"...Sometimes, I just pick up a book and read 1/2 page before I'm
interrupted. If this happens too often I end up not enjoying reading it. I
find that I have to stick with a book for at least 50 - 60 pages before I
put it down if I don't like it. Could this be what Kelly Gallagher is
trying to get at in his comment? I valued My Sister's Keeper but I didn't
like the ending. I know others who didn't like the book."
For many readers, it's the writing that brings enjoyment, not the storyline.
I love an author who can use metaphors and figurative language. I've also
disliked scenes in a book, or parts of a plot, such as when a favorite
character dies, but it doesn't detract from my enjoyment of the writing or
the story. I know a lot of times I will read a book because everyone else
has read it, recommended it, or it's the hottest thing around. DA VINCI
CODE, for example. I disliked the book because it's badly written, moves
slowly as a thriller, and ver predictable. However, I did enjoy the play of
history and myth, but I knew the history of Mary and the Grail. Brown had
just enough REAL history to make his premise come alive and it became more
than just a book. Any book that creates discussion and thought as it did
has value, but did I like the book? No, but I did enjoy the ideas. I tried
reading ERAGON, but I can't get past the first 40 pages because the writing
is so bad. I may never read it. A book can be enjoyed for its story, its
ideas, its characters, its writing style (Ann Dillard and Ray Bradbury are
masters of metaphor!).....even its art! I remember loving TREASURE ISLAND
not because of the story, but because of the wonderful art by Howard Pyle!
I think having the time to get into a story is important, but one of the
problems with kids and reading is lack of background knowledge. They can't
get into a book because they can't make a connection. That's an important
factor in getting them to "enjoy" anything new. Music, art, books, history,
movies --- heck, even food! I know some people feel that our job is to
teach, not entertain, and I agree with them; but if the content is made
palatable, the kids won't eat it. How many of us have children of our own
who wouldn't eat their veggies and we "flew the little plane into the
hanger" to try and get them to eat?
Bill
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