This begs the question, why do we read? Personally, I read because it's enjoyable. When I read it's a time where I can relax and get lost in a world that isn't my own. Therefore, I don't think it's wrong to abandon a book if it isn't giving you the pleasure you intended. However, whenever I put a book down I'm left feeling guilty and empty. I feel guilty because I started a journey that I'm not going to finish and so I feel like a quitter. But I know I shouldn't feel like that because there are so many books out there, there's no way one person is going to enjoy all of them! There shouldn't be any crime in trying to find a book that you will enjoy and it isn't probable that every book you pick up will be one you enjoy.
There's something so exciting about reading an author you love or waiting for the next book in a series you love. When you open that cover there are tingles and flutters and it's oftentimes hard to sit still to actually begin reading because you're so excited! And as a reader, I'm constantly looking for that "rush". Of course, if I made a commitment to review a book that I started and didn't like I'll finish it because that's different. But if I pick up a book at a library and I'm having trouble getting through it, I'll stop reading.
Because I don't want there to come a time when reading isn't enjoyable. And this brings me to another issue- a lot of kids reach that time so early! Before they even get halfway through high school they shove off reading and I think part of the reason why is that they've never found anything enjoyable to read! So the reason they stop reading a book is more blinding then say, when you or I stop. Because we know there are other books out there that we'll love, kids don't necessarily know that. That's why I think it needs to start in the classroom, when reading is required. Teachers need to start feeding kids things they will find enjoyable and give them lots of choices! It will be easier for them later to read Romeo and Juliet and ensure that if they put a book down it's because they're going to find another one.
Here are some of my book turn on/offs:
Book Turn Offs: bad writing, too many characters with names I can't pronounce, fantasy that creates worlds so unlike the one we're in that it's hard to relate, heavy-hitting issues (like Touching Snow-I couldn't finish it because it made me so, so sad I couldn't bear it any longer), stereotypical characters, predictable plots.
Book Turn Ons: Original ideas, writing that takes me through a book not knowing I'm actually reading, realistic romance, relatable characters, humor interspersed throughout a novel, surprises, well-developed characters.
So what do you guys think about not finishing a book? What are some of your book turn on/offs? I'd love to see your on blog post on this idea!
Happy Reading!
Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey- This one's about waking up at 16 a vampire and also dealing with seven older brothers, a human best friend, being the only daughter in an ancient vampire dynasty (ouch!), and an anti-vampire league. This seems like an awesome read!
