They shoot authors, don’t they?

• Posted in About Books

I did something last night that I’m not particularly proud of. I decided to put aside the book I was reading — without finishing it.

It was a paranormal romance, and I just didn’t get it. Didn’t understand how the magic worked, and didn’t really care about the characters. I worked my way up to page 90 before I decided to call it quits.

Normally, when I start a book, I finish it. No matter how absurd or outlandish or unbelievable the plot might be. No matter how stupid the heroine is. No matter how bad and cliched I think the writing is. But I just couldn’t get through or into this one, try as I might.

So, I’m going to take it back to the library, furtively drop it in the return box, and slink away before the Book Police come and put me away.

What about you? Do you always finish reading what you start? Or do you put it aside after a few chapters? Inquiring minds want to know …

2 Responses to “They shoot authors, don’t they?”

  1. Meljean says:

    I used to finish everything; now I just don’t have time. I hate to put a book down, but honestly — if I’m not enjoying it, there’s really no point. I will keep trying if there’s *something* that I’m interested in. If one of the characters is really likable (even if I hate the other one) or the worldbuilding is good (even if the characters are cardboard.) But there’s a point when, if I’m not interested in any aspect of it, I just won’t go any further.

    I do end up reading bad books, though, just because of the trainwreck horror of it. It’s those “meh” books that I’m more likely to put down.

  2. Jennifer Estep says:

    I really hate to start something and not finish it, but this was to the point where I was skimming whole pages. I just couldn’t get into it. Sigh.

    I’m with you. Sometimes, it’s fun to read a really bad book just to drink in the awfulness. I often wonder how/why some stuff ever gets published.

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