Comments on: Why I stop reading http://barbarawklaser.mysterynovelist.com/2005/03/26/why-i-stop-reading/ musings, thoughts, and writings of Barbara W. Klaser Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:58:44 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=1.5.3-beta1 Comment on Why I stop reading by: Barbara W. Klaser http://barbarawklaser.mysterynovelist.com/2005/03/26/why-i-stop-reading/#comment-352 Fri, 01 Apr 2005 03:41:09 +0000 http://barbarawklaser.mysterynovelist.com/2005/03/26/why-i-stop-reading/#comment-352 Dave, "Not finishing a book does not negate the value of reading as far as you got." I couldn't have said it better. I got something out of every one of these books. Each writer has his or her strengths. I think we can learn from each of them (and not just by tearing them apart the way I did). Vikk, I think this dissection of books has been a great exercise for me as a writer. Sarah, Thank you for visiting. I enjoyed checking out your journal, Rhubarb. Great book rating descriptions. I may adopt (steal) those. ;) Cassie-b, Yes, life is short. I love that commercial where the husband tells the wife he finished reading the Internet. We joke about that in our house, mainly when we've spent too much time online. There's no way I'll finish reading every book I want, much as I'd love to. So there's no reason to stay with one I don't care for. Blogdog, I get impatient, too, when it seems as if the author is a little too in love with his or her own writing. The bratty child's parents always think he's an angel. ;) Pirate and Judy, Thank you for your thoughts on this. I've enjoyed visiting both your online homes as well. :) I hope you'll decide to visit again often. Dave,
“Not finishing a book does not negate the value of reading as far as you got.”

I couldn’t have said it better. I got something out of every one of these books. Each writer has his or her strengths. I think we can learn from each of them (and not just by tearing them apart the way I did).

Vikk,
I think this dissection of books has been a great exercise for me as a writer.

Sarah,
Thank you for visiting. I enjoyed checking out your journal, Rhubarb. Great book rating descriptions. I may adopt (steal) those. ;)

Cassie-b,
Yes, life is short. I love that commercial where the husband tells the wife he finished reading the Internet. We joke about that in our house, mainly when we’ve spent too much time online. There’s no way I’ll finish reading every book I want, much as I’d love to. So there’s no reason to stay with one I don’t care for.

Blogdog,
I get impatient, too, when it seems as if the author is a little too in love with his or her own writing. The bratty child’s parents always think he’s an angel. ;)

Pirate and Judy,
Thank you for your thoughts on this. I’ve enjoyed visiting both your online homes as well. :) I hope you’ll decide to visit again often.

]]> Comment on Why I stop reading by: Dave Pollard http://barbarawklaser.mysterynovelist.com/2005/03/26/why-i-stop-reading/#comment-349 Thu, 31 Mar 2005 00:54:50 +0000 http://barbarawklaser.mysterynovelist.com/2005/03/26/why-i-stop-reading/#comment-349 I'm clearly out of sync with most of your readers. I only finish one out of ten books I start, and the ones I finish I usually read in no more than three sittings. That's why I hang out at bookstores with large selections. I can usually tell by reading the first page and the last paragraph whether I'm going to finish it, so I'll wade through a couple of hundred books over a couple of hours and walk out with a dozen. A recommendation by one of my blog readers dramatically increases the likelihood I'll enjoy and finish a non-fiction book, but, alas, it doesn't work for fiction. Not finishing a book does not negate the value of reading as far as you got. I’m clearly out of sync with most of your readers. I only finish one out of ten books I start, and the ones I finish I usually read in no more than three sittings. That’s why I hang out at bookstores with large selections. I can usually tell by reading the first page and the last paragraph whether I’m going to finish it, so I’ll wade through a couple of hundred books over a couple of hours and walk out with a dozen. A recommendation by one of my blog readers dramatically increases the likelihood I’ll enjoy and finish a non-fiction book, but, alas, it doesn’t work for fiction. Not finishing a book does not negate the value of reading as far as you got.

