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When Do You Give Up On A Book?
Rebecca wrote: "I'm curious so I'm asking ;) - When do you give up on reading a book?I'm one of those people who, even if I hate the movie, I always stick it out till the end. Except this one time ... it was t..."
Rebecca, what are you reading that isn't hitting the spot? I too try to finish the books I start, if for no other reason than as a personal goal. I did give up on On the Road after a few pages several times, but I did finally make myself sit down and read it all. I wound up surprising myself in that I didn't hate it, though I still can't claim it was a good book. My biggest thing is I like to discuss books with people, even argue points of a book. If I don't read something then I have no opinion about it, thus there is no discussion to have about it. If I wanted to trash Kerouac, I couldn't do it with much sincerity because I hadn't finished the book. There have been books that I hated (A Confederacy of Dunces) that I feel I can genuinely give my opinion on if asked instead of just saying, "I couldn't get into it".
Sometimes books aren't meant to be read at certain points in one's life. It might just not be the right time - if you truly can't do it, make a promise to yourself that you might give it a try at a later time. I hated Gulliver's Travels in school, but promised my father I would try it later when I was older. I did and I enjoyed it so much better on my own.
I know there is the argument that "so many books, so little time" but I also think it's important to give as many books a chance as possible; who knows what you might miss otherwise.
Which book?For me, it depends on the story. I struggled with both The Known World and The Historian, but with both of them, there was something about the story that made me keep reading. Rarely does a book take me more than a week of evenings to read unless I'm really tired or have other commitments. Both of these books took nearly a month, yet I kept after them. And I'm glad I did because the last 100-150 pages were very good and I had trouble putting them down.
I have given up on books, but usually very early on.
Mod
This is an older thread that was started on the same topic. My OCD alarms went off, and I had no choice but to find the original thread.
Its ok to bring the old ones back to life before starting a new one. I do know that there are like, a gazillion threads out there.... but it helps me keep the group cleaner, and there are less threads to monitor!
Lori wrote: "http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/4...This is an older thread that was started on the same topic. My OCD alarms went off, and I had no choice but to find the original..."
Er .... I did a search for "stop reading" to try to find any older threads and it brought up so many non-related topics that I gave up looking and started a new one. Sorry!
:(
Wait! I still want to know which book Rebecca is reading! :)
El wrote: "Wait! I still want to know which book Rebecca is reading! :)"Hahahhaha - well ... I don't know why I'm keeping it a big secret, especially because I'm tracking it here on GR, but I hate to "taint" other's opinions of things when I'm all like "RAWR I HATE IT!!" ... but ...
The book in question is Wally Lamb's The Hour I First Believed. One of his other books, She's Come Undone was one of my favoritest books ever. So I was incredibly excited to read this latest work. But ooooooohhhhhh mmmmyyyyy goooooddddd the tangents!! I even read reviews before buying it that said it was full of tangenty boringness but I was like "Pssh! Not my Wally!" ... but yep! And I've really been dragging myself through it for quite a while now. Like at least 100 pages of dragging myself.
I'm now thinking, after reading the other "When do you stop" thread, I might set up a "Come back to later" list here on GR, and throw that book into it. That way I'm not stopping per say ... I'm admitting that right now it is NOT holding my attention and I need to come back to it at a time I might be able to handle it. Although this could lead into me holding onto it forever and never continuing ... maybe I'll set a one year rule for that shelf ... if I don't read things on that shelf/list after a year ... buhbye to them!
Which also reminds me I have another Lamb book I got ages ago I never read and I think is packed up in my parents basement with a bunch of other books I haven't read ... oy! ;)
Haha, well, good luck with either finishing it if you decide to or with your new shelf. I think the shelf idea is good - I created one not too long ago, but have only one book on there at the time which I put on mostly because I had personal things going on and couldn't give the proper attention Milton deserved at the time. :)
It is rare that I will actually give up on a book mostly because I want to be able to say that I read the entire book and hated it so people can't say that it gets better at the end. I also don't like the feeling that I may have missed out on something great. Having said that though there are some books that I just can not finish and what usually happens is I'll just start a new book and say I'll come back to it later then several months later I find it fallen between the bed and wall....
