BTT: What do you prefer?

I forgot its Thursday and I already posted something else. As a rule I don’t do two posts a day. But anyway. Do visit the other post and let me know what you think of Reader’s Digest Condensed editions.

Onto BTT.

Today’s questions is (are)
Which do you prefer? (Quick answers–we’ll do more detail at some later date)

Reading something frivolous? Or something serious?
Both, depending on my mood. Alternately perhaps.
Paperbacks? Or hardcovers?
Both, preferably paperbacks.
Fiction? Or Nonfiction?
Fiction, sometimes non-fiction, mainly memoirs
Poetry? Or Prose?
Prose. I don’t read poetry.
Biographies? Or Autobiographies?
Any. No, I think autobiographies.
History? Or Historical Fiction?
Historical Fiction
Series? Or Stand-alones?
Stand-alones. But sometimes series have their own charm.
Classics? Or best-sellers?
Both.
Lurid, fruity prose? Or straight-forward, basic prose?
Again both
Plots? Or Stream-of-Consciousness?
Plots, I think.
Long books? Or Short?
Short or medium for that matter
Illustrated? Or Non-illustrated?
Both
Borrowed? Or Owned?
Owned
New? Or Used?
Both, preferably old.
(Yes, I know, some of these we’ve touched on before, and some of these we might address in-depth in the future, but for today–just quick answers!)

Considering how much I love to ramble on I had a hard time giving the answers. I had to curb my urge to elaborate many times

What about you?

Reader’s Digest Condensed Editions?

I just had these questions in my mind for some time now. How many of you read Reader’s Digest Condensed Editions? Do you think they deteriorate the value of a book? Or that condensing a book could take away the essence of it?

Some time back I bought a condensed version because it was cheap. Four novels at the price of one was a huge enticement. And that too novels by famous authors. Moreover, it was hardcover and beautifully bound. It was pretty inside too, colorful with beautiful font and all.

I own 2 Reader’s Digest condensed novels, that’s 8 novels, but so far I have read only one novel from them. I’m not scared by Niccolo Ammaniti, which I loved. It was the kind of book I wouldn’t have spent money on, never having heard his name before. But I loved it. I found a new favorite author. I now look forward to reading another novel by him, preferably not condensed.
I think Condensed novels are a great way of getting introduced to new authors without spending too much. I would never buy a James Patterson novel because I can find his books second hand or in a library. Or maybe on an author whom you have heard a lot about but again don’t want to spend too much in case you don’t like him/her.

As conclusion to my ranting I feel Reader’s digest Condensed editions are cheap, a good way to get introduced to new authors and they are hardcover’s, hence long lasting.

There is an entire list on Wikipedia with more than 100 Reader’s Digest Condensed Editions, and all good novels and famous authors too. You can also sign up for a free trial of the book here. (This link is for US, but I’m sure there are links for all parts of the world)

I would love to know your thoughts on this. Would you even give it a try?