Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Hello there, cutie pies! How’s
life for you? I’m currently preparing to watch the latest episode of Orphan
Black (go watch that you if don’t already) before GAME OF THRONES PREMIERES
TONIGHT OMG OMG DFHGNDKJFGNFDJKGHDFGHFG *calms
self down *
Aaaanyways, yesterday I was listing blog posts ideas and this one came
out, mostly because last week I gave up on a book, and that’s really not “normal”
for me. I tend not to DNF books, mainly because I’ve been kind of lucky: I
seldom feel like I can’t for the life of me finish a book, even if really I
hate it. Last time was different, though. I tried and tried to finish the damn
book and there was just no way. The book was Glass Sword, by the way, if you
don’t already know.
So, with that experienced, I thought I would make a guide on why and when
I give up on books. Like I said, it’s not often, but it happens. I was going to
make a list, because I’m clearly obsessed with them, but I figured I should
change things up (not really) and make a FAQ instead. Let me know how you like
it afterwards, I just made up questions I would personally have or ask myself
before putting a book down forever.
How many books have you gave
up on?
I’m going to trust my Goodreads gave-up-on shelf on this one, and the
number is *drum roll * FIFTEEN BOOKS. Now, considering I read about 45-50 books
a year it’s really not that big of a deal. If you’re now asking yourselves
which fifteen books made it to the list of doom, then head over to the link up there!
How do you handle DNF books on
Goodreads? Do you rate or review them?
I just put them of the gave-up-on shelf, I think this shelf was even
created by Goodreads but I’m not sure. You can make it yourself if you can’t
find it! I don’t really have a rule when it comes to rating DNF books.
Sometimes I like to do it because I’m pretty positive I got a good feel of the
book and it was just plain awful, so I rate and review it. Other times, I just
make a little rant and leave it at that. Those rants obviously make no sense
and are 100% biased because I get pretty angry when I spend money and time on a
book I had to just quit. I HATE IT. Here’s an example of what a DNF rant looks
like, by yours truly:
I tried okay? I tried! I just can't make myself go through this book anymore. I haven’t read this in like two weeks and every time I try to pick it up I just go: "ughhhhhghdiufgjkdf".
I couldn't stand the plot, couldn't stand the characters, COULDN'T STAND THE WRITING.
I know this has an OMG ending but I just don't care. I. Don't. Care.
And that's that.
Glass Sword (Red Queen, #2) by Victoria
Aveyard
…sorry
How much of a book do you read
before you DNF?
I honestly don’t know. I usually just wait for that “I wouldn’t finish this book even if I got paid a billion dollars by a naked Ryan Gosling”
feeling, you know?
Would you give an author a
second chance after DNF-ing one of her/his books?
It depends, if I had a big problem with the writing, then probably not.
If I had a problem with the characters, themes or the genre, then I would
consider it. Either way, the chances are not big. I believe authors grow a lot
from book to book but that doesn’t mean I would ever read anything by E.L.
James ever again in my life.
Is it awkward to DNF popular
books?
When you’re in the blog community or bookstagram then yes, it kind of is.
People are very protective of the books they love, and that’s okay and also
amazing! If you love Red Queen and hate me now, that’s okay too. I would never
make myself love a book just because it’s popular, but I also wouldn’t treat
fans of the book as if they’re stupid or airheads just because they like it,
either. I love you peeps!
So what about you? Do you give up on books often? Or
you just stick through it till the end?
Yep, I finally did it. Every year
I think “I’m not doing this again”, but then, I actually complete the challenge
and fall into the same trap again. It’s like a drug, it’s like chocolate! And two
days ago, after also quitting Glass Sword, I went to Goodreads and quit the
hell out of that challenge.
 |
| Me finishing a challenge |
By the way, I was 10 books behind
schedule, and I set myself a goal of 50 books this year. That stupid widget kept looking at me
every time I logged in! It was like a constant reminder that I should be
reading in order to complete this year’s challenge. And then it hit me: since
when I read because I should?
For me, it was always about
reading for pleasure, so this realization hit me like a rock. Also, I’m a very
competitive and anxious person, so imagine my rage every time I saw the “10
books behind schedule” notice. UGHHHHH. I’m making a list now because I KNOW
YOU LOVE LISTS, I LOVE THEM TOO OKAY?
Why I quit my Goodreads reading
challenge, THE LIST:
1. Like I said above, I felt like I
was reading faster and faster just so I could reach my goal. I even stuck with
a book I was not enjoying at all just to click the “I finished this book!”
button. Reading for pleasure was something I’ve lost along the way, and I hated
that.
2. I avoided longer books. Even
though I did read the last one from the Mistborn series (700+ pages), I knew
this was going to make me fall behind my goal. And when I quit, I knew I would
savor long books like they should be. I love long books by the way, they make
me feel SO BADASS.
3. I just simply accepted I don’t
have the time I had when I was 17 (when I did my first Goodreads challenge).
Back then, I was home by five and even though I had to study, I didn’t feel as
tired as I feel now that I have a full time job, and get home by 8 PM. And by 8
PM, all I want is to eat dinner, watch Netflix and stay in bed until I fall
asleep. I have a very exciting life as you can see.
4. I’m now dedicating a considerable
amount of time on blogging and bookstagram. I know it doesn’t seem like a lot,
but I only have weekends to take pictures for the whole week, and then actually
writing a blog post worth your time!
5. Finally, I don’t care how many
books I read in a year. I applaud people who get to read like 300 books. You
are machines to me and deserve an award or something!
And that’s that. Now, what about
you? Did you ever quit your yearly reading challenge? How does it feel? Would you
ever do it again?
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