As my life gets busier, my reading time is eroding. Thus, my new vow: I am not going to read good books.
You read that right. I am not going to read good books.
Instead, I’m saving my reading time for great books. When I find myself thinking, “This is decent,” but I’m thinking ahead to the other books I can’t wait to read, I’m?going to abandon the decent book.
Recently, I read a middle-grade novel by a wonderful, hugely-awarded writer. But the book was just OK, to me. I liked it, but I didn’t love it. Shortly after, I started an adult novel by the same writer. Halfway through, I realized that if I never knew how that book ended, I would not lose any sleep over it. Swipe. Delete.
This will be mainly novels. Picture books and poetry collections I’m sure I’ll have a little more patience with because 1) they’re short, and 2) I learn about writing them by reading them, even “just” the good ones.
But novels are going to have to grab me and make me care intensely. Like Okay for Now did. Happy Families. Blink Once.
Right now, The Watch That Ends the Night has me in its grip. And if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go read a few more pages. I can’t wait any longer.
16 Responses
Oh, I am so with you on this, Laura!
I have no problem abandoning books I’m really not enjoying, but I think this abandoning books that are ok-but-not-great will be much harder. I’m going to give it my best show. Do you already do that?
Oh, I am so with you on this, Laura!
I have no problem abandoning books I’m really not enjoying, but I think this abandoning books that are ok-but-not-great will be much harder. I’m going to give it my best show. Do you already do that?
Me, too. There are too many good books, sorry, great books out there. Thanks for the unique review-I’ll look for the Titanic book, Laura.
:>) I hope you love it. I’m nearing the end now, and my heart is breaking.
Me, too. There are too many good books, sorry, great books out there. Thanks for the unique review-I’ll look for the Titanic book, Laura.
:>) I hope you love it. I’m nearing the end now, and my heart is breaking.
I love books that won’t let me put them down! But i also hate them because it’s hard to get anything done… or any sleep 🙂
So true. I am SWAMPED with stuff to do, but I keep having to put things down to read “just 5 more poems” in WATCH. When a book makes you feel passionate about it, it can be intense!
I love books that won’t let me put them down! But i also hate them because it’s hard to get anything done… or any sleep 🙂
So true. I am SWAMPED with stuff to do, but I keep having to put things down to read “just 5 more poems” in WATCH. When a book makes you feel passionate about it, it can be intense!
I agree. I actually did this with 50 Shades of Grey. It was boring to me. I just don’t have time unless they are completely engaging. Also, since I am trying to get published in picture books…I read them constantly–even the bad ones, because, as you said, they are short. And I learn from them. Thanks for the post!
I agree. I actually did this with 50 Shades of Grey. It was boring to me. I just don’t have time unless they are completely engaging. Also, since I am trying to get published in picture books…I read them constantly–even the bad ones, because, as you said, they are short. And I learn from them. Thanks for the post!
Laura,
I agree. The watch that ends the night is an inspiration, a body of diligent research and writing. I very much enjoyed this story as both a reader and a writer.
Hannah
Laura,
I agree. The watch that ends the night is an inspiration, a body of diligent research and writing. I very much enjoyed this story as both a reader and a writer.
Hannah