]]> Comment on Why I stop reading by: judy b. http://barbarawklaser.mysterynovelist.com/2005/03/26/why-i-stop-reading/#comment-348 Wed, 30 Mar 2005 20:39:45 +0000 http://barbarawklaser.mysterynovelist.com/2005/03/26/why-i-stop-reading/#comment-348 I personally have trouble reading anything writtten before Fitgerald. I recently tried to reread The Awakening and couldn't take the periodness of it. I think it's OK not to like a book or even any or a great writer's oeuvre. I also think it's possible to be able to recognize something as great writing and not want to read it. It's a lot like dating: a person can be great, but not the right one for you. I personally have trouble reading anything writtten before Fitgerald. I recently tried to reread The Awakening and couldn’t take the periodness of it. I think it’s OK not to like a book or even any or a great writer’s oeuvre. I also think it’s possible to be able to recognize something as great writing and not want to read it. It’s a lot like dating: a person can be great, but not the right one for you.

]]> Comment on Why I stop reading by: pirate http://barbarawklaser.mysterynovelist.com/2005/03/26/why-i-stop-reading/#comment-347 Wed, 30 Mar 2005 14:03:54 +0000 http://barbarawklaser.mysterynovelist.com/2005/03/26/why-i-stop-reading/#comment-347 Thought I'd check you out after reading your comment at blogdog. I'm looking for new places to visit! Though I have not read any of the books you talk about in your post, I have some thoughts on why we stop reading. Since we are now adults, we are not impelled to read anything we don't like. Yes, I know the time spent getting into a book seems like a wasted investment if we don't finish the book, but there are SO many good books to read ... I don't know what to choose each time I finish another. I once lamented that there were too many good books out there, and that I'd never get to all of them, and then I read somewhere that wouldn't it be much sadder to have a finite number of good books to read; to know that there were only so many good books and then after that there simply weren't any anymore. I'd sooner have too many, I guess. I stop reading books when I realize that I just don't care about the characters. If I'm 2/3 or 3/4 of the way through the book I usually stick it out but I'm more apt to put the book down for good if it hasn't grabbed me within the first 50 pages or so. I had a hard time with Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, though I did finish it. I think I put it away a few times in order to read other, shorter books in between. That works for me if I'm having trouble sticking with a book. Often a curiosity will develop as to the characters that I've left behind and I'll find the book easier to go back to. Thought I’d check you out after reading your comment at blogdog. I’m looking for new places to visit! Though I have not read any of the books you talk about in your post, I have some thoughts on why we stop reading. Since we are now adults, we are not impelled to read anything we don’t like. Yes, I know the time spent getting into a book seems like a wasted investment if we don’t finish the book, but there are SO many good books to read … I don’t know what to choose each time I finish another. I once lamented that there were too many good books out there, and that I’d never get to all of them, and then I read somewhere that wouldn’t it be much sadder to have a finite number of good books to read; to know that there were only so many good books and then after that there simply weren’t any anymore. I’d sooner have too many, I guess.

I stop reading books when I realize that I just don’t care about the characters. If I’m 2/3 or 3/4 of the way through the book I usually stick it out but I’m more apt to put the book down for good if it hasn’t grabbed me within the first 50 pages or so. I had a hard time with Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, though I did finish it. I think I put it away a few times in order to read other, shorter books in between. That works for me if I’m having trouble sticking with a book. Often a curiosity will develop as to the characters that I’ve left behind and I’ll find the book easier to go back to.

