Darcy and Elizabeth -- *after* Darcy's redemption arc. I like a couple who overcome their own flaws.

I first read Pride and Prejudice when I was in high school and did not like it at all. Despite being "advanced" in reading and vocabulary, I did not understand the social mores of that time period, nor did I get all the amazing humour in Austen's writing, until I read it again in my early 20s. Now I consider it one of the most clever novels ever written.

That sounds like the loveliest (and most practical) answer so far!

I love underling passages and writing in my paperbacks! Hardbacks are an entirely different thing (for me), but marginalia is how I "talk" to the author while I'm reading

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I'm not at all particular about the cover in paperback books, but if I'm buying a hardback book and spending more money, I will always choose either the first edition (if it's within my budget) or the one with the prettiest cover. The story or information inside a book is always the most important thing, but if I'm spending my money on a hardback book to keep, I also like it to have aesthetic value. (I've never read the book Babel, so these are just general thoughts.)

I'm older, but understand exactly what you mean.