I chose Nancy Pearl's Rule of 50 as the idea appealed to me that there was a limit to giving a book a go, and that at age 100, I can legitimately chose a book by its cover!
I think this idea has much currency with me as I have just finished reading Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan Novels series. I loved the first book and couldn't wait to get my hands on the second, but was totally fed up with the cast of thousands and soap opera characteristics by page 50 of Book 2 - co-incidence! I persisted as I really wanted to legitimately get to the end of the series to see how she wrapped it up and tied the series anding to the introduction to Book 1. However, looking back, I could have happily abandoned the project at page 50 of Book 2...!!
I really enjoyed watching this video and will adopt this rule in future! I tend to doggedly persist with a book, even if it's a struggle. I always feel as if I've failed if I give up, but as I don't start a new book until I've finished whatever I'm already reading, I may actually be reducing my reading enjoyment. Nancy Pearl has given me permission to close her book if I'm not enjoying it!
ReplyDeleteI really agree - back to the Returns chute they go - post haste!!
ReplyDeleteI have often starred at the books in the bookshelf of my own book library and smiled to myself as I notice the ones that still have bookmarks inserted...
ReplyDeleteWhy struggle with a book if you are not enjoying it? There are so many out there awaiting us to pick them up and be totally engrossed in them...let's not wait any longer! Thanks Nancy Pearl!