Why I Love Wednesdays

Why I Love ... Wednesdays is a meme hosted by Alexis over at reflections of a bookaholic. Each Wednesday is an opportunity to explore a different aspect of literature and why I love it. Today's topic: Favorite book format.

Why do I love paperback novels? Let me count the ways:

1. They are generally just the right size to pop into my purse so that as I sit and wait in an airport, or doctor's office, or parking lot, or wherever my kids might need a ride home from, I can pull out a book and not be bored. I think I spend about a third of my time waiting for someone somewhere. With a book in my purse - transferred to my hand, I am not just wasting time and I don't care if someone is late. And that reduces tension in me and friction in my family.
2. They smell good. Especially if they are a little old. I love the smell of books! 
3. They are bendy. And who doesn't like bendy things?
4. They are not as heavy as a hardback so I am less likely to drop a paperback in the tub. Can you imagine reading an e-reader in the tub? I'd be electrocuted! They are also not as expensive to replace when I do drop them in the tub - it happens.
5. When I want a new book, I get to go to one of my two favorite places: the library or the bookstore. OK - you get to do that with hardbacks as well but they are heavier to carry home when you accidentally get three more than you came for. And paperbacks are less expensive than hardbacks.
6. They feel good. I am a tactile person. I like the feel of the paper in my hand. Yes, I stroke books and I like it. I also have been known to flip the pages on my face and feel the wind and smell the book - please don't avoid me because I am weird!

I could go on but you would get bored and I would reveal too much about myself. Suffice it to say, in my house, e-readers will never replace the paperbacks on the bookshelves. What's your fave?