I am an addict, of sorts. There are certain things that I do not believe I could happily live without in my life. The obvious, my family, friends, and other loved ones... of course. Popcorn. Chocolate. And books. I love chick lit... my favorite authors are Jodi Picoult, Anita Shrieve, Jennifer Weiner, Joyce Carol Oates... but I also am a fan of Stephen King and Wally Lamb. I occasionally read non~fiction books as well... autobiographies, books on religion... I could go on and on. There are 83 (!! I had not counted before just now and assumed my number was more like 40) books on my bookshelf waiting to be read. Most of them I acquired from PBS and they didn't cost me more than the shipping of a book I'd already read. I pick up books at thrift stores and yard sales. I swap with friends. I receive them as gifts. They are almost like friends... I met them briefly when I first read the synopsis on the back cover. I lovingly store them until it is their time to spend on my bedside table. Once I am finished, I pass them on so someone else can love them as I have.
I've enjoyed every book Oprah has ever put on her book club list that I've read so far. Except this one. The plot of this book intrigued me. Often a book that is made into a movie is decent, or no one would profit from a movie inspired by said book, right? This one, however, I just can not get into.
I've been reading it since my mom gave it to me at the beginning of December and have made it to page 64. I can't seem to stay awake while I am reading it. The writing isn't bad, but it doesn't hold my interest. It was originally written in Spanish and I'm reading the English translation, of course. I don't know if that has anything to do with it or not. I really can't quite put my finger on what exactly my problem is. I wanted to love it... I was excited to start reading it.
I look at it, waiting to be devoured, and it doesn't call to me. In fact, my only reason for wanting to read it is so I can move on to something else. But I'm starting to think I'm wasting precious time on a book I'm not enjoying... and am seriously considering not finishing it. I can count on one hand ~ perhaps even one finger ~ the number of times I've not finished a book. I feel guilty for not giving it more of a chance... that I might be glad I read it when I finish it... that I'll miss out on a feeling of accomplishment for reading something a bit out of the norm for me (except really, it's not. The only thing abnormal is that I'm not enjoying every second)... that it'll get better as I get further along... But what if none of those things happen? I can easily see this book not getting read for months ~ even with two 7+ hour plane rides in my very near future.
So why the long post about something that isn't such a big deal, in the grand scheme of things? Not sure... perhaps the hormones have still gone to my head?
What say you, fellow readers out there in blog land? I know some of you must have faced a situation like this. Should I feel bad for putting it away? Should I keep plugging through? Have any of you read this book, and be able to give me some insight on why I should finish?
8 comments:
My opinion. Life's too short. Ditch it and move on hormonal hott mama! :)
Well, mamageek has a good point...but I've read that book and I loved it. It is a *different* book in that his style of writing takes some getting used to...so you have to decide whether you are up for it. It is a bit more work than a usual read, I'd say. In the end - worth it. But right now, in your situation? Maybe not worth the initial aggravation?
Oops - I was no help at all, was I?!
Heidi
Shelve it. Don't look back, grab the next one that looks enticing and jump in with both feet girl!
When I read this post I was immediately reminded of a post I read once on the blog of Shannon Hale, author. So I hunted through her archives and found it (had to go all the way back to June 2006, but I found it!) Essentially it says if you're bored with a book you need to give yourself permission to move on without feeling guilty...but she says it better. :)
http://oinks.squeetus.com/2006/06/reading_pledge.html
(sorry I don't know how to put a link in comments, but cut and paste works)
I have the same problem as you. No matter how I feel about a book, I must compulsively plow through it.
What I'd like to tell you (and like to do myself) is to ditch it.
But there are so many good books!
And life is so short...
oh, I liked this book, although thought 100 Years of Solitude by the same author is much better. but if you don't like it... well, move on!
I'm reading this book right now. His book 100 Years of Solitude is fantastic. I think this will be too. He takes a long time to "set up" if you know what I mean. His stories are spiritual, mystical, full of history and imagery. Once you are into it, and it might be the half way mark, I think you'll need to know what happens. You'll know the characters very well. And as you've observed it is a delight to read such beautiful writing!
If you finish, we'll compare notes!
Thanks for your comment on my blog!
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