]]> Comment on Why I stop reading by: blogdog http://barbarawklaser.mysterynovelist.com/2005/03/26/why-i-stop-reading/#comment-346 Wed, 30 Mar 2005 01:05:39 +0000 http://barbarawklaser.mysterynovelist.com/2005/03/26/why-i-stop-reading/#comment-346 Hi Barbara -- I've never been able to stomach anything by Melville; I find both his writing and his symbolism to be dull and overwrought. However, I loved In the Heart of the Sea, which is an account of the real whale attack that inspired Melville to write Moby Dick. I had to read Madame Bovary in 11th-grade French class; no choice there. It wasn't one of my favorites, but I didn't hate it. I have An Instance of the Fingerpost but have never read it. I did finish Possession by A.S. Byatt, and don't really feel like a better person for the experience. Although I adored The Name of the Rose, I haven't liked anything else by Umberto Eco enough to keep the book(s) open. What makes me stop reading? I am usually compelled by sheer Yankee stubbornness to keep plodding my way through until I find a book to be unbearable (the Titus Groan books come to mind). Sometimes the characters are so unsympathetic that I can't muster up enough caring to see what they're going to do next. Sometimes it's bad scholarship (I did finish The Da Vinci Code, but was disgusted with it). I also find that when an author's style gets in the way of his story, I grow both unimpressed and disenchanted, and will put the book down. Do you know what happened to writer's block (Dysfunctional Thoughts)? Her blog is gone, and Blogger says "Not Found." I hope this is a temporary glitch... Hi Barbara — I’ve never been able to stomach anything by Melville; I find both his writing and his symbolism to be dull and overwrought. However, I loved In the Heart of the Sea, which is an account of the real whale attack that inspired Melville to write Moby Dick. I had to read Madame Bovary in 11th-grade French class; no choice there. It wasn’t one of my favorites, but I didn’t hate it. I have An Instance of the Fingerpost but have never read it. I did finish Possession by A.S. Byatt, and don’t really feel like a better person for the experience. Although I adored The Name of the Rose, I haven’t liked anything else by Umberto Eco enough to keep the book(s) open.

What makes me stop reading? I am usually compelled by sheer Yankee stubbornness to keep plodding my way through until I find a book to be unbearable (the Titus Groan books come to mind). Sometimes the characters are so unsympathetic that I can’t muster up enough caring to see what they’re going to do next. Sometimes it’s bad scholarship (I did finish The Da Vinci Code, but was disgusted with it). I also find that when an author’s style gets in the way of his story, I grow both unimpressed and disenchanted, and will put the book down.

Do you know what happened to writer’s block (Dysfunctional Thoughts)? Her blog is gone, and Blogger says “Not Found.” I hope this is a temporary glitch…

]]> Comment on Why I stop reading by: cassie-b http://barbarawklaser.mysterynovelist.com/2005/03/26/why-i-stop-reading/#comment-345 Mon, 28 Mar 2005 20:37:37 +0000 http://barbarawklaser.mysterynovelist.com/2005/03/26/why-i-stop-reading/#comment-345 Life is short. And there are a lot of books out there that are really good. I usually give up a book if I can't get into it in the first 100 pages. It doesn't happen too often, but on occassion. I do belong to a book review group, and have read books that I wouldn't have chosen if left to my own decisions. And I've really benefited from the experience. But I did have one book that I didn't finish for that group. I just plain didn't like it. My suggestion is to carry on - and read what you like. Life is short. And there are a lot of books out there that are really good. I usually give up a book if I can’t get into it in the first 100 pages. It doesn’t happen too often, but on occassion.

I do belong to a book review group, and have read books that I wouldn’t have chosen if left to my own decisions. And I’ve really benefited from the experience. But I did have one book that I didn’t finish for that group. I just plain didn’t like it.

My suggestion is to carry on - and read what you like.

]]> Comment on Why I stop reading by: Sarah http://barbarawklaser.mysterynovelist.com/2005/03/26/why-i-stop-reading/#comment-344 Mon, 28 Mar 2005 17:56:09 +0000 http://barbarawklaser.mysterynovelist.com/2005/03/26/why-i-stop-reading/#comment-344 I occasionally cannot finish a book. Your essay prompted me to think about why. Usually I say, "It's boring." But that does not really describe what's going on (or not, as the case may be). 1. Stuff happens, descriptions made and so forthe, not germane to the book. Sub-plots and descriptive asides which do not forward the action or enhance the plot are useless blind alleys and often just take up space. This also applies to re-descriptions which provide nothing new, they just tell me over again what I was just told. I wish, I wish authors would read their books out loud. And then remove sections of which they are fond, beautifully written even, but have no real connection to characters or plot. Save them for another novel. 2. Proselytization turns me off, even when the preaching concerns something close to my heart. Example: Orson Scott Card and his preoccupation with death in combat, death by execution, death by accident, mercy killing, etc. etc. Every single story and novel <u>Ender's Game</u>[1986] has revolved around the above issues. Enough, already. Actually, he's such a good author that I finally finished the last book (Crystal City), but I'll never read another of his. See my post of 03/13/05, if you're interested. I occasionally cannot finish a book. Your essay prompted me to think about why. Usually I say, “It’s boring.” But that does not really describe what’s going on (or not, as the case may be).

