I used to be pretty religious about finishing any book that I started. Or almost finishing. Some books I deliberately skip the ending on (hello, Mr. Tolkien) because I don't want the story to end. But for the most part, if I started it, I would finish it.
Lately, though, I've been on a half-book spree. It's probably about time, and not having enough of it. Having a kid does that to you. So does going to school. It's also a little bit about trying to read more than I ever have before. Doing reader's advisory for kids and YA stuff, I'm trying to know more about more of what is on our shelves. Even having read half of something gives me an idea of what's in there. I feel comfortable saying to a patron, "I didn't finish it, but you might like it."
Here are some of the books I've ditched lately:
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness (I stuck with it until the talking dog died.)
Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta (I loved Jellicoe Road by the same author, but this one was just tooooooo sad.)
The Maze Runner by James Dashner (Won lots of awards, but I couldn't get into it.)
Going Bovine by Libba Bray (Ditto. Some folks called it the book of the year.)
A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn (I liked Beastly, and this was supposed to be similar, but it was just too cheesy. And I don't mind cheese.)
I'm feeling good about this policy change. I think I really gave these books a chance and they just weren't for me. Time to let go. Out with the unsatisfying and on to something potentially great.
