This post was originally published on January 15, 2014 and updated on January 6, 2020.
I have a confession to make: I sometimes don't finish books.
There's been two in the last week that I've wanted to throw against the wall. Both, by the way, were for adults. So, maybe I just need to keep reading kidlit.
There were books that started out well. I loved the characters, the voice, and was drawn into the story from the first chapter.
Why did I stop?
Here's a few reasons I can't bring myself to finish:
1. The character does something completely out of character. I don't buy it, and I can't get past it.
2. There is a shocking revelation that doesn't fit the stories or characters.
3. The character doesn't have agency. Everything seems to happen to him/her, but he/she never makes things happen. I really hate to see this in kidlit especially, as kids need good role models for how to be kind and set boundaries.
4. A middle that drags after an enticing beginning. The book I didn't finish recently started out with a really interesting mystery and then plunged into backstory. Don't do that!
5. Purple prose. I'm not a fan of too much description. And thus, I was never able to get through The Hobbit.
What makes you stop reading?
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Remember, the question is optional!
January 6 question - Being a writer, when you're reading someone else's work, what stops you from finishing a book/throws you out of the story/frustrates you the most about other people's books?
The awesome co-hosts for the January 6 posting of the IWSG are Ronel Janse van Vuuren , J Lenni Dorner, Gwen Gardner Sandra Cox, and Louise - Fundy Blue!
Great post! This is the second time I've seen mention of 'the protagonist does something out of character' today. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a Wonderful-Writing New Year.
Yes, I've heard mention of the protagonist not being in character a number of times too. Also too much description, which is a big one for me too. I loved Tolkien's books as a kid but worry they'd be too slow-paced and have too much description for me now. And I don't finish all books either.
ReplyDeleteI like your list, especially #3. When a character is always reacting instead of acting, it often irritates me.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on things starting well then falling apart or taking a strange turn. I've noticed that a lot lately with newer movies I've watched.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm excited when you start a book with a good story and characters. But if the middle sags and grows flat, I start skimming like a sloth on a sugar surge.
ReplyDeleteI hardly ever give up on a book, but sometimes I regret that decision and feel I have really wasted my time. Any number of things can put me off, but I think characters not staying true to themselves is my biggest complaint. Fun post. Thanks for it.
ReplyDeleteA lovely list -- one that gives me ideas on how to continue to improve my own writing as it does give me another excuse to throw a book at the wall (sad to say, I'm reading e-books almost 100% now because of the ability to change the font size!). I especially like your point about characters having agency (especially women). Another blogger this month pointed out the need for more diversity. Both concepts good to ponder. Have a very good 2021. We all need that.
ReplyDelete