Many of you know that I recently had a precious baby girl, my first child. I have had to adjust all areas of my life, including my reading habits. I knew I would have to make some changes---ie, cut back on my reading a lot---but what I didn't expect was for my taste in books to change. I have started liking contemporary fiction a lot more, and like paranormal fiction less. I find myself wanting to read more women's fiction, a genre I was never particularly interested in before. I think it may be because I'm a mother now and can identify with more characters.
But, what's most surprising is how quickly my patience wears thin now. If I'm not liking a book within the first few pages, I quit. I used to try to give a book a good 100 pages before stopping, but now, if I'm not in love, I drop it and move on. I sometimes convince myself that the book will improve and make myself finish it. This always ends in disaster because I start to resent the book and end up with a bad reading experience.
Which made me start thinking, how long do you give a book before stopping? And at what point do you consider it too late to stop?
Leave a comment with your thoughts...I want to know!
Three chapters or 50 pages then I'm out.
ReplyDeleteI've found that since book blogging, I'm sooo much more picky. I don't even bother to read books my favorite bloggers haven't given 5 stars to.
There are so many fantastic books out there that I'll never have enough time in my life to read. No sense wasting time on a bad one
I understand you. I have recently been experiencing some changes in my life and my reading has been changing too. I have less time to read, and less patience, so I want to read only what I really like.
ReplyDeleteI usually try to read at least three chapters. If I don't like it, it's over.
I usually force myself to read at least 4 or 5 chapters of the book before I decide to quit. But If I'm close to the end of the book, then I force myself to finish it.
ReplyDeleteI remember when I was in elementary, my librarian told me, "At least read the first 10 pages." Now looking back on it, 10 pages is barely anything! Haha, obviously as I grow older, the number of pages grows as well. Right now, I usually try to read the first 30-50 pages. But then again, there are some books that just... cannot be read.
ReplyDeleteI usually read the first 50 pgs of the book then if I find it semi-interesting, I skim it. Reading dialogues mostly. I can't help but finishing it, thinking I already devoted time reading it might as well finish it. *Shrugs*
ReplyDeleteI am really picky about what I read. I only read a book with very good reviews, books from trusted authors and highly recommended by trusted bloggers. I don't really have a page limit, I try to finish no matter what.
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time giving up on books. I'm still in that hopeful phase that it will get better.
ReplyDeleteBut I'm trying to relax more about giving up on books. Live is too short to read bad books.
I wonder if it's an age thing. When I was younger, if I started a book, I finished it. No exceptions. Now, I'm much more willing to set a book aside if I don't like it or if I can't get into it. Of course, as a book blogger, you don't always have that luxury--which is where I'm totally in agreement with you on resenting the book. If I'm forced to read on--for whatever reason (morbid curiosity, I received the book for review)--then I've been known to sitck my tongue out at certain inanimate objects.
ReplyDeleteAs to when I give up on a book? That entirely depends on the book in question. Some books have lost me on the first page. Some have beguiled me most of the way through only to slap me in the face. Usually, however, before abandoning a book, I'll still take a peek at the end. Sometimes that renews my interest. Sometimes.
Ruby
OMG I can totally get that and relate. Something in you has changed and you can suddenly relate on a new level.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, life is too short for books that don't rock my boat. I'm with you - after a bit if it's not working, I drop it.
You're a mama now. I say better to spend time with the books you love, right?
How long do I hang in there? Maybe 2 chapters.
Great post.
Great question! I give a book about 50-100 pages or so (depending on how long the book is). I have found that I have DNF a lot more books this year than I did last year. If a book's not grabbing my attention, I gotta move on. Time is valuable, especially when you have little ones :)
ReplyDeleteYOu know me... I am a proud book snob :) I have 3 little ones at my feet and a slow, bad or "meh" read is just not going to happen.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I have you as my filter :) I do find that some of my favorite books are those that I can relate with but I will never give up my paranormal love! The more kids you have the crazier you get so I thnk that is why I love all my sci-fy flicks and books.
I give up when I get bored...when the thought of reading another page is anticipated more with dread than with excitement. It can be 20 pages in, 50 pages, 100 pages. Usually about 50 pages.
ReplyDeleteI'm the same as Joy, 3 chapters or 50 pages. Usually there's something to keep me going after that point, but if I still don't care even a little bit, then I put it down and chances are I won't pick it up again.
ReplyDeleteI used to force myslef to finish every book I read. Now I am much more picky about what I pick up (thus I finish almost everything) and if I don't like it I quit whenever I feel I've given it a fair shake...25-50 pages in. There are too many books to waste time on ones we are not enjoying!
ReplyDelete♥ Melissa @ Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf