"This week’s musing, courtesy of “iamciska.tumbler.com“, asks…
What was the last book you could not finish and why?"
Well, could not finish is maybe a bit strong.
If I really had to, I could have finished it.
It was not that bad.
But I realized I was not really enjoying it that much and decided to give it up.
The book was Sleep No More by Iris Johansen.
And the time was this evening, so it is, indeed, a timely question.
It was not bad, but it was not that great either. The plot just seemed too improbable to me and I can't really say that I was feeling any great attachment to the characters. So I closed the cover.
Or since it was an e-book, I switched the power off, flipped the cover shut.
Bottom line, this evening I followed those wise words..
"Life is too short to be reading a book that you are not enjoying".
But is that always the case?
OK, actually, I frequently do not follow those words.
Way too often I find myself reading books I don't think are that great. And I keep reading them until I come to that very last page.
Now, why is that?
Well, often the book may be one that I accept a copy of in exchange for a review. Unless it is truly bad, I will make my best effort to finish the book.
More rarely, it might be a book that came strongly recommended. I will often keep on reading, hoping it will get better, thinking I must be missing something.
And then there is the situation that once I have invested a certain amount of time in a book, maybe passed that halfway point, I feel a certain pull to finish it, even if I am not loving the book. Otherwise I wasted all that time I already spent..right?
So I waste some more and read the whole thing.
OK, I know it makes little sense.
I too feel a certain pull to finish a book if I've invested a fair amount of time in it but with practice I am finding it easier to pack it in and move onto something (hopefully) more enjoyable.
ReplyDeletehttp://daystarz.wordpress.com/2012/12/10/musing-mondays-dec-10/
I am the same way as you. If I have gotten 100 pages into a book I am less likely to set it down because I have already put in the time commitment. I may make a new years resolution to stop that train of thought.
ReplyDeletehttp://icewarmth.com/musing-monday-121012/
I'm the same - I usually try to read a book through just in case something spectacular happens at the end
ReplyDeleteHere's mine: http://danielleheartsbooks.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/musing-mondays-11.html
Since I got more engaged in the book blog world and get so many recommendations and have a lot of books on my to read shelf I started using that wise words more I noticed.
ReplyDeleteMy MM
I am a glutton for punishment. Probably because sometimes I'm not enjoying a book because of my mood, and by the end of the book I've gotten out of the mood and actually love the book. But not always. Sometimes the agony extends the whole way through. Considering that it takes me forever to read a book these days, this is really not a smart move.
ReplyDeleteI do wonder sometimes how much of my 'dislike' is just that this is not the book for me at the moment.
DeleteI had to do some research for this week's question. A DNF of Iris Johansen? I usually like her books, but won't be putting this one on my list. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI thought I did too! but..
DeleteI totally relate to your answer! Especially if it was highly recommended by someone I know.
ReplyDeleteI almost always finish books I start too. I can't blame it on blogging and review books because I've always been that way.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about already having invested some time in it that I hate to give up unless the book is just too disgusting or stupid.
ReplyDeletei often download an eBook and by the time i get to read it i am wondering why i bought it ... if its not getting me caught up in the first paragraph, i am 'archiving' it .. maybe someday i will go back and try again but for right now .. not so much
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing worse than when you can't connect with either characters or storyline. Good luck with your next book choice!
ReplyDeleteI like your answer. I do have a hard time putting a book I don't like down but your quote is right on the money. I just need to remember it.
ReplyDelete..and even if you remember, it is hard to do!
DeleteI agree with you, I sometimes just read the book because I keep thinking it will get better. However, each year I find a few books I just can't finish. I really try to read in the genres I like and some favorite authors, but not all books are winners no matter what I try.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit today.
I'm exactly like you. If I could just learn to put down a book I'm not enjoying (no matter what the circumstances) I'd be much happier (and my blog would be chock-full of positive reviews.)
ReplyDelete