1. The writing was dumb/the author/book annoyed me- Oh dear, there's quite a lot of this. There are just some writing tones that annoy me and sometimes the writing is pathetic. Sometimes I can't even pay attention to the story because the author is just such a terrible (or annoying) writer.
2. I just can't get into the book- This doesn't happen very frequently, but I just had it happen recently. In my book loot post two weeks ago, I listed South of Superior. The story had everything: a good plot, was well written, and had charming characters. But for some reason, I just couldn't get into it. I read up to about page 70, but the book just wasn't sticking with me and I kept looking longingly at the last Flavia de Luce. So that book got packed back to the library. Maybe my mood will change and I'll enjoy that book, but for now, I'm not going to read it.
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| I'm usually not a cookbook snob, but honestly, celebrity cookbooks get on my nerves. Whenever I read one, I want to say, "Oh come on, the last time you cooked was 3 years ago." |
3. I strongly dislike the character- The book can be one of the most well-written books I've ever come across, but if I hate the character, there is no way I'm going to read the book.
4. The book isn't quite right for the mood I'm in- This fits a little into the 2nd category. Maybe the book was just too dark and depressing when I was in the mood for something funny or light. Or maybe I wanted a serious autobiography and instead am reading a romantic comedy.
So I think I've covered all of the problems that books can have. Do you have anything to add to this list?
Can add to your list but I have often wondered why I can read the opening sentence of a book (when I'm browsing in a shop) and know almost at once I wont like it. My reading tastes a very broad in style but not in time - anything pre 20th century I just find hard going! For some, that I tend to prefer women writers may be surprising being male and reaching 60 last year!
ReplyDeleteIt took me until in my 30s that there was nothing wrong in giving up on a book, you don't have to read it!
Similarly, there some books I read over and over again.
I am like you in that I love pre-20th century books in pretty much any style. But after the 80s...meh. That's not to say that I have never read a book post 1980s that I liked, but for the most part I like to stick to 70s and earlier. If you like pre-20th century women authors, have you come across Mary Stewart? I adore her books and she is very prolific. She wrote two genres: Merlin fiction, which I never got into, and thriller-gothic-romances (which I love). I just recently discovered that some British company has re-published all her books. I highly recommend them! I'm working on a post about them.
DeleteI know what you mean about the 1980s, it does seem there was some great writing and prolific publishing in the 70s and 80s. Back then I read all of Fay Weldon, Carol Shields and many others as soon as they were available in paperback. Now I've gone back to many of them. I'm aware of Mary Stewart but not to keen on historical novels.
DeleteSorry, I must read before I post but I'm sure you can what I mean!
ReplyDeleteHaha. I post before editing all the time. I have lots of sympathy for that!
DeleteBut you were perfectly clear. I knew exactly what you meant.
DeleteOn no! You can see what I mean!
ReplyDeleteI get a lot of #4. And I totally agree about South of Superior being a #2. Great post!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, have you read South of Superior? I felt kind of bad that I just couldn't get into it but, oh well...
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