That is the age old question.
Readers everywhere struggle with this question at one point or another. I even approached this dilemma a few years ago. However, I still hold out and finish every book I start. I always think the ending might be worth it and I love saying I have read every book by an author.
But let’s be real. Reading time is limited. I listen to more audiobooks now, and I am grateful. I still prefer holding a physical book in my hands. There are thousands upon thousands upon thousands of books in the world. Each month, new books are published by soon-to-be-discovered-turned-favorite authors, while each year already-favorite authors produce new titles. With that being said, how does one continue to force a book that just isn’t for them?
I started The Spinner Prince two months ago. Middle grade books are easily devoured. However, this one has so much going on that I have a hard time getting into it. I am nearing the halfway point, but what should have taken me a week max (normally two days,) is still dragging. It could be due to all the chaos surrounding the move, or it could just be me. I chose this as the first book for our new home. But it might become the first book that I do not finish. Why?
I picked an incredible stack of four books in January, as a reward for finishing the other one. I desperately want to read them. (I may have even snuck in a few chapters, but stoically set it aside.) Yet, still they all sit next to my bed, and here it is the start of February and my February stack is calling my name.
So what should I do? Do I continue to try and finish the book that has me struggling? Do I set it aside and come back at a later date? Or do I just say ‘no’? It may not be for me, but there are so many others out there to enjoy. What do you think? Have you been in a similar situation recently?
Reading is about enjoyment so I believe it is time to move on
I agree. Reading should always be fun.
I USED to read everything that I had an ARC copy for – feeling like I ‘owed’ the publisher / author — but somewhere in the last 2 years I decided that it was feeling more like a “task” – like housework – that didn’t make me excited – and that forcing my way through a book was counterproductive to the next few titles.
SO – I have decided that if it takes me more than 8 hours – or I can’t get excited about returning to a book I’ve set aside – I DNF it. I email whomever (publisher / author / whoever provided it) and tell them why I think I couldn’t get past whatever page – and that there’s no interest for me to return to it – if there are specific notes – I”ll share those. But honestly – no one story will read the same to any two different people – so finding something that perhaps misses in connections, falls short of a ‘promise’ made in the blurb, whatever – It Happens. And I’m no longer worried about my not finishing a book that wasn’t for me – thus tainting all of my next few reads with my (yes – childish emotional resentment) attitude.
I completely understand and agree with this. Whether an ARC or a book I posted about, I feel obligated to read every single page. However, whether due to life’s stress or something else, these last few years, reading has become tedious. My entire life reading was a joy. Unfortunately, I do agree that when you struggle with a book, it does affect your excitement towards the rest of the TBR stack.
I appreciate your advice and am glad I am not the only one that has felt this way. I definitely see a change in my reading style this year.