1. Stuff happens, descriptions made and so forthe, not germane to the book. Sub-plots and descriptive asides which do not forward the action or enhance the plot are useless blind alleys and often just take up space. This also applies to re-descriptions which provide nothing new, they just tell me over again what I was just told. I wish, I wish authors would read their books out loud. And then remove sections of which they are fond, beautifully written even, but have no real connection to characters or plot. Save them for another novel.

2. Proselytization turns me off, even when the preaching concerns something close to my heart. Example: Orson Scott Card and his preoccupation with death in combat, death by execution, death by accident, mercy killing, etc. etc. Every single story and novel Ender’s Game[1986] has revolved around the above issues. Enough, already. Actually, he’s such a good author that I finally finished the last book (Crystal City), but I’ll never read another of his.

See my post of 03/13/05, if you’re interested.

]]> Comment on Why I stop reading by: vikk http://barbarawklaser.mysterynovelist.com/2005/03/26/why-i-stop-reading/#comment-343 Mon, 28 Mar 2005 15:09:51 +0000 http://barbarawklaser.mysterynovelist.com/2005/03/26/why-i-stop-reading/#comment-343 I think we stop for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it's pressures of our life intruding and making it difficult to concentrate. Sometimes the story doesn't work, the writer's use of language jars us, or it simply isn't our cup of tea. Writing and reading are subjective. You're not going to respond well to every book that is acclaimed or not held in high regard, just as you will find some works wondrous while others claim it's just plain horrid. I do think it's a good policy for a writer to try and understand why they didn't like a book or finish a book, but it's certainly nothing to feel guilty about. There are many books out there that have been held up as standards that simply don't work for me. I try to figure out why--but I don't lose sleep over it--and then move on. Keep reading! I think we stop for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it’s pressures of our life intruding and making it difficult to concentrate. Sometimes the story doesn’t work, the writer’s use of language jars us, or it simply isn’t our cup of tea. Writing and reading are subjective. You’re not going to respond well to every book that is acclaimed or not held in high regard, just as you will find some works wondrous while others claim it’s just plain horrid.

I do think it’s a good policy for a writer to try and understand why they didn’t like a book or finish a book, but it’s certainly nothing to feel guilty about. There are many books out there that have been held up as standards that simply don’t work for me. I try to figure out why–but I don’t lose sleep over it–and then move on.

Keep reading!

]]> Comment on Why I stop reading by: Barbara W. Klaser http://barbarawklaser.mysterynovelist.com/2005/03/26/why-i-stop-reading/#comment-341 Sun, 27 Mar 2005 23:09:34 +0000 http://barbarawklaser.mysterynovelist.com/2005/03/26/why-i-stop-reading/#comment-341 Rosalind, That's exactly it, I reach a point where I realize I'm not enjoying myself and I'm struggling too hard to stay in the story. I decide life's just too short. Sometimes it happens with an author whose other work I like. Other times it puts me off an author entirely, though I usually give anyone at least a second chance. There are books I know I'll eventually finish, but haven't yet tried at the right time for me. Anna Karenina is one I've started three times, and know I'll eventually read through when I'm in the right frame of mind. I love the language and the story, but it's a type of reading that requires a certain commitment I haven't yet made. Reenie, I'm stubborn about lots of things, but with books I guess I'm not. The surprising thing about Madame Bovary is her popularity---if you read the <a href="http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/books/features/story.jsp?story=616202">100 Favorite Fictional Characters list</a>, linked on <a href="http://billcrider.blogspot.com/2005/03/100-favorite-fictional-characters.html">Bill Crider's blog, March 7</a>, Emma Bovary appears as a favorite character on the list twice. So I'm sure I'm in a minority. I hope you enjoy Madame Bovary. Apple: Well, I do love apples. The apple of her mother's eye? :) Georganna, You remind me that when I was very young---eight, I think---and had trouble finishing books, I joined the library's summer reading program, and I started finishing books right and left. Yes, I'm looking at doing something about the comment window, if only enlarging it a bit. My last upgrade turned it puny. Sorry about that. Eric, "You might have to suffer for your art but you don’t have to suffer for someone’s else’s art." Ah, you hit on a profound truth. If I walk by a painting in a gallery or museum, I don't feel that I have to stand staring at it for long if I don't like it. I move on. Of course there was the time I fell in love with a small blue Chinese dog statue in a museum, and I wanted it so badly, if I weren't an honest person I'd have embarked on a life of crime then and there. Talk about suffering for art! Rosalind,
That’s exactly it, I reach a point where I realize I’m not enjoying myself and I’m struggling too hard to stay in the story. I decide life’s just too short. Sometimes it happens with an author whose other work I like. Other times it puts me off an author entirely, though I usually give anyone at least a second chance. There are books I know I’ll eventually finish, but haven’t yet tried at the right time for me. Anna Karenina is one I’ve started three times, and know I’ll eventually read through when I’m in the right frame of mind. I love the language and the story, but it’s a type of reading that requires a certain commitment I haven’t yet made.

