craftgrrl | Paperback books --> sketchbook

So for Christmas, I want to make sketchbooks out of two used paperback books I bought. I've read all the tutorials, and get the basic concept, but I want to do a few things differently than what is done in the instructions, so I just want to make sure it'll turn out alright.

First, obviously, my books are paperback, not hardcover. will they be strong enough or will they just be flimsy and fall apart?

Second, I wanted to use sketchbook paper, rather than plain computer paper. What is the easiest way to fold the pages so they're all the same size since the paper is so rigid? Or is it just best to use computer paper?

Aaaaand lastly, does just gluing the stack of pages to the first and last pages really work? or will they just tear out from the weight of the paper?

Thanks for any help you guys can offer. =]