Back to the Paperback - THE BARROW by Mark Smylie

Another library book this time.  The cover and binding was reinforced with tape so it felt old and used, which is a good feel for a fantasy novel.  It’s the 6x9 paperback size and at 600+ pages it’s somewhat cumbersome to read at any angle or position.  It is a good size to read in the car though, just hard to fit in the glovebox, especially when the wads of Dunkin Donuts napkins don't want to share the space.

The experience of reading this book boils down how long it took me to complete.  It took me quite a while to read this one.  Long enough that I had to renew it twice and recheck it out twice to get through it.  Three main things contributed to this.  The first is that the book itself is chock full of exposition that really slows down the pace.  The second is all Netflix's fault for releasing the third season of Longmire along with some other shows I've been waiting for, which I just had to watch.  The third is that I lost interest a couple times in the plot.  I did finish it though and the ending was well worth it.  I returned it to the library for the last time just in time to pick up my next read.

For a somewhat more serious review of the actual of book, you can read my review at Goodreads here: Review of The Barrow at Goodreads

Back to the Paperback - VIPERHAND

As I wrote in the first post for “Back to Paperback”, this is not a review of the novel.  This is about my experience reading it in paperback.

If you would like to read my review of Viperhand, it can be found at Goodreads.

This was a nostalgia read for a two reasons.  First, it’s a Dungeons & Dragons novel and I haven't read one of these since I was a teenager.  Second, it’s a standard paperback mass-market/pocketbook size which I haven't read since I got the Nook.

The copy I read was from the library, so it looks as if it was well-used/read over the years.  The binding was somewhat creased and a little torn and wrinkled in places, the pages tinged that aged grayish-yellowish color.  One page had a tear in the corner.  And, this is no fault of it being a library book, but Chapter 13 had the title "Chapter 3".

When I purchase a paperback I like giving it some TLC such reading it in a way to carefully make sure no pesky creases show up on the binding.  Anyone else do this?  Admittedly, I didn't feel the urge to treat the library book quite the same way, which I'm going to attribute to its already well-used condition.  I was careful enough.

I was somewhat expected the feel of the paper to bring back some memories or feelings, but that didn't really happen.  What did evoke feelings of familiarity more than anything else was the size of the book.  It was handy to carry around.  I was able to read in bed on my back while remain comfortable.  There's that saying about curling up with a good book and that certainly pertains more to a paper than it does to the Nook for a reason I haven't figured out yet.

One big difference I noticed was that I read more while reading.  As long as I stashed the Nook away in another room, I was able to avoid the pull of the internet and the desire to just watch some Netflix instead a few nights a week.  That being said, it feels like it's taking forever for me to get through Season 2 of Ripper Street!  And I really can't wait to watch Turn now that it's finally on Netflix.

That’s it for Viperhand.  Next up, I'll be reading The Barrow by Mark Smylie.

Anyone out there prefer the standard paperback mass-market/pocketbook size book?  Any recommendations on some oldy but goody D&D novels?