This weeks question from the Book Blogger Hop at crazy-for-books.com is:
“What keeps you reading beyond the first few pages of a book, and what makes you want to stop reading a book and put it back on the shelf?“
I always have to finish a book. I don't know what it is but I have to know what happens, even if I don't like the book, I have to get there in the end. That's probably why I'm quite picky about the books I pick up in the first place, because I know I will have to read it. I can count on one hand the number of books I never finished reading over my lifetime.
So maybe I'll rephrase the question to what keeps me enjoying the book after the first few pages? Definitely character development. If I enjoy reading about a character and want to know more than I tend to like a book more. If the characters are funny, witty, lovely, complex, or even downright evil, I absolutely love to read about them. I am very character driven in my reading.
I read hundreds of books a year, so I feel no guilt about not fishing every book I start. There will be plenty others to make up the difference.
ReplyDeleteFor the books that I'm stashing in rooms, I read in short bursts. To keep reading them I must be able to remember where I am even if I've only read a couple pages or haven't been able to read in days. Come see how I decide what to keep reading and what to stop.
I have tried not to quit reading books, but I have had to stop with some here and there, with the rationale that life is too short and I should be reading something I really like. I do try to give all books a chance before I do that though, and I usually finish the book.
ReplyDeleteAnja @ http://reading2011.blogspot.com/2011/07/book-blogger-hopfollow-friday.html
I give up on a book very easily. The smallest thing can irritate me.
ReplyDeleteI'm hopping by to tell you that I've got a wonderful giveaway going on at my blog, Readerbuzz. It's international! During the Readerbuzz July Giveaway I'll be giving away a $25 Amazon gift card! I'd love to have you stop in and throw your name in the hat to win!
I couldn't agree more.
ReplyDeleteJust hopping by, have a good week-end.
ReplyDeletehttp://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2011/07/book-blogger-hop.html
These book blogger hop questions just get better and better. This one looks easy but I think it’s a trick question. We all know it’s the same answer – the writing – but we all have different perspectives of what good writing is.
ReplyDeleteHop on over to my blog at http://www.howardsherman.net and read my three-prong answer as I explain why I’ll decide to pick up a book or put it down in under sixty seconds.
Happy July 4th Weekend!
Howard Sherman, Implementor
http://www.howardsherman.net
Hopping through. I don't have to finish a book, but I usually do. I agree that character development is very important.
ReplyDeleteMy Hop
Stopping by via Crazy-For-Book's Blog Hop. I'm following your blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm having a giveaway on my blog this weekend so please stop by!
Holjo @ Pedantic Phooka
www.pedanticphooka.com
I am your new GFC friend.
ReplyDeleteI also can only count on one hand books I have not finished. I usually read the excerpt first and can normally tell if I am going to like it. The ones I ended up not reading were books recommended to me with high regard and I expected so much more of the books.
http://itstimetoreadmamaw.blogspot.com
Wow what an amazing response. Thankyou to everyone for stopping by my blog. Sorry I can't respond to you all individually but I will come and check out your blogs!
ReplyDelete