Not all books are bound equally. Some open beautifully and others are bound so tight you can barely peak at them to read what’s inside. The latter are the ones that are prone to cracking and ripping over time if you do nothing to prevent it. Not only does a cracked book spine not look great, it’s also not good for the longevity of the book. No one wants pages falling out or-worse case scenario-their book ripping in half. So how do you prevent it? By stretching the spine. This is something I learned from collecting and reading comic trades and manga since it allows you to fully view the art without damaging the book. It’s super simple and only takes about a minute to ensure your book will have a long-lasting life. I’ve broken it down into 3 simple steps.
Quick note: I see on social media (particularly TikTok) this idea that a cracked spine is a sign you really love the book or proof that it’s been read. I personally think this is ridiculous and nonsensical since cracking a spine inherently damages a book and you would think loving something would mean caring for it. Additionally, why do you need to prove to someone you’ve read a book solely based on how the book looks? You could just, I don’t know, discuss the book. But if that’s how you feel, more power to you. This guide is definitely not for you. Anyway, back on topic.
- First, start by laying the book on a flat surface, spine down.
- Next, take small similar-sized sections on both sides of the book and flatten them down incrementally until you reach the middle. (You can go page by page for this, but it’s usually not ever necessary.)
- Finally, smooth down the middle and enjoy your book! It should lay flat with no issues and not crease while being read.
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