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
