Should I finish The Invention of Everthing Else?
Posted By CarrieK on November 12, 2009
Normally, I follow the reading rule I found in Nancy Pearl’s Book Lust. To paraphrase: I give a book 50 pages. If I’m not liking it at that point, I set it aside. When I pass the age of 50, I will use part two of the rule, which is to give the book the number of pages that is 100 minus my age. The idea is that life is too short to read bad books.
But when I request a book for review from Library Thing or Shelf Awareness, I usually give it closer to 100 pages. I make a more concerted effort to finish the book – after all, I was sent the book free to review.
So, here’s my dilemma. I’m on page 86 of The Invention of Everything Else by Samantha Hunt, and it’s just not grabbing me. I have a limited amount of reading time because of NaNoWriMo, and I don’t want to waste it on a book that I’m not enjoying. But, this book has gotten some really good reviews – so what if I miss out on this truly amazing book because I give up too soon?
Have any of you read it? If so, should I keep going? Or should I put it aside without guilt?
I’ve not read this book, but as the Monday Musing pointed out this week (or maybe it was BTT?) life is too short for books like this. If you have to ask yourself whether you should continue or quit, then that is your sign. If you find out later that it had some amazing ending, you can always come back. Work on your writing! That is my vote!
Sandy´s last blog ..100 Mile Fitness Challenge Update: November 6 – 12
Sandy – I think you’re right – if I’m asking the question, I probably already know the answer.
I generally try to follow the fifty page rule, but sometimes I read more or less. Yesterday I set a book aside on page twelve. I just didn’t care, and I wasn’t wild about the writing style. I was an especially moody reader yesterday. I may pick that book up again someday, as I think the twelve pages I read say more about my mood than the book itself. If you want to put it down, then put it down. Yes, I’ve discovered great books I would have put down were I not on a bus or out to dinner with a book and nothing else to read, but I’ve also finished books for the same reason and not liked them.
Life is too short. If it’s not grabbing you, put it down. You can always pick it up again later. My biggest deciding factor is where I heard about, which is why I keep an extensive spreadsheet of books. If it’s someone I trust, I’ll stick with it longer. If I picked it up because I liked the cover, I may not. If I’ve read and enjoyed the author before, I’ll give it more time. There are so many variables, but in the end: reading should not be an obligation. Read what you enjoy, when you enjoy it, and let your gut tell you when to put down a book.
nomadreader´s last blog ..children’s book review: Diary of a Wimpy Kid #2 – Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney
nomadreader – I think I’m going to have to steal your spreadsheet idea – I can never remember who recommended what book!
No – don’t bother!
I dragged myself all the way through this book and wish I’d given up at the beginning.If you aren’t liking what you’ve read so far then you won’t like the ending – it continues in the same weird way throughout and I never engaged with it.
I used to finish every book I started, but I have now realised that life is too short – there are so many great books out there, so put it away and find a better one!
Jackie (Farm Lane Books)´s last blog ..Norwegian Wood – Haruki Murakami
Jackie – Okay, I’m convinced – I’ve put it aside without guilt.
I have a tendency to finish everything I start – but that doesn’t mean I have to do it the first time through. Why not put the book aside for now and revisit it after the holidays? Then, if it doesn’t capture your interest on the second go-round, forget about it.
Trisha´s last blog ..Book Review: U and J
Trisha – I don’t think I’ve ever gone back and tried a book that I’ve put aside. Usually if I quit it, I’m done.
I haven’t read it, so I don’t know what to tell you.
Kathy´s last blog ..Review: Everything Sucks
Kathy – that’s okay, I seem to be getting a general consensus that I should put it aside.
Toss it!
heidenkind´s last blog ..My Favorite Reads: Archangel
Tasha – I did!
I also go by the 50-page rule. I say stop reading. If a book is not keeping your attention after 50 pages, it’s not worth reading. Life is too short.
Vasilly´s last blog ..Mini-Readathon!
Vasilly – and I have so many other books waiting to be read!
I was going to chime in here, but it looks like you already made your decision!
I read this book this summer while on vacation. It was meh. I finish every book for various reasons, but on this one, I agree with your decision to toss it!
Michelle´s last blog ..Back Home Again
Michelle – thanks for confirming my decision!