[Quiet Man Cometh]

I'm told that I'm too picky about my books. That paperbacks in particular are supposed to get worn down and look like they've been read. I can't stand it. I see a crease down the spine of my book and panic. I open it only so far so as not to bend the spine the wrong way or have it tilt. I try not to pack them too tightly so they don't end up wonky shaped.

My Aunt on the other hand, folds books in half to mark her place before putting them in her pocket. My dad gets books from the used bookstore and then tears off the pages as he reads them and tosses them in the trash.

So here I am, gingerly tucking my books away and taking care not to cause extra damage so I can read them again when I want to, or keep them in good shape so I can get more money if I trade them in (I'm a cheapskate and don't like shelling out for hardcovers). Books that are worn in an attractive way (not crooked, open without stressing the spine, etc) I don't mind at all.

So am I a little odd here, or do other people make attempts -heroic or not- to preserve their books? What about just letting them wear down to show signs of use or appreciation as some have it?

Oh, and to note: I'm not talking about mangling books for the purposes of art and such, just general wear and tear from reading or passing them around. I have a copy of The Da Vinci Code which has been around a couple blocks as I've loaned it out. I think I finally got rid of it though. No plans to read it again.