I’ve had a disappointing run with books the last few weeks, starting one, then another and another, and putting them down because they just didn’t hold my interest.
Unless the writing is total crap I give most books a second chance, because I’ve found, often enough, that it’s not the book, it’s me. It was the wrong book THEN, but it might be the right book NOW. But there are no third chances, usually. Btw, I loved The Shipping News.
I felt the daughters in Tom Lake were a bit "saccharine," too. I finished it because I liked the 'Our Town' angle and I was interested in the flashback story, but the family in "present" of the pandemic felt almost like Little Women and not in a good way.
I go through these slumps, too, and they're such a pain in the ass. I'm in a better mood moving through my day when I know there's a really good book waiting for me. It throws everything off to be at loose ends, reading-wise. But, yes, also I know sometimes it's not the book, it's just not the right moment. I with there were an algorithm for figuring that out, which would actually be useful.
It’s good for me to read your take on Tom Lake. I adored the book and was passionate about recommending it to my book club. Your read of it is like some of the reviews I read after the fact, BUT I still loved it. I think I enjoyed all the literary references in it, and quite honestly, I really liked the characters. Thank goodness there are enough books to please our various tastes.
Thank you for sharing your recent frustrations! I've been in a reading slump too, and it feels so strange to have reading feel like work instead of fun. When I stop reading at all because I don't want to pick up the book I started once again, that's my clue that I should move on... But I hate giving up! There's really something to the fact that it might just be the wrong time for me to read a certain book. I guess I need to make peace more quickly with that fact. Hope you enjoy your trip and can get lost in a good book or two there!
This is such a coincidence, because I often have the same inability to dive into books and I will pick up books and then stop and start I actually had one of those experiences last night I started and stopped several novels before I committed to reading a nonfiction book on ancient Chinese philosophy which is absolutely outstanding! But the other coincidence is as I was reading your words I was going to suggest the covenant of water and I see that your friend above already did it. It was one of the most compelling and moving stories I have ever read it really touched me I found myself in tears several times. It’s an epic novel and if you get the audible version the author himself reads it. It was quite an experience and I highly highly recommend it. I felt the same about obedience.
Felt the same way about Tom Lake. But now I’ve finally picked up The Covenant of Water and am enthralled. I remember hearing Mays Angelou once when she said interest in a story is half what the writer brings and half what the reader brings at the time.
Haven't read it yet. It's on my list, though.
Agree completely on Tom Lake. Now I'm working my way through The Women, given it's similarity to my own book. Have you read it?
Thanks!
The power of books Is a wonder!
Enjoy your weekend in Michigan! I have been struggling to enjoy getting thoroughly whacked by a book too. I also wonder—why does that happen!? Ha
Yes to all this!
A good rule of thumb!
Unless the writing is total crap I give most books a second chance, because I’ve found, often enough, that it’s not the book, it’s me. It was the wrong book THEN, but it might be the right book NOW. But there are no third chances, usually. Btw, I loved The Shipping News.
I'm pretty sure I'm in the minority about Tom Lake. And, yes, thank goodness there are enough books to please us all. Agreeing is NOT a requirement!
I felt the daughters in Tom Lake were a bit "saccharine," too. I finished it because I liked the 'Our Town' angle and I was interested in the flashback story, but the family in "present" of the pandemic felt almost like Little Women and not in a good way.
I go through these slumps, too, and they're such a pain in the ass. I'm in a better mood moving through my day when I know there's a really good book waiting for me. It throws everything off to be at loose ends, reading-wise. But, yes, also I know sometimes it's not the book, it's just not the right moment. I with there were an algorithm for figuring that out, which would actually be useful.
I hate giving up, too! Wasted time!
It’s good for me to read your take on Tom Lake. I adored the book and was passionate about recommending it to my book club. Your read of it is like some of the reviews I read after the fact, BUT I still loved it. I think I enjoyed all the literary references in it, and quite honestly, I really liked the characters. Thank goodness there are enough books to please our various tastes.
Thank you for sharing your recent frustrations! I've been in a reading slump too, and it feels so strange to have reading feel like work instead of fun. When I stop reading at all because I don't want to pick up the book I started once again, that's my clue that I should move on... But I hate giving up! There's really something to the fact that it might just be the wrong time for me to read a certain book. I guess I need to make peace more quickly with that fact. Hope you enjoy your trip and can get lost in a good book or two there!
Okay, I'm going to try that one again!
This is such a coincidence, because I often have the same inability to dive into books and I will pick up books and then stop and start I actually had one of those experiences last night I started and stopped several novels before I committed to reading a nonfiction book on ancient Chinese philosophy which is absolutely outstanding! But the other coincidence is as I was reading your words I was going to suggest the covenant of water and I see that your friend above already did it. It was one of the most compelling and moving stories I have ever read it really touched me I found myself in tears several times. It’s an epic novel and if you get the audible version the author himself reads it. It was quite an experience and I highly highly recommend it. I felt the same about obedience.
Funny that you were having the book-blahs, too. I wrote about Covenant of Water a few months ago. I loved it.
But what's the full title of Obedience?
I must be losing it I don’t remember that you wrote about covenant but maybe that’s what inspired me to get a copy?
Study for obedience.
So glad you love Covenant of Water!
Yes--I love the idea that half of a reader's interest is what she brings at the time.
Felt the same way about Tom Lake. But now I’ve finally picked up The Covenant of Water and am enthralled. I remember hearing Mays Angelou once when she said interest in a story is half what the writer brings and half what the reader brings at the time.