Quitting on Books
I'm halfway through World War Z, by Max Brooks and I can't say I'm very engaged. I dig zombies, I like some of the interviews (the book is told though interviews of men and women who lived through the "Zombie War"), but it's not coming together for me. Maybe it's because I like thorough character development and the only consistent character in the book is the person conducting interviews, and when we hear from him, it's really only to introduce the next interviewee. So, when I've already committed time to reading half the book, do I quit on it or not? There is some part of me that feels major guilt when I don't finish a book, but I'm not entirely sure why. I forced myself to finish The Book of Lost Fragrances, by M.J. Rose and I had the same opinion (not a particularly good one) at the end that I did midway through the story. Was it worth my time and effort to finish it if I was as disappointed in the book as I thought I would be? There are so many other books waiting to be read!
I find it much easier to give up on audiobooks. I recently stopped listening to Laini Taylor's Days of Blood and Starlight and I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore. Perhaps it's because there's no visual reminder, like a bookmark, showing how far I've gotten in the book. There are track numbers, I suppose, but it's not the same. I'm listening to Death Comes to Pemberley right now, and I really hope I don't have to give up on it. If I do, that would be three in a row.
In any case, knowing me and my guilt complex, I will probably soldier through World War Z. Hopefully I feel more invested in it soon, but... I don't think I will.
