Does Page Count Affect Your Decision To Read A Book Or Not?

Springer Mom · Post by **Springer Mom** » 30 Apr 2013, 13:26

Amount of pages isn't a huge concern for me, but I do like it when I see that a book has a lot of pages. It's always hard to come to the last page of a good book, so if it's a BIG book, I have more time to lose myself in the story and characters. But I've read some relatively short books that were excellent, and some short stories that I've never forgotten. I've also read some long books that were stinkers.

Giallella · Post by **Giallella** » 01 May 2013, 10:00

It is like you said tbughi you can't judge a book by it's cover

Critiq · Post by **Critiq** » 01 May 2013, 19:05

My problem is a book that's too long. When a fiction thriller goes over, say, 350 pages, you can expect a prolonged middle act in which the author is obviously forestalling movement until the last act, in which things suddenly catch fire. Excitement is rising; a climax nearing. We're finally coming out of the mire. I may read a book that comes in over 400 pages but part of my judgement of the read will be determined by how well the author maintains the suspense/fascination level. That judgement will greatly affect who I read next time.

blowersm+ · Post by **blowersm+** » 02 May 2013, 15:25

Only slightly. I might hesitate for a longer book, but it's really not an issue. I do have to say I don't like "business fables" or whatever they call them; "Who Moved My Cheese" is an example. No judgement against that book, but I don't like those overly simple books. I understand they may have deeper meaning though.

kshayewhite221 · Post by **kshayewhite221** » 02 May 2013, 21:27

Book length is extremely important. To me that is. Some people enjoy reading short stories but I need some length and depth when I read. Short stories end quickly without giving me all the details and character get to know that I crave and need.

Dietzel · Post by **Dietzel** » 03 May 2013, 06:53

Unfortunately, it does matter to me. I have a list of books that I'll end up reading no matter what, but I find myself delaying in reading the books that will be a major investment of my time ('1Q84' comes to mind) in favor of books I can get through in a couple days (Vonnegut's novels, Orwell's books, etc). I'll end up reading '1Q84' some day, just like I eventually got around to reading 'Atlas Shrugged' and am thankful I did because it's a great book, but it will be a while.

micah_todd · Post by **micah_todd** » 03 May 2013, 23:38

I despise short books. And super long books are sometimes depressing. On the other hand, if it's really interesting, I'd rather the book be long. So I guess it depends on the book and on my mood at the time.

frenchrose50 · Post by **frenchrose50** » 04 May 2013, 11:23

When buying a book I typically try to get a book of 500+ pages simply because I tend to read through shorter books far to quickly, however if there is a book that has either been recommended to me or simply seems to be an awesome read then I will read it regardless of the number of pages

zeldas_lullaby · Post by **zeldas_lullaby** » 04 May 2013, 16:43

Hm... Page count. I don't judge a book by appearance as seeming too big or too small. They each have intrinsic qualities that give them value. A short book might be a one-evening read that chills you to the bone, such as a Nightmare Hall entry by Diane Hoh, or an out-of-print Christopher Pike thriller. (Anything by Point Horror, really.) Other good short books are the Heartland books by Lauren Brooke, and the Creepover books by PJ NIght.

A long book is a bigger investment, and tends to intimidate me more. The Mara Dyer trilogy by Michelle Hodkin comes to mind. Each volume is HUGE, yet catchy and addictive.

Bottom line: the page count doesn't affect my decision whether to read the book. However, it does affect when I will read it. Do I want a book for the evening, or a huge series to throw myself into for the long term? It's a commitment thing. But I think both short and long books have worth.

hazelk · Post by **hazelk** » 04 May 2013, 18:32

Page count and size are important to me, my favourite ones tend to be 200 to 300 pages,I steer clear of hard covers, mainly because they add to the weightiness of the book. I am a senior reader and find that the heavy novels are hard on my wrists, I am not interested in Ebooks. I have been known to read longer books, but I prefer the slimmer ones as it lets meet trawl thru my specials TBRS".

Zepher07 · Post by **Zepher07** » 04 May 2013, 21:31

The only time page count matters to me is when I'm getting closer to the end of the book. I always see how many more pages I have left and start to get excited about the finish. Also, it helps me decide whether I'm gonna take a break or put off whatever I need to do, so I can finish the book.

It's such a shame to limit yourself to a certain page count. The amount of classic stories alone that you would miss is enough to make me cry. Rip Van Winkle, The Legend of Sleepy Hallow, Fahrenheit 451, The Shelock Holmes Stories, Edgar Allen Poe, all of these are less than 288 pages. I love the depth that can come from discussing these short stories. Take Rip Van Winkle for instance. Nearly everything about the town he lived in was the same before and after he left. The revolutionary war took place during his sleep. What does that say about the culture at the time, and the true impactof the war?

Still, to each his own.

htrahan08 · Post by **htrahan08** » 04 May 2013, 21:54

I actually look to see if it is a short story or not. I feel short stories really don't reach out and grab my attention they are done way to quick.

kaitleighbaby25 · Post by **kaitleighbaby25** » 06 May 2013, 12:28

No it never bothers me but I do have to know how many pages there are.

Tim Thompson · Post by **Tim Thompson** » 06 May 2013, 15:06

Hi,

I like to read short or long books it make no difference to me. If, the book is well written then read it why Worry about how long it is.

Natasha · Post by **Natasha** » 06 May 2013, 15:48

Hi,
I like "fat" books, books that have more than 500 pages. I also prefer two-part books or trilogies ( like Millennium series by Stieg Larsson). Natasha