What
determines a good book from an indifferent book? Or just a darn bad book? How do I began?
Perhaps this guidelines will help:
A book can be declared good? How to decide if the book is not interesting?
When it moves from being a bathroom reading book
to a book-by-the-recliner, in one flush then it must be read.
A book from a garage sale box marked 25¢? It may look great, but it has never been read,
with only the first 5 pages turned.
One can buy it, but it will eventually end up in one’s own 25¢ box.
When the reader
resumes at page 147 and a few hours later, moves the bookmark to page 245: This reader wants to find out what happens next.
When a book
works its way from the “high interest” shelf and works its way down to the
bottom shelf where there is a stack of Kohl’s ads and some two year old
magazines, the book did not pass muster.
And
When the book
one is thinking of buying at the used book store, one notices pages are folded
down in the upper corner many times
by different people. And, also, there
are notes made in margins.
It is hoped that these observations are helpful.
This is what I have determined over time. The last book I opened was one that had so much promise, but it fizzled out by chapter 2. I am going through my pile of books and deciding if they should go somewhere else. Sad, they all seemed so interesting at first blush.
And you supported the authors. That's always worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteTrue. I did support them and their writing. I hope that encouraged them to continue writing.
DeleteI have found cheap books at garage sales that were very interesting to me, though maybe not to the original owner, it all depends on what grabs your attention. I have borrowed from libraries on others rexommendations, looking forward to reading and being so very disappointed in the first few pages or chapters. Again, it comes down to personal taste and interest. I do not buy or read simply by author, some of their work becomes a favourite to be read over and over while others of the same author get sent to the thrift shop after chapter one.
ReplyDeleteThat is the difficulty. Any author seems to be good in some of his books and then really bomb it in another.
DeleteOutside of a dog, a book is man's best friend, and inside of a dog it's too dark to read.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I have never known a dog to eat a book. My brother's horse took bites out of his English book, though.
DeleteI've been very fortunate in that department, Susan - there have been very few books that have disappointed me through my many years of reading, but your advice is great for all of us. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you have had good experiences!
DeleteThanks for the tips, I agree. It has to capture me, not just someone else, even a big-shot reviewer.
ReplyDeleteYup. When a person I respect does that, I wonder why.
DeleteThe book you downloaded ten years ago - not likely to ever be read...
ReplyDeleteI have downloaded only a few times and it has been hit and miss as far as quality goes.
DeleteSo true! I just borrowed a highly-acclaimed novel, but 4 days after the fact, I'm overwhelmed and put off by its sheer length.
ReplyDeleteI have done that, too. Sad, because her previous books had been good.
Deletegood books stay with you ,well most of them or essence of them
ReplyDeletei think i have gathered some books who disappointed me not because they are bad books but they are not for me . i put them back below others . this year is sad one for me as i could not finish even book until now :(
lots of love and best wishes to you dear Susan!
I have not been able to finish a book this past year. I want to and I wonder if my reading glasses are not strong enough, or are too strong.
DeleteSome books are better than others but I'm not sure I have ever read a bad book. It all depends on my mood. And I save all my books. There is something indecent about throwing them away. However I will happily gift to someone who wants it.
ReplyDeleteI sigh, because I hate to admit that I can't or won't read a book for some reason.
DeleteI have bought new-to-me secondhand copies of books I love that fell apart after much re-reading.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion I have degraded. I have a lot of books to read but hve gotten stuck on short 100-150 page westerns. Most the ending is predictable, but some writers put a twist or two in. I will not 'work' my way thru a book, unless it is a study or work related (past of course)
ReplyDeleteGood entry.. I enjoyed your take (s)
You and I are much the same. Predictability is the kiss of death. If I can predict and then see that I was right in the ending defeats the book for me. I am enjoying books by Victor Moubarak, who is a fellow blogger Time for Reflections.
Deletethat is the best thing, to be surprised how much you have read without realizing it.
ReplyDelete