Lyn Cote here.
Every month I ask a question in my newsletter and here because I want to know what readers are thinking. As an author, I write far from readers and I like to know what they are thinking. So what’s my question for June, you may ask? Here it is:
Do you always finish a book whether you’re enjoying it or not? Or do you give it away? Or throw it against the wall? What kinds of thing causes you to stop reading or dislike what you’re reading?
This should be very interesting to me as an author! I try to write books that “stick to readers’ fingers,” meaning you find it hard to put them down. I like to write books that call to you when you do put them down. So think over the question and let me know your thoughts!
BTW, here is what three readers had to say about my latest book, BITTER AUTUMN.
“I was captivated with this story & could not put it down until I finished it. I had no idea who was behind trying to get Grey accused of the “accident” that started after he got out of prison. A really great mystery.”
and
“…an edge of your seat, do not expect to put it down adventure.”
and
“I could not put this book down. There are a lot of twists and turns in the investigation and wondering how Trish and Grey can pursue a relationship when she is a cop and he is a convicted felon on parole.”
Why not look at BITTER AUTUMN and see what you think? BTW, I will be giving away one ebook copy to a commenter here, chosen at random. Why not take a chance?
Every once in awhile I will get a book that can not hold my attention. It is very disappointing to not finish a book, but it has happened. Mainly with books that are so slow and going nowhere.
Hi Lyn
Long time no see LOL
I will stop reading a book if I run into a TSTL character or gaping holes/errors in world-building
I “finish” every book – recently, I end up being bored with too many words and skip to the ending!
Barbara, consider this as a permission not to be bored. Give the book away to someone else. Not every book is for every reader. Your neighbor might enjoy it. Stop the boredom!!
I try and finish every book that I start. However, if it is one that doesn’t interest me, it takes much longer to get through it.
don’t finish poorly written and uninteresting books
Not necessarily. I don’t quit reading books often, but it can be slow going if it is a little boring, technical or just hard to keep track of events or characters. I once had a teacher that told me to read the first 59 pages of a book before I gave up on it ( I was in fourth grade, so as I got older I read further before I gave up, usually by then I still need to know what happens). If I don’t need to know what happens then I know the book is not for me.
The most likely reason that I would stop reading a book is when it has glaring or blatent errors, often grammatical, spelling or other editing issues of some sort. Or if they are factual errors if written about actual events and the information is clearly not correct. People who can’t edit or check their fact will make me crazy.
Thanks for all the comments. I used to finish every book but about a decade ago, I thought–I don’t have time for a book I don’t enjoy! As a writer, I try very hard to write books that don’t have pages that aren’t needed. Lately I got a review that said–“not one boring page.” That made my year! I always ask myself–why would a reader want to continue reading as I plan every chapter. I keep asking myself until I get a good answer!
I finish every book !! It does take me longer to get to the end, I do give it away, love ur books!!