Today's Booking Through Thursday weekly meme asks the following question:
“Life is too short to read bad books.” I’d always heard that, but I still read books through until the end no matter how bad they were because I had this sense of obligation.
That is, until this week when I tried (really tried) to read a book that is utterly boring and unrealistic. I had to stop reading.
Do you read everything all the way through or do you feel life really is too short to read bad books?
Great question. Lately I've had a few books I had to stop. And let me tell you, I give them plenty of time. I read 114 pages of Olive Kitteridge before I finally put it down. I tried to like her, but she was so unlikeable I couldn't stand her. I read 145 pages of Little Bird of Heaven by Joyce Carol Oates before I gave up on it. I really, really want the books I read to be good, gosh darn it! But life is too short to read bad books. I agree. Wholeheartedly.
Some people have the 50-page rule before stopping a book. I give it at least 100. I read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and couldn't get into it. But I kept reading. On page 71 it finally got good. I was happy I was patient because it was so worth it!
What about you?
