First Person, Present Tense – Part 2
I finished the book. You can read my review over on the Bookshelf.
I received a lot of flack about finishing the book, especially from my husband. Poor Rick had to suffer through my emotional roller coaster and constant complaining. So the big question is why did I finish it? Why was I reading the book if it annoyed me so much? Why did I labor through a style that irritated me? Well, I didn’t want to waste my investment. I had already read so many pages, I felt obligated to finish. And I’m an optimist! It had to get better – right? Well, it didn’t. Honestly, I don’t know why I kept reading, but I don’t want to do it again. There are thousands and thousands of authors and millions of books. There is no reason to read anything I don’t enjoy!
So, take note of this resolution: I will no longer force myself to complete a book I don’t like. I will never again feel obligated to finish a text. Whether I’ve invested the time to read twenty pages or two hundred, I will put the book down (or throw it away) when it starts to cause pain to me or those I love. I will not allow the great potential of a book to cloud my judgment of the rotten quality of the book. I will never rush a book just to finish it and start another one. Rather, I will stop reading! Then start another one. Furthermore, I will not grab a second title by an author who has butchered a story. Yes, I long for redemption; I hope for the best. I want the author to succeed! But I’m not getting paid to edit these manuscripts nor am I hired as a personal cheerleader. To the contrary, I am paying to read this drivel. No more, my friends!
Yes, this is my resolution for the week. Feel free to recommend stellar authors and books to help me stick with it.
Posted on August 28, 2007, in books. Bookmark the permalink. 2 Comments.
That’s a good resolution. If you haven’t read The Road by Cormac McCarthy yet, I think it is an important book.
Some people find it to be completely bleak and depressing. So skim a bit before you make a purchase.
If you’re looking for nonfiction, I really enjoyed The Language of God by Francis Collins. Very interesting.
If you have never read Annie Dillard’s book The Writing Life, stop everything you are doing right now and go buy it.
Thanks, Mark, for the encouragement and suggestions! I’ve just placed an order on your recommendation.
Should be here on Thursday.