I have really mixed feelings about Wally Lamb's writing. I LOVE "I Know This Much Is True" (its one of my all time favorites ever!) but I didn't much care for "She's Come Undone". I'm hesitant about reading "The Hour I First Believed" because of the Columbine setting. I know this is irrational, but it just seems... 'exploitive' to me. I'm not a wimpy reader, and I don't shy away from difficult material, but just the fact that he's writing a fictional book using a REAL tragedy just isn't OK to me. Like "Hey look everyone, I can pull at your heartstrings with this one!" I think if it was even a fictionalized "I think this is what caused the shootings" book, I'd be more receptive, but it's just using them as a backdrop for character conflict. Pfft.
Sorry... I'll stop ranting now. I'm probably way off base anyway.
Ps. Read "I Know This Much Is True"!
Isn't it sad though, that when you come across a book that bores you out of your mind, you tend to avoid other books by the same author?I have a pile of Toni Morrisons that are gathering dust, and just because I couldn't get into Paradise.
Good luck with those Kat... I forced myself to finish Beloved and I hated that book beyond words.
Rebecca, I have to say I felt the same about the book. I got about 120 pages into it and I couldn't keep going. I was very interested in the premise and had heard such good things about his writing, but I felt like the book was a case of ADD gone really bad. So I am definitely with you on that one. I also checked the reviews and noticed I wasn't the only one who gave up.
Beloved too..?! But they made a movie out of it didn't they..?!Just goes to show we don't all like the same stories hahaha
They did Kat, but I'm not sure if I'm brave enough to try watching it after disliking the book the way I did...
Why not admit that some books are just plain awful? I have put down books before, but I usually go back to the author for another couple of tries before I give up on them.The first book I ever hated was An American Tragedy. I fought and fought with myself, trying to finish that piece of 'literature' because I was convinced that there must be some reason why this book was important. Then I realized that it was important, because it showed me that not every book is worth reading just because it got published.
And is that such a bad thing to say? Would you keep eating a certain brand of chocolate chip cookies, even if they tasted horrible? No, you would move on to another brand, and not make yourself sick trying to finish the first bag.
Put down the book and walk away! Try the author again later, if you feel guilty.
Becky said: "I'm hesitant about reading "The Hour I First Believed" because of the Columbine setting. I know this is irrational, but it just seems... 'exploitive' to me."I loved this book and instead of me finding it "exploitive" I really thought that he gave honor to the real victims and their families at Columbine. There were parts of this book that dragged for me, but overall, I enjoyed it and I was very happy to have read it.
To answer your original question, though, I give a book about 50 pages or so. If it doesn't grab me or make me curious enough to continue, I simply put it down and move on.
When I find I don't care about the characters or can't seem to pick it up again and continue where I left off. Might be at any point in books.
El wrote: "Haha, well, good luck with either finishing it if you decide to or with your new shelf. I think the shelf idea is good - I created one not too long ago, but have only one book on there at the time..."I honestly WANT to keep going because I do want to know if it gets better ... and having liked one of his books in the past I have hope that it does ... but I think I'm so overly excited about reading some other books I have, the fact this one is dragging and making me miserable to read it is just making me mad at the book. I think maybe putting it down, getting through a few of the others I'm super excited about, and then coming back when I feel less of a pull to read other things might be the key.
Especially because the other ones I want to read desperately are way shorter so I'll get through them faster anyway.
So ... I really think I do need to put this one down for a while ...
