When Goodreads looked at WHY people put down books, they top reason was “Slow, boring” with a whopping 46% of answers. Though I have to wonder, what does “Slow, boring” mean? For me, there are 4 criteria for a good book:
- Engaging writing
- Inventive plot
- Believable character development
- Credibility (either a classic, unique perspective, or generally a title that is received with respect)
A book must have at least 2 of these criteria to be worth my reading.
(Unless, of course, I was going through a little phase and needed some mind candy... no judgments, right?)
Goodreads also discovered that many readers will always finish a book to the bitter end. I’ve certainly been in this category before, forcing myself to keep turning the pages, rewarding myself for each chapter finished- but this only usually happens when I need to read a book for school or feel it’s going to teach me something worth the time and effort.
Generally, though, I’m a believer that life is too short to waste on a book I don’t enjoy.
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| Life's too short to be read by boring people |
What about you, readers? What makes you abandon a book (if you ever close ‘em without finishing ‘em)? Did you abandon any of the “most abandoned books” listed by Goodreads? Clearly you are not alone.
-Kate
I am one of those people who WILL finish a book no matter what. I've tried to not do it, because honestly I'm just too busy to devote time to something I don't like, but luckily and unluckily I guess I'm a speedy enough reader that usually only means a couple hours I'm wasting. I didn't know that Goodreads did studies, so this is pretty cool!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! There have been a handful of books I have pushed through and discovered that the very end made the entire book worthwhile. And you're really lucky to be a fast reader! That helps when there are so many books and so little time!
DeleteI try not to abandon a book. I've only done it a few times. I think it's because I'm optimistic that there will be something redemptive before the ending. But I think I'm also pretty good at knowing what I will like and not picking up a book in the first place that will drive me bonkers.
ReplyDeleteI need to develop better discernment when picking up a book! I tend to go to the library and grab anything that looks good, abandoning more than I'd like once I actually try to read them. And you're totally right that there are a number of books that, when I have read through to the end despite wanting to stop, have been really fantastic by the time I finish!
DeleteI used to finish every book I read. I never really heard of anyone who didn't, and I would never even think to stop reading a book simply because I wasn't enjoying it. Which is ridiculous, of course! If you don't like it, why spend your time reading it? However, it is really hard for me to abandon a book. I feel a lot of guilt for not finishing it, mainly because I know that I'm going to end up writing a DNF review on my blog. But, hey, it happens, right? I'm trying to get better at it! Great discussion post, and thanks so much for visiting my blog recently! :D
ReplyDeleteOur pleasure! You've got a great blog! I also suffer from abandonment guilt. I don't like feeling "beaten" by a book and if I sense I'll learn something from the book or the experience of reading it, I'll usually push through to the end. :^)
DeleteSometimes I force myself to get through, but if a book is mind-numbingly dull, then I'll call it quits. And of course no judgements on mind candy! Sometimes it's good just to read a FUN book. :)
ReplyDeleteSara at The Page Sage