do you always finish the book that you're reading?

[rae121452]

ever start a book and get through a couple of chapters only to decide the book is crap. whether it's just bad writing, weak plot or just generally bad, do you force yourself to finish it because you started it?

i used to. i can't tell the number of rotten books i slogged my way through because i felt obligated to finish if i started it. fortunately, i don't feel that way anymore. i'm old and there are too many things i still want to read so after 3 chapters, if it's not cutting it, it's out the door.

i sometimes try to go back to a book-i've read part of 'middlemarch' and 'group portrait with lady' at least 6 times each and i still can't slog through either one.

do you feel compelled to finish a book once you've started it?

 

[stickygirl]

Nope. Reading's supposed to be enjoyable

 

[doowdniw]

Usually, but not always. Sometimes I get bored and put it down. Sometimes I go back and give it another try, sometimes I don't.

 

[hobbit.]

nah.

just enough to convince the library that i will read it, then take it home and on the multifuel stove it goes.

 

[stickygirl]

I give them ten pages and if I'm not into it, then I move one. Too many great books to read so why beat yourself up over something that simply isn't your thing? Is it because you were always made to finish your dinner because 'starving people'? Would you been duty bound to marry every woman you shag? I sometimes cry when I reach the end of a book I've loved - is that a thing?

 

[hobbit.]

I sometimes cry when I reach the end of a book I've loved - is that a thing?

how to put this diplomaticly... no its not.

 

[stickygirl]

how to put this diplomaticly... no its not.

because you sold your Trotsky soul to the devil

 

[butters]

there've only been two books i ever didn't finish. I've always read them cover to cover; if they were boring, I was always hoping they'd get better and ended up disappointed.

one was The Life of Pi. enjoyed the film but the book was really dull reading except for the odd bright jewel. it was THE FIRST book i ever didn't complete (unless you count the bible... still not sure if i read it all since we read sections as kids. but i have no intention of going back into it, either) and that was a big shock to my system.

it set something of a precedence, and i can't even recall the title of the second one and didn't read it 3/4s of the way through.

 

[oggbashan]

I am (or rather was before my eyesight became problematic) a speed reader. I rarely stop before the end of any book. The only one I remember throwing away in disgust was James Joyce's Ulysses. I just couldn't get into that one.

 

[Sayuki]

Sadly most of my unfinished books are due to starting them and then getting busy and leaving them half done. My resolution for 2022 was to be better with my reading and finishing books. Three months in and one and a half books down so not too bad.

 

[scrymettet]

if I am bored, it's out. There are a few thousands books written every year . No time to lose.

 

[scrymettet]

Sadly most of my unfinished books are due to starting them and then getting busy and leaving them half done. My resolution for 2022 was to be better with my reading and finishing books. Three months in and one and a half books down so not too bad.

I did it once. For 7 years but I finished it, twice.

 

[Sayuki]

I did it once. For 7 years but I finished it, twice.

I also love buying books that sound good and then never get around to reading them.

 

[oggbashan]

Sadly most of my unfinished books are due to starting them and then getting busy and leaving them half done. My resolution for 2022 was to be better with my reading and finishing books. Three months in and one and a half books down so not too bad.

One and a half books? Even with my eyesight problems, I read five a day...

 

[KeithD]

I almost always finish a book I've started. I keep reading lists, and if I don't finish it, I can't put it on the list, so there's pressure to finish it. I check most books over pretty well before starting to read them, though.

 

[Sayuki]

One and a half books? Even with my eyesight problems, I read five a day...

I applaud you. I tend to read in the mornings before work and then in the evenings before bed for a bit. I imagine most serious readers will put me to shame when it comes to quantity they are reading.

 

[scrymettet]

I also love buying books that sound good and then never get around to reading them.

I am addicted to public libraries. I buy books to reread.

 

[oggbashan]

I applaud you. I tend to read in the mornings before work and then in the evenings before bed for a bit. I imagine most serious readers will put me to shame when it comes to quantity they are reading.

I am retired. When I used to commute by train (an hour and a half each way) I'd read The Times and three normal size paperbacks on the way to work, and four or five on the way home.

 

[Sayuki]

I am retired. When I used to commute by train (an hour and a half each way) I'd read The Times and three normal size paperbacks on the way to work, and four or five on the way home.

Wow. I imagine you read like Reid off of Criminal Minds just going page after page. I drive to work and reading is not generally recommended while driving. I cannot get into audio books for the life of me. Throw in going to the gym daily, being social, then standard marriage and household upkeep and the occasional sleep and I am reading maybe 30 minutes to an hour a day.

 

[Sayuki]

I am addicted to public libraries. I buy books to reread.

Oh it has been forever since I have gone to the public library but I used to love it. I have a Kindle so now most of my books are a few clicks away.

 

[scrymettet]

Oh it has been forever since I have gone to the public library but I used to love it. I have a Kindle so now most of my books are a few clicks away.

May be I should peddle you my kindle book ? Not.
I never went digital for reading except for Mangas. And long haul flights

 

[Sayuki]

May be I should peddle you my kindle book ? Not.
I never went digital for reading except for Mangas. And long haul flights

I much prefer holding an actual book to my Kindle but the ease of being able to get new books with no waiting as well as keeping my night stand somewhat tidy have forced my hand.

 

[scrymettet]

I much prefer holding an actual book to my Kindle but the ease of being able to get new books with no waiting as well as keeping my night stand somewhat tidy have forced my hand.

tidy ? is it edible ?
No book on my night stand or I won't sleep until it is read.

 

[oggbashan]

I have a Kindle clone. I bought some CDs of books from Ebay and now have 30,000 books on the device. Many are classics long out of copyright.

 

[Sayuki]

tidy ? is it edible ?
No book on my night stand or I won't sleep until it is read.

I did mention how spell check is a dear friend of mine right? I read until I find myself reading something over and over because it is not making sense or I drop the kindle in nodding off.

I have a Kindle clone. I bought some CDs of books from Ebay and now have 30,000 books on the device. Many are classics long out of copyright.

I use the Kindle reading service you pay for and have access to their entire library.