I had no trouble thinking about which book I was going to talk about today. For me, the most overrated book is the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. I remember at the time it was widely popular that there was a waiting list at the library for it. While waiting patiently, I watched shows talking about the theory behind the story, possible clues in art etc. I was really interested and intrigued and tried to find as much information on the subject as possible. When I finally had the book in my hands, I didn't even get through the first chapter. I honestly don't remember why I didn't like it because I read so little of it. I think it was because the writing felt very flat and amateurish. Maybe I had read up too much on the subject and built the book up too much before I got it. I don't know, whatever it was, I just could not get into the story.
Showing posts with label da vinci code. Show all posts
Showing posts with label da vinci code. Show all posts
Thursday, May 5, 2011
30 Days of Books - Day 8
Most Overrated Book
I had no trouble thinking about which book I was going to talk about today. For me, the most overrated book is the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. I remember at the time it was widely popular that there was a waiting list at the library for it. While waiting patiently, I watched shows talking about the theory behind the story, possible clues in art etc. I was really interested and intrigued and tried to find as much information on the subject as possible. When I finally had the book in my hands, I didn't even get through the first chapter. I honestly don't remember why I didn't like it because I read so little of it. I think it was because the writing felt very flat and amateurish. Maybe I had read up too much on the subject and built the book up too much before I got it. I don't know, whatever it was, I just could not get into the story.
I had no trouble thinking about which book I was going to talk about today. For me, the most overrated book is the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. I remember at the time it was widely popular that there was a waiting list at the library for it. While waiting patiently, I watched shows talking about the theory behind the story, possible clues in art etc. I was really interested and intrigued and tried to find as much information on the subject as possible. When I finally had the book in my hands, I didn't even get through the first chapter. I honestly don't remember why I didn't like it because I read so little of it. I think it was because the writing felt very flat and amateurish. Maybe I had read up too much on the subject and built the book up too much before I got it. I don't know, whatever it was, I just could not get into the story.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Do You Feel Compelled to Finish a Book?
Nancy Pearl wrote an article on the idea that if a book doesn't capture your interest in 50 pages you should stop reading it. I have to admit, I used to feel the need to finish a book. No matter how badly it was written or how boring the storyline was. At times I felt afraid that the story would get better and I would miss an awesome book. I also think I felt guilty somehow if I did not read all the way to the end, especially if I bought the book.
Now, if the book doesn't grab me within the first couple of chapters, I let it go. It sometimes feels like I go through a lot of books that I don't finish. But I want characters that I care about, conversation that is realistic, and a storyline that pulls me along for the ride. It's still hard to do at times, particularly with popular books that everyone is raving about. You keep thinking that you are missing something that everyone else sees, or that maybe it does get better after awhile. The Da Vinci Code is a perfect example. Everyone was either reading it or going to the movie. The concept of the book intrigued me so much that I tried to find as much information on it as possible. But when it came time to read the book, it took me three weeks to get through the first two chapters. At the end of the day I just don't think it is worth my time to read a book I don't enjoy. I'd rather go to my bookshelf and pull out an old favourite.
Now, if the book doesn't grab me within the first couple of chapters, I let it go. It sometimes feels like I go through a lot of books that I don't finish. But I want characters that I care about, conversation that is realistic, and a storyline that pulls me along for the ride. It's still hard to do at times, particularly with popular books that everyone is raving about. You keep thinking that you are missing something that everyone else sees, or that maybe it does get better after awhile. The Da Vinci Code is a perfect example. Everyone was either reading it or going to the movie. The concept of the book intrigued me so much that I tried to find as much information on it as possible. But when it came time to read the book, it took me three weeks to get through the first two chapters. At the end of the day I just don't think it is worth my time to read a book I don't enjoy. I'd rather go to my bookshelf and pull out an old favourite.
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