Have you ever quit reading a book in the middle?
By dragon54u
@dragon54u (31634)
United States
March 15, 2008 9:58pm CST
I was really disappointed in the Gregory MacGuire book, "Lost". At page 117, I just couldn't give it any more chances. I loved "Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister" and the Snow White book but this one, supposedly about Scrooge, was just so lackluster that I can't take it anymore. He's one of my favorite authors that I've discovered over the past couple of months but I guess everyone has to have a bomb along with the successes.
I'm starting his "Wicked" tonight, the real story of the Wicked Witch of the West. I never liked Dorothy much, anyway, so I hope it'll be better than "Lost". From what I hear, I won't be disappointed.
I almost always pick books that interest me and finish them--I'm usually sorry they've ended. This one was just a dud.
4 people like this
18 responses
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
16 Mar 08
Ulysses, the poem by Homer? That's a wonderful read! Granted, you have to wade through some unfamiliar grammar and the language of that time but it's fascinating once you get the hang of reading it. Who is the Norwegian author and subject matter? Please tell me, I love discussing books; especially those authors and title that are new to me.
1 person likes this
@hitomikanzaki (128)
• Philippines
19 Mar 08
Most of Dean Koontz' books (I used to like the author, his best book in my opinion was "One Door Away From Heaven"), especially "By Light of the Moon" and "Dark Rivers of the Heart", the characters were so self-righteous I had to gag (and it's the same plot all over again). I since then I avoided his books..
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
19 Mar 08
I love most of his books! To each his own, that's why we have so many writers.
But I know what you mean. A lot of popular writers have a formula they stick to and it can really get boring. I read a couple of Danielle Steel books--my sister in law loved them--and, like you, just about gagged and couldn't take one more page!
Koontz' earlier books, especially "Phantoms" were really creepy. They made a movie from that one but it wasn't nearly as good as the book--most movies made from books aren't.
Is there an author that keeps you interested? I'm always looking for new ones.
But I know what you mean. A lot of popular writers have a formula they stick to and it can really get boring. I read a couple of Danielle Steel books--my sister in law loved them--and, like you, just about gagged and couldn't take one more page!
Koontz' earlier books, especially "Phantoms" were really creepy. They made a movie from that one but it wasn't nearly as good as the book--most movies made from books aren't.
Is there an author that keeps you interested? I'm always looking for new ones.
@mrtimharry (1180)
•
16 Mar 08
Did that a few years ago with HMS Ulysses by Alistair Maclean - just couldn't get into it.
A couple of days ago I picked it up again to have another go - slow going but I am perservering at the moment
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
16 Mar 08
Ha! Yes, we're always hoping for it to get more interesting. I've done that, finished a book a year or more later. I'm only glad I did about half the time, though, the other half I feel rather resentful that I wasted all that time.
@MelissaSx (18)
• Italy
16 Mar 08
Yes, i was reading "Black Arrow", but having seen the film i didn't like very much for the lack of similarity.
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
16 Mar 08
I know what you mean, I always like to read the book first because the movie is usually so much different! The books, 80% of the time, are better than the movie.
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
16 Mar 08
I went as far as buying "War and Peace" last year but haven't read it yet. It's on my "get to" list. There are so many interesting books out there! I'd read Ayn Rand again before I read War and Peace simply because I love her books and W&P seem boring. I know I have to do it, it's a classic, but still..
@dreamcatcher937 (8)
• United States
20 Mar 08
Once I start a book I try to finish it. While visiting my kids a couple weeks ago I had to put a Mave Binchy book down unfinished. I have read many of her books and loved them all but this one was quit boring.
@desertdarlene (8910)
• United States
17 Mar 08
Yeah, I often quit books either in the middle or about a third of the way through. I sometimes lose interest in the story, but sometimes I just get too busy doing other things and never get around to reading it.
@chiyosan (30184)
• Philippines
17 Mar 08
yes, i have this one book i thought was okay... then at the beginning, it was already quite boring.. but i thought maybe its just at the start and could get better.. until i read until 3rd chapter.. i just had to put it down - no i literally threw tha book on the bed and i get out to have something to eat. i was so disappointed at reading it. hehe
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
17 Mar 08
Aw...
I usually borrow books that I think I will like so I tend to finish them.
There are times though that I simply cannot go on because it gets too boring or tedious.
I have not read books by Gregory yet though I have been meaning to.
@Nardz13 (5055)
• New Zealand
20 Mar 08
Hi there... No never have I quit reading a book, wether it were from lack of interest or lost the page I was on at the time of reading it... When I read a book, its a book of interest to me and therefore it usually keeps me roped in on it, and when it comes to the end, I get disappointed and wonder why theres no part 2 or another series within my reach... Have a good one...
@SusanShayAvon (1003)
• United States
17 Mar 08
Don't you hate that. You hate to give up on the first chapter orthe second and it just don't get no better. Yeah I have done this one time and then I tried a few months later. It was not any better.
Yeah usally if I start one I can not put it down until I finish it. I have stayed up til 3 and 4 in the morning because some wereso good but I hate when you get in the middle and it just is not going at all good.
@andiesartistry (40)
• United States
18 Mar 08
There are a few books that I just never could get into and just put down in the middle of reading it. Then there are some books, like Atonement and the Devil Wears Prada, that I force myself to read thinking they will get better. Then they never do and I'm just left with this empty, unsatisfied feeling at the end.
@ruby222 (4847)
•
17 Mar 08
You are not alone !!..the book gets a fair chance...at least until chapter 2!!...then if nothing is registering as being `gripping`..well...say no more....
But the icing on the cake is when you get a book thats like a bar of chocolate...you cant put it down...those are the kind we all love !!!
@irisheyes (4370)
• United States
16 Mar 08
Very rarely do I not finish a book I've started. When it does happen, I usually avoid everything by that author.
@highflyingxangel (9225)
• United States
16 Mar 08
When I was a kid, I had a terrible time with reading books completely through. I loved reading when I was a kid, but a lot of books that a lot of other kids read, I found them dry and boring and really not worth my time (and considering that it didn't take me long to read books when I was a kid, it wasn't a huge waste of time, but I found them that pathetic). Now, I actually pick books that I find worthwhile and read them pretty well through. I don't have a lot of trouble with them really.
@mollyrose (414)
• United States
16 Mar 08
Yep I have a few times. I hate when I find a book that sounds so good on the back cover then start reading it only to find out that it is a boring snoozer of a book. In order to finish a book it must hold my attention and be a real page turner.
@lolalolacherrycola (899)
• United States
16 Mar 08
Yes, there have been many times I will stop reading a book because it just cannot keep my interest.
I don't remember the titles or I would share them with you.
I am always disappointed when that happens.
I also have read awesome books that actually make me sad when they end because I want to continue reading more about the characters.
