“If you’re not giving up on at least five books every year, you’re not beginning enough of them." So writes Steve Leveen in this blog post about how electronic books can make you a better reader. I used to have feel like I had to finish a book. These days I find myself less willing to waste my time on something that really doesn't have my attention or isn't giving me any pleasure. This is easier with library books, of course. At least you didn't waste any money! But even books I've bought, I'm willing to put away unread. If I find I'm just not in the right mood at that time, I'll put the book on the bookshelf and try it again later. If I'm pretty confident I'll never read it again I donate it to the library. It's likely someone will enjoy it even if it wasn't my cup of tea!
Leveen suggests a 50 page rule. You should be getting something out of a book after 50 pages! If not, put it away. He points out that it's even easier with eBooks that you can sample before buying. Plus you don't have the physical clutter to put up with.
The only recent exceptions to my recent willingness to put down books I'm not enjoying have been several books that a book group voted to read. I slogged through them unhappily and was then doubly disappointed when half the book club members had not even started them!
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