I have a problem. No matter how much I dislike something, I feel an obligation to see it through to the end. Sometimes that's a good thing. I would have quit marching band in college had I not felt the pull of obligation to complete my first season and eventually all four. I would have missed out on a lot of amazing experiences had I quit.
But I have the same problem with books. I might hate something, but I can't just let it go and not finish. What if it gets good? It's even worse when the book is part of a series. What if to truly appreciate the first book, I need to read the whole series?
I recently stated that I didn't like the beginning of The Casual Vacancy (though I think now that I'm familiar with the characters, I would love it), and pushed through because I love Rowling. I DESPISED (and still do) the beginnings of both The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, but then went on to love the books as a whole. I always think of these books when I'm reading a book that bores me to tears.
But now I'm wondering if and when there's an appropriate time to stop reading a book. Thoughts?
You're a fascist. those are my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI think you're the sort of person who wonders whether the light stays on in the fridge when you close the door! Unfortunately I'm the same and I find it difficult to stop reading a book once I've started it. Partly it's down to respect for the Author who has taken the trouble to write the book, so it is only fair that I do the Author the honour of finishing it! However I haven't gone so far as you in reading further books in the same series if I find I haven't enjoyed the first book! Great blog by the way, I always enjoy reading it.
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