We always compare paperbacks and hardbacks, but what about small books and big books? Of course, there is that quote that. . . someone said [apparently] about how a book is never too long. And there's another about liking big books and not lying [how honest]. So with that, one would think that the vote is unanimously for big books.
Ha! Sir, I contest thee.
Perhaps shorter books have redeeming qualities too, and long books some not-so-advertised qualities. Ever think of that? We shall explore.
Big Books
The Pros
[Think you're so huge and mighty, huh! Well. . .]
1) There's a whole lot of book, thus a whole lot of adventure.
2) Some people see a challenge. They tend to be the people who like a challenge.
3) They make good improv weapons.
4) You can stack them to add necessary height in any number of circumstances: for setting up a camera for a bookstagram shot, for reaching the top shelf, for building a book fortress. . . use your imagination.
5) You can hide your face behind them when in public or when running from your enemies.
6) They make you look smart.
7) They build your capacity for commitment [if you actually finish them and you're into that kinda thing].
8) You can read and exercise simultaneously.
The Cons
[Indeed, these exist.]
1) They are so heavy! Have you ever traveled with big books [obviously you can't travel with just one book no matter how big]. This is why books went digital. It's the fault of long-winded writers and big books [thanks Tolkien]. And what if you want to take it to school, but you have to fit all those textbooks in your backpack too?
2) They are daunting.
3) Like what if you don't want to commit to something that loooong!?
4) What if you don't have that kind of time?
5) Or attention span?
6) They're discouraging to slow readers. It can take a year to read one.
7) They attract a lot of attention in public. If you're carrying around this ginormous book, people tend to see it. They lean over and ask you questions about said book when obviously
a) you're reading, thus hello, you want to be left alone
b) dude, if you want to know the title, just read the cover or spine
c) your introvert soul certainly does NOT want to be noticed, especially not by strangers
d) reading in public is neither a spectator sport nor a team effort, so go away
e) please and thank you.
Small Books
The Pros
[Huzzah! I mean, uh, totally not biased here]
1) They're small and adorable, and sometimes they even fit inside your pocket.
2) They're less time-consuming.
3) They're more approachable.
4) You can read them fast.
5) Thus you can read more of them.
6) They don't attract as much attention in public, so you can manage to hide as an introvert and do your reading undisturbed.
7) You feel so accomplished for having read a book in a day or two. It was only 200 pages? Pfft. Don't be silly. Page numbers don't factor into the equation at all.
8) They're the perfect packing size and won't tear your arm off when lifting them. [So I've a 5 pound textbook this semester. Honest. I weighed it on a scale. What is wrong with professors?]
9) People who have short attention spans and commit issues can read books too!
10) They're like coffee. They're energy and motivation shots that keep you going throughout your insane life.
The Cons
[Just to be fair]
1) They don't hide your face well. So to hide from your enemies, you have to go secret agent style and use a newspaper.
2) There's less book, so less adventure. Like, where is the rest? What if you want more?
3) They're not the best choice of weaponry. Unless your opponent is a fly, I guess, they're great fly swatters, yeah? Or if you're talking paper cuts. Never underestimate paper cuts.
4) They're just a little too easy to finish. Is it weird that sometimes you want something that takes more effort?
PS--So sorry for being gone for about ever. Without telling you. Heh. . . Uh, not dead?
What do you prefer, small books or big? What would you add to the list?
