📖 **When The Solution Is Worse Than The Initial Problem**
I was advised by a friend to intersperse fiction books in between my reading of non-fiction material. He said that it would help with concentration and removing boredom. Taking his advice to heart, I have started doing exactly as advised. This has led me into a quandary. The latest fiction book that I chose is over one thousand pages of historical fiction. The choice of book came from an online recommendation. I am currently on page two hundred and eighty-eight and it has been a struggle getting this far. Ostensibly a 'palate cleaner' my current choice is boring and can in no way be described as a page turner. The easiest solution would be to stop reading and move on; however, I find that really difficult. I know it is a personal flaw and something that I need to address and change. In the meantime, I will continue to struggle and hope the thousand-page mark comes quickly.
#DNF #Reading #Fiction #Nonfiction #Books #Bookstodon @bookstodon
It looks like I may have to employ that method. I cannot remember when the last time I did not finish a book that I had started. I might have to start with this one.
@bibliolater @bookstodon As I've gotten older I've been increasingly willing to abandon books partway through. I recently read just a first page and stopped there because I could tell it wasn't for me; that said, I usually give them a lot more of a chance, but I've sometimes stopped even as far as a third of the way through.
@jmccyoung I always assume the first few pages are going to be badly overwritten - seems to be the bit authors always write, then rewrite, then rewrite... so I'll give a book the benefit of the doubt till past that... @bibliolater @bookstodon
@marinheiro @bibliolater @bookstodon I will admit that one factor was that it was a new book and I already had five other books out, so when I had doubts about it I thought, I will throw it back into the pond for someone else to catch.
@bibliolater @bookstodon There really is no obligation to finish a book you don’t find satisfying. You may feel a sense of obligation to finish something that you started, but it’s worth questioning that, since it can end up being self-punishing. I also don’t think that it’s a good use of the limited time you have available on this earth to stick with books that drain you. Find a book that gives you pleasure!
The novel promises: I will entertain you.
You say: Very well. In return I will give you my attention.
If the book does not fulfill its part of the bargain, you are automatically released from the contract.
@bodhipaksa @bibliolater @bookstodon I do understand feeling a sort of responsibility to finish. But when time starts to feel finite, I agree that it's just time to find something that makes you both happy and riveted
I know, I know. I have been through all the reasons in my mind as to why I should just move on. It is not like I need to read it for work or study. At the end of the day, it is a work of fiction that I am reading for pleasure. At this stage, it does not feel like it. I hope by typing my feelings, it may bring me closer to stamping the #DNF hashtag on to this particular title.
@bibliolater @bookstodon In all seriousness I suggest having a talk with the book. Try thanking it for being there for you, and explain to it that the two of you are just not a good fit, and you’re going to have to part ways.
I’ve done this kind of thing in other areas of my life.
It might sound silly, but it’s a way of processing the often complicated relationships we have around books and obligations.
I understand. I was probably in my 30s before I finally just put a terrible book down prior to slogging through to the end.
If you're able and have local access, chatting with a librarian or bookstore staff (preferred: indie stores where staff actually read AND enjoy books) can be good sources for narrowing down interests/genres/authors you may find more to your taste and reading style.
If you lean towards subject-based interests, then I find that literally walking the stacks in the area of interest can produce unexpected and delightful results that the modern era of search-for-a-specific-book-in-a-digital-catalogue absolutely does not.
Good luck! ❤️
Most definitely there are books not worth reading even once.
The problem is one doesn't really know which they are until one starts reading them.
One thing I would try to do is to (pretend to) merely suspend reading the book.
@vnikolov @bibliolater @bookstodon being unable to finish a book is not your failure. Sometimes it's the wrong book for you, sometimes it's the wrong time for you, and sometimes the book is just bad but if the Emporer thinks it's the finest book in all the land then anyone who thinks it's just a yarn of nothing must be a fool, right?
@craignicol @vnikolov @bookstodon
You are right on all three points. Letting go for some is difficult.
@bibliolater @bookstodon Would skimming the less engaging parts be acceptable to you? That would be a lot faster and let you get to a book that you actually enjoy that much sooner.