Do you ever feel pressured to finish a book, even if you aren't enjoying it?
I used to, but not anymore. Life's too short.
I finally made my mind up after watching my husband plough through a book he wasn't enjoying. He was determined to finish the book even though I could tell he was finding it a trial to continue. Normally he can't wait to tell me about the plot and he will grab any spare second to get to the next page.
After a few weeks I couldn't bear it any longer: Just stop reading and find another book. You've given it a fair chance," I said.
He was shocked.
But it was as if I had given him permission to stop reading. And for once he did as he was told.
The point I am trying to make is that reading should bring pleasure not pain. Writer Rosemary Aitken told me that every author has a contract with the reader. If the writer fails to stick to the contract ( which includes a whole list of things from creating believable characters, credible plot, easy to read and so on) then the reader is free to walk away. And I am ruthless. I read six books last month which I finished and enjoyed. I also started and gave up on three. And all three had been recommended by friends who thought they were wonderful.
In many ways I think the pressure of reading what you think should be read rather than what you want to read can take all the fun out of reading. Be ruthless. Admit that some writers don't do it for you and move on. You have my permission!
- Post to:
del.icio.us
Digg
Newsvine
Nowpublic
Reddit
« Previous | Home | Next »
lady kent wrote...
The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad.
I have just finished reading this book by the journalist Asne Seierstad, which tells the true story of an Afghan family. The writer lived with the family for several months and it tells of family life, the customs,the deprivations and the oppression that the ordinary people have to suffer. It also implies that the current troubles of Afghanistan are actually age old and that despite the present removal of the Taliban, the warring factions of the Afghan tribes make peace a remote possibility. Whilst it sounds a gloomy book to read, it is actually a fascinating book and gives a real insight into the country and customs of Afghanistan. Whatever our troubles in this country, I am infinitely grateful that I live here and not there.
Posted by: lady kent | March 27, 2008 5:50 PM