Becky wrote: "I have really mixed feelings about Wally Lamb's writing. I LOVE "I Know This Much Is True" (its one of my all time favorites ever!)"THAT is the other Lamb I have stored somewhere and need to read. Which actually makes me think of an interesting idea ... I think I'll put "The Hour ..." down for a bit, read some of the books I'm way more excited about, get it outta my system, and then pick up "Hour ..." again, slog through it, and then read "I Know ..." right after it and compare the two! Sort of like a series. That'll help pull me through "Hour" at least I think.
Vicki wrote: "Rebecca, I have to say I felt the same about the book. I got about 120 pages into it and I couldn't keep going. I was very interested in the premise and had heard such good things about his writing but I felt like the book was a case of ADD gone really bad..."A-HA! That is exactly my issue with it. I'm having enough "ADD" with books lately, wanting to read so many, I don't need a book with ADD in it to drive me crazy!
I usually give a book at least 100 pages, depending on how long it is -- if it's a longer book, probably about 200. But, I don't believe in wasting my time on a book I can't seem to get into. I've forced myself through one book and I never want to do it again. I was so mad when I finished it.I'm having horrible book ADD right now, too, and I think that could be part of why I just can't get into anything at the moment.
I have put down a couple books that I have ever intention of finishing, but am in no rush to actually do so. I don't like putting books down, but am more than willing to do so if I find something else that really calls out to me. Life's short and my reading time is precious now with an 8-month-old, so I need to pick my books wisely.
Mel wrote: "I usually give a book at least 100 pages, depending on how long it is -- if it's a longer book, probably about 200. But, I don't believe in wasting my time on a book I can't seem to get into. I'v..."Mel, what was the horrible book you forced your way through that makes you not want to ever do that again? With that kind of reaction, I'm curious to know the title! :)
I've gotten a lot of flack for disliking this book, but I found it to be absolutely awful and I kept holding out hope that it would somehow redeem itself and it never did . . . The Memory Keeper's Daughter.
Mel-I greatly disliked that book! Everyone raved and raved, but I kept waiting for something to happen. It was a sad thing to happen, sure, but... that's just not enough to make a great book. I was sorely disapointed. I only finished because I hate to quit.
It's OK, Mel. I loved that book, but I've heard others not liking it so well.
Kandice wrote: "I was sorely disapointed. I only finished because I hate to quit."I'm glad I'm not the only one. After that book, I decided it's perfectly okay to quit. I'd read another book around that time I wish I had quit reading, too, but I can't remember what it was -- The Memory Keeper's Daughter was just the straw that broke the camel's back.
Elizabeth wrote: "It's OK, Mel. I loved that book, but I've heard others not liking it so well."
Like I said to Kandice, I'm glad to hear others didn't like it. I can see why certain people would like it and there were parts that I was really into and kept expecting something to happen, then nothing did.
This is like the flip side of Lori's question "What books make your heart sing?"
I don't have a problem with abandoning a book - life really is too short - but I find it really difficult to put into words why I like a book or hate it... kind of like love, I guess. It's a "chemical" thing, a gut reaction.
I don't have a problem with abandoning a book - life really is too short - but I find it really difficult to put into words why I like a book or hate it... kind of like love, I guess. It's a "chemical" thing, a gut reaction.
It depends on the book. I have given up after 10 pages already because I had to reread every paragraph atleast three or more times to understand it. And I have given up after already reading half of the book because it got to weird to continue. And then there are the books I abandonned for what ever reason, like book wasn't that interesting and I read in between several other ones and was no longer able to remember the content of it...Altogether I have given up on 5 or 6 books I actually remember that I didn't finish them.
I rarely give up on a book, because I can't stand not knowing what happened. For me, some signs that I ought to give up are: have renewed it 3 times and still haven't finished it; have started and finished several other books and this one just drags on; I hate the main character.
Alycia wrote: "I rarely give up on a book, because I can't stand not knowing what happened. For me, some signs that I ought to give up are: have renewed it 3 times and still haven't finished it; have started an..."Oooh, hating a main character is tough. It's the reason I hated A Confederacy of Dunces. I finished it, but regretted the entire reading experience (though, yes, I hear I'm in the minority with that opinion). Characters with no redeeming qualities can make reading certain books a real drag.
