The other day I was asked what I thought about being "caught" by books that are reissued. Now, first off let me say that I don't disagree with reissues and if I was ever in that enviable position to actually have a bulk of work to reissue maybe I'd do the same. But as a reader I find nothing more disappointing than picking that "new" book from the shelf and rushing home to dive into those fresh pages only to discover conversations and situations that are well, dated. Yes, it's the reissue and I've been caught. After that disappointment it often takes me weeks, if ever, to return to the story.
Like this path that looks like a country haven but only skirts the city - a reissue hints at a newness, that no matter who the author is, it can't deliver.
It's strange because I'll read earlier works of many authors. And I don't mind purchasing a book that was written decades ago or even centuries ago. As long as I know. I hate being broadsided by a book that is packaged up to deceive by looking like it is newly published when in fact...
Now I blithely told another writer that I always take a look at the copyright page and thereby am never caught. As my mother would say, famous last words. Apparently one should not just cruise past the copyright date before parting with their money. One must read closer, through that very small print that may show an earlier copyright date. But I didn't and yes, I was caught and not totally happy about it.
What do you think of reissues?
Ryshia
www.ryshiakennie.com
I'm with you. I hate them. Nothing disappoints and pisses me off faster than to purchase a reissued book. If you get a little something extra in the plot or there have been some major changes, I might be okay with that. But if it's the same old book, then yeah, I'm upset. It's a total let-down and quick return to the bookstore for me.
ReplyDeleteI never considered that - a return. Hmmm.
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