Reenie,
I’m stubborn about lots of things, but with books I guess I’m not. The surprising thing about Madame Bovary is her popularity—if you read the 100 Favorite Fictional Characters list, linked on Bill Crider’s blog, March 7, Emma Bovary appears as a favorite character on the list twice. So I’m sure I’m in a minority. I hope you enjoy Madame Bovary.

Apple: Well, I do love apples. The apple of her mother’s eye? :)

Georganna,
You remind me that when I was very young—eight, I think—and had trouble finishing books, I joined the library’s summer reading program, and I started finishing books right and left.

Yes, I’m looking at doing something about the comment window, if only enlarging it a bit. My last upgrade turned it puny. Sorry about that.

Eric,
“You might have to suffer for your art but you don’t have to suffer for someone’s else’s art.”

Ah, you hit on a profound truth. If I walk by a painting in a gallery or museum, I don’t feel that I have to stand staring at it for long if I don’t like it. I move on. Of course there was the time I fell in love with a small blue Chinese dog statue in a museum, and I wanted it so badly, if I weren’t an honest person I’d have embarked on a life of crime then and there. Talk about suffering for art!

]]> Comment on Why I stop reading by: Eric Mayer http://barbarawklaser.mysterynovelist.com/2005/03/26/why-i-stop-reading/#comment-340 Sun, 27 Mar 2005 21:43:07 +0000 http://barbarawklaser.mysterynovelist.com/2005/03/26/why-i-stop-reading/#comment-340 Very interesting essay. If I get past the first chapter I usually tough the book out, but sometimes the first couple pages defeat me. Proust, for example. Usually with me it is an unreadable style that stops me cold. Finnegan's Wake is another example. But I like Alain Robbe Grillet so go figure. I read a couple books by Sharon McCrumb all the way through even though I was horrified as it gradually dawned on me that the most obnoxious characters in the things (to me, mind you) were the ones the author approved of and the reader was supposed to sympathize with. Back in my sf reading days I even read, in its entirely, Samuel R. Delany's Dhalgren. That experience decided me. You might have to suffer for your art but you don't have to suffer for someone's else's art. Very interesting essay. If I get past the first chapter I usually tough the book out, but sometimes the first couple pages defeat me. Proust, for example. Usually with me it is an unreadable style that stops me cold. Finnegan’s Wake is another example. But I like Alain Robbe Grillet so go figure. I read a couple books by Sharon McCrumb all the way through even though I was horrified as it gradually dawned on me that the most obnoxious characters in the things (to me, mind you) were the ones the author approved of and the reader was supposed to sympathize with. Back in my sf reading days I even read, in its entirely, Samuel R. Delany’s Dhalgren. That experience decided me. You might have to suffer for your art but you don’t have to suffer for someone’s else’s art.

]]>