I ussually give up around page 100. If I am not having a good time, why continue? I hate to do it. But after I get into the next good one, I am glad I stopped reading the awful one.
Hating the main character was why I gave up on Sir Apropos of Nothing after only three chapters. That may be a personal record.But life is too short to read books you're not enjoying or finding useful.
This discussion has made me realize that I do not hate "The Hour I First Believed" ... I am just NOT in the mood to deal with it. I've truly hated books in the past, but slogged through it because I was "in the mood" for the type of book itself. I'm just not in the mood for "The Hour ...". So now that I'm aware of the type of book it is and that it's going to require some "work" from me, I'll come back to it when I'm in the mood to deal with 60839234 tangents and a slow moving storyline ;)Thanks gang!!
~ Rebecca ~
I hate giving up on books. But I am having a struggle with Sunday at Tiffany's by James Patterson. I was looking for a lighter read and Patterson's non-thriller stuff usually does the trick. This is soooooo boring, heartless and nerve-wracking as i want certain events to occur and he just drags them out. If i just stop and read the end am I doomed to evil reader karma?Linda
I also hate giving up on a book... it drives me crazy knowing that I never finished it. Esp. when it is part of a series that I really liked. I could not, for the life of me, finish the last book in the Twilight series. I got to about page 100 where Bella was going through with being pregnant and just stopped reading.Keara
I don't carry on with books I am not enjoying, I just can't force myself. That said, I don't get rid of them either. They sit neatly tucked away on the book case and I usually come back to them one day. Usually it is more of a matter of me not being in the right state of mind or right place in life for that particular book. Also, that way, I ultimately enjoy the book more rather than forcing myself to read it when I don't want to.
I have one of those right now. I'm so disappointed. I think I'll donate it to the library so that I don't have to see what a waste of money it was.
Sina wrote: "I have one of those right now. I'm so disappointed. I think I'll donate it to the library so that I don't have to see what a waste of money it was."So what is it? And, why?
Linda wrote: "I hate giving up on books. But I am having a struggle with Sunday at Tiffany's by James Patterson. I was looking for a lighter read and Patterson's non-thriller stuff usually does the trick. Thi..."I don't think you'll be doomed. That book was one of the first books I read after I had my son (needed some light reading for pumping sessions). It's not a great book at all. I was kind of annoyed. It does drag, then gets stupid. Good luck!
Keara wrote: "I also hate giving up on a book... it drives me crazy knowing that I never finished it. Esp. when it is part of a series that I really liked. I could not, for the life of me, finish the last book i..."Keara, I have put this book on hold more than once and finally just picked it back up again. I'm determined to finish this. While I wouldn't say I've "enjoyed" the Twilight series, I feel like I need to read them all just to see what all of the hype is about. We'll see how this goes.
Rebecca wrote: "I'm curious so I'm asking ;) - When do you give up on reading a book?I'm one of those people who, even if I hate the movie, I always stick it out till the end. Except this one time ... it was t..."
I try never to give up on a book. I used to, when I was younger, but now I find it more of an accomplishment if I finish I book I dislike.
However, there's one exception to the rule; The Prophecy of the Gems. I found it lacking in plot, characters and basically everything.
I did try though. For a whole week, before admitting defeat.
Mel wrote:That book was one of the first books I read after I had my son (needed some light reading for pumping sessions). It's not a great book at allMel,
I finished the james Patterson. It was annoying in parts but i finished it. I think i almost got more satisfaction after finishing a book i wanted to give up on than i usually do from one i like.
