe these best selling authors are indulging themselves a little (I'm thinking Marian Keyes!!), but like you, the average 350 page is best for me, because I have so many books I want to read!

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  6. I am gravitating more to nonfiction and the seasoned, well argued perspectives. For fiction, shorter may be better...because of the many diverse demands of my time.

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  7. I never worry about book length when buying - only whether I think the story will be interesting. When deciding what to read, long books wait longer until I have more time to devote to them. As for blogs, long post or short post, I'm happy to start reading but if I get bored I'll stop midway. Short posts have more chance of being read to the end.

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  8. I never thought about length before. I just love all books! The length doesn't matter to me as long as it's a compelling story with characters I care about. :) Though I must say sometimes I love a short novel so much and wish it was longer. And when I'm reading a super long novel (example: Gone with the Wind or Pillars of the Earth) I'm so so glad when I'm already on page 500 and there's still 500 pages to go because I don't want it to end!

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  9. For me it's more a matter of pacing than length. If I'm drawn into a story I don't care how long it is. But if the length is just an excuse to spend pages and pages describing the weather I'll put it down and pick up something else. As for blog posts I'll read short ones straight away and bookmark longer ones to come back to later (if I have time).

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  10. Thanks for all your comments.
    I'll buy books for their blurb, but when I choose the next one on my pile, I probably choose a shorter one first.

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  11. I have to say I don't think about it, mostly. I usually read books based on recommendations and don't do much browsing. I think I would gravitate to the middle though if I were.

    Sometimes though, if a book is a brick AND I am struggling to get into it, I do tend to get a little psyched out. Wolf Hall anyone?

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  12. I don't really think about it although it matters if you're having to carry a book around on tube! I have to say, I love Stephen King and usually pounce on his books. But his latest, was so huge I didn't buy it because just glancing at it I know that at the moment I cannot allow a book to steal that much time from me. However, if Christmas and a few days off was around the corner, I may well think that was just the thing!

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