If you’ve ever picked up a book in a grocery store, airport, or your local drugstore and thought, Hey, this is a nice, affordable, adorably tiny read, then you’ve probably come across a mass market paperback (MMPB). What now? What is this tiny book and why is it so handy, compact, and, well… cheap?
Allow me to dive into the world of MMPBs and unravel what makes them so special (and so perfect for your next beach read or on-the-go adventure).
Just so you know – I may earn an affiliate commission if you click a link from my site and purchase a product. Don’t worry, it won’t cost you anything extra! Hopefully, I’ll rack up enough commission to treat myself to a coffee someday—nothing fancy, just a plain small coffee from a gas station on the edge of town. Thanks for supporting the blog!
By the way, read my reviews on these 2 gems by Philip Gulley here:
Just Shy of Harmony Book Review – Scott Johnson Author
Signs and Wonders Book Review – Scott Johnson Author
And buy the books here:
Just Shy of Harmony by Philip Gulley
Signs and Wonders by Philip Gulley
Size
A mass market paperback is typically a small book (usually a tiny 4.25 x 6.87 inches.) That means it’s portable. It fits easily in your bag, your pocket (if you have relatively large pockets of course), or maybe the side pocket of your backpack. In fact, they’re often referred to as “pocket books” because you can tuck them away and forget they’re there until you need them.
Affordability
MMPBs are all about making reading accessible. They’re cheaper to produce than hardcover and standard paperback editions, thanks to smaller print runs and lower-quality paper. The result is a lighter price tag. Want a bestseller without draining your bank account? Go for the MMPB.
Widely Available (and Convenient)
One of the standout features of MMPBs is their distribution. These books aren’t just available in traditional bookstores—they’re everywhere. You can find them in grocery stores, airports, train stations, and, even in drugstores. They’re an impulse buy of books, sitting on display, ready for you to grab on your way to your next flight or grocery run.
Lower Production Costs = Pocket-Friendly Price
Because MMPBs use lower-quality paper and have smaller print runs, they cost less to produce. Good news, right? The cheaper production process helps keep the price down, so you’re not paying for glossy pages and expensive binding. Instead, you’re getting a book that’s meant to be read on the go, with no frills.
A Quick History
MMPBs emerged in the 1930s, primarily to make books more affordable during the Great Depression. Publishers realized that if they could produce books cheaply and sell them in more convenient locations, more people could enjoy reading. As a result, they became a go-to book format, proving that big stories can come in small, affordable packages.
The Downsides (Because, of Course, There’s Always a Catch)
Like everything in life, MMPBs aren’t perfect. The print quality is often lower, which can lead to text that feels a little cramped. And while they’re portable, the paperbacks can sometimes feel a bit flimsy in your hands, especially if you’re the type to hold your book open for hours on end. But hey, you get what you pay for, right?
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy One?
Do you really need my advice on this? Cheaper, smaller, lower quality. But it contains the same content as a bigger, more expensive hardback. If you just want to consume the content and don’t care about the physical trophy of a book…just buy the darn, cheap, tiny MMPB!
So, next time you’re grabbing a snack at the grocery store or rushing through an airport terminal, keep your eyes peeled for a mass market paperback. They are the easiest (and cheapest) way to take your next reading adventure wherever you go.
Note – Essays Out of Left Field is NOT found in mass market paperback. Sorry to disappoint.
Scott Johnson is a Midwestern humorist, author of Essays Out of Left Field, and the mind behind scottjohnsonauthor.com. He’s also a husband, dad of three, and Data Systems Administrator (whatever that is). Scott is on a mission to find and read all the funny books. He shares his thoughts on those books, author life, and other delightful randomness with his readers on his website.