Much as I would like to with some books, I cannot give up on a book. Once I start reading I feel compelled to finish. It's a sickness. I try to always find some redeeming quality in everything I read. With some it's much more of a struggle than others.I'm currently reading The Almost Moon and it's making me nauseous. If I was able to abandon a book, this might be one of them. I don't hate it, but it's making my stomach turn and I'm really not enjoying it. However, I liked her other two books so maybe I'll like this one more once I get further in (currently on page 62 of 291).
I am such a "finisher" that I recently fast forwarded at 4X through a movie I disliked rather than just erase it, slowing for stuff that seemed interesting, .If I could figure out a way to do the same with books I don't feel like finishing, I'd be very happy.
Does that make me obsessive or what?
I just finished "Watchmen" the graphic novel by Alan Moore. I wish I would have given up on it. I was so terribly bored. I normally finish books even if it takes 5 + years to do so. For example "Diary" by Chuck Palaniuk. I love him and most of his books but I put that book down and had to start all the way over, finished it this time but I still felt like it was a waste of time.
When do you give up on reading a book?That's a good question; if I find that I'm reading a book that I don't really enjoy or isn't capturing my attention, I have a tendency to troop through the book anyways. The last book that I read where I didn't really enjoy it was A Complicated Kindness; I was a third into the book and I wasn't enjoying it. Told myself maybe by halfway through it'd be better but it wasn't. Still finished it but yeah, not exactly a book I'd re-read though =\
100 pages. That's it. If it's a stinker of a book, I don't torture myself anymore than needed. Reading Lolita in Tehran A Memoir in Books
THAT was my last stinker. Ick. I can tell you about the first 100 pages, and the mark it made against the wall when I threw it ;)
Gracee wrote: "100 pages. That's it. If it's a stinker of a book, I don't torture myself anymore than needed."I haven't come across too many books that I absolutely hated (since I graduated from high school, anyway), but I think 100 pages is about right. The last book I put down permanently is The Road. It was freaking me out, and I couldn't take it anymore. I didn't think it was worth the nightmares to keep going. I got a little way into disc 3 of 6 (audiobook) before I had to put it down. I'm not sure what page number that was--maybe 85 or 90, but it was about 1/3 of the way through the book.
I try to tough it out to the end but sometimes it's impossible. I gave up on Lost Souls by Lisa Jackson. I tried to stick with it but I couldn't.
The Next Best Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
The Road (other topics)Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books (other topics)
The Prophecy of the Gems (other topics)
Sir Apropos of Nothing (other topics)
A Confederacy of Dunces (other topics)
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I'm one of those people who, even if I hate the movie, I always stick it out till the end. Except this one time ... it was the absolute worst movie ... but anywho! I always try to stick things out, just in case it "gets better", or the ending surprises me, etc.
I'm currently reading a book that is boring me out of my mind. I was so excited to read it, given how much I loved a previous work of the same author, and the story in this one seemed riveting. The first chapter or so was good too! Then suddenly BAM! Tangents, flashbacks, family history with NO POINT and I'm bored. Bbbbooooorrrreeedddd. I even read some more of it today, after not touching it for a week or more, just to see if it got better. And while the tangential stuff was minimal, I was still bored.
But I can't seem to decide if I should give up on it or not. Maybe it will get better. I would hope so given the incredible length of the book ... or maybe I'll be bored for 500 more pages and regret having wasted my time. I could put it aside and see if I feel more in the mood later ... but the thought of forgetting what I've already read, and having to re-read it, well, no thanks!
So - I'm curious - is there a certain point where you decide it's not worth it anymore? After 10 pages of boredom? 100? Do you give up on the book completely or try reading it later when you might have more patience for it? Do you flip to the end and read that just to see if it does get better? Or do you keep going, fight your way through to the bitter end, and give yourself cookies for having survived a boring book excursion?
I think the other big thing about this particular book is that it is so long. A short and boring book is one thing ... but do I seriously want to waste my time reading 500ish more pages of what might be horrifically boring reading? I have so many other books I'm dying to read ...
Thoughts?