BTT: Giving Up
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This week’s Booking Through Thursday question asks:
If you’re not enjoying a book, will you stop mid-way? Or do you push through to the end? What makes you decide to stop?
I usually will do like many other readers, and give a book about 50 pages to decide whether or not to keep reading. After that, if I’m not liking it, I will usually give it up and move on to something else. I honestly just don’t have the time to waste on something I’m not enjoying.
The one exception to this “rule” is when it’s a review book. With these, I try to keep going for as long as I can, hoping that the book will redeem itself. I really feel obligated to keep on reading. But, there are times when I still have to just give up. Either the book just isn’t grabbing me at all, or it’s got something to it that is annoying me to the point where I can’t keep going.
I used to read books right through, no matter what, ever-hopeful that it would get better by the end. But, most of the time I ended up disappointed. And, over the years, I’ve learned to not be so naïve. If the book isn’t grabbing me by the first several chapters, it more than likely won’t get any better, and it’s wise to just set it aside and read something else.
Of course, there are many books that I’ve set aside to try again later, too. If I’m enjoying a book, even a little, but I’m bored enough to keep setting the book aside to go do other things (if I keep getting distracted while reading), I will usually set the book aside to try again at a later date. I’m a firm believer in that you sometimes have to read a certain book at a certain time in your life in order for it to really impact you. Reading something now might not have as great an effect on you as it might several years (or even just weeks) down the road. It really depends on your circumstances at the time.
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I tend to only pick books I know I am going to like, except when the book is for a purpose – reviews and book club.
Here’s my BTT post.
I try to do the same, but there are still books that I end up having to set aside.
When I accept review books, it’s usually because the cover AND the blurb were appealing to me… sometimes just the book’s description.
Unfortunately, the book can sound really good, but then still be a flop.
~MizB
Set it aside and read more later and repeat the process until done is my way of coping with a book that just does not grab my attention enough to finish it all in one sitting… I have not yet found anything I have not read to the end, have found many will not ever read again though….
I like to think that since there are so very many “good” reads to pick and choose from that thus far the ones I have not really “connected with easily” are still a good read for someone else!
Books, like people, just need a chance!
jackie ^_^
Frankly, I think why should I waste time reading something I don’t like when there are so many more to choose from..
Here is my BTT: Giving Up post!
I too never stop reading a book that I am reviewing.
I do agree with you that sometimes its just not the right time for you to read a certain book. I know I’ve put down books to return to in the future. I just did so recently with Tess of the D’Urbervilles.
What you said! I agree EXACTLY.