@Mitzi, I’m glad they taught you! I was taught by a lifelong rare/antique book dealer. I learned they actually don’t teach that formally anymore. He learned in some classes that have been discontinued for decades!
It depends on the book. A general book you just picked up from the store is fine if it doesn’t bother you. However, some high quality/collector books are a different story. Those you can completely ruin everything from the value to proper use of the book from just opening one in the middle all willy nilly. But for your own personal books, do what you won’t. Most general books will not really be harmed (as in their use of functionality be impaired) from a cracked spine.
It is perfectly okay to crack the spine of a book – if it is your book, and you want to. It’s like changing from your Sunday clothes (a new book with a perfect spine) to your pajamas (a comfortable loose spine). I assume you are talking about a paperback. lol.
It’s the opposite of wrong. When you get a book you should open it beginning, middle, and end so its spine is flexed evenly and methodically. This way you avoid weird spinal deformities later in the book’s life.
If it’s your book, I think you should do with it as you please. If borrowing, I’m personally a bit more careful with the spine.
I had a teacher in middle school show us how to open books the first time. I’ve never forgotten!
@Mitzi, I’m glad they taught you! I was taught by a lifelong rare/antique book dealer. I learned they actually don’t teach that formally anymore. He learned in some classes that have been discontinued for decades!
@Mitzi I wasn’t aware that there was a proper way to open books. What’s the right way to do it?
Huh. How interesting! I’m trying this on my next new book. lol
It depends on the book. A general book you just picked up from the store is fine if it doesn’t bother you. However, some high quality/collector books are a different story. Those you can completely ruin everything from the value to proper use of the book from just opening one in the middle all willy nilly. But for your own personal books, do what you won’t. Most general books will not really be harmed (as in their use of functionality be impaired) from a cracked spine.
It’s your crack, do with it as you please.
…Crack kills, though.
No, it is like breaking a seal.
People always tell me my used books look new-I don’t do crack.
So how do you open it? I know not to crack the spine but can someone enlighten me?
Press the power button and start turning pages. Sorry. Couldn’t resist.
slowly and gently, it’s a virgin, come on!
Oh no – never crack but I know used books are well used sometimes
I believe the phrase “crack open a book” just means to open and read it, not break it! ?
“Crack open a book” is an idiom. There’s no cracking involved.
@Tricia actually there is. It breaks the spine. I never do it. My books look brand new
Perhaps. But it’s still an idiom.
It is perfectly okay to crack the spine of a book – if it is your book, and you want to. It’s like changing from your Sunday clothes (a new book with a perfect spine) to your pajamas (a comfortable loose spine). I assume you are talking about a paperback. lol.
Ya
It’s the opposite of wrong. When you get a book you should open it beginning, middle, and end so its spine is flexed evenly and methodically. This way you avoid weird spinal deformities later in the book’s life.
@Nathan good to know!
You should open beginning, end, and middle but not so severe as to crack the spine.
Cracking a book open means it is yours and you will keep it for the rest of your life. It is a relationship. ❤️
And like in any kind of relationship, some damage may happen, but love will mend it 🙂
Only if it’s not a gift and you are sneak reading it first.
No.