Musing Mondays (June 1)

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about sticking with it…

How much time (or how many pages) do you give a book that you aren't really enjoying before you'll set it aside? If you're reading it for a book group discussion, or for review, will you give it more of a chance then, say, a book you're reading for your own interest? Why, or why not? (courtesy of MizB)

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MizB suggested this question some time back, but it was oddly appropriate for me this week. The May meeting of my bookclub was on Friday night and I had to turn up, tail between my legs, and admit that I hadn’t finished reading the book. I hadn’t even gotten half-way. Now, admittedly, I had some pretty good excuses, and I was surprised that I got off without any teasing, but still, it’s not like me.

On the odd occasion that I can’t get into a book I usually stick it out for the first 50 or so pages and then I’ll either move on to something else, or, if it’s something that I really did want to read, I’ll put it aside and come back to it again later.

I will give a book much more of a chance if it’s one for discussion in class or bookclub. Also if it’s something that’s been recommended by a friend whose judgement I respect I’ll usually give it the benefit of a doubt.

For the most part, if I start a book I usually finish it. I’ve been known to borrow books from the library and not quite get to them, but I once started a book usually gets finished unless it really irks me in some way. I don’t feel guilty about putting a book down, but I do feel a little disappointed.