tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post3219094492008661533..comments2024-02-13T15:17:57.466-05:00Comments on Beth Fish Reads: Unfinished: Post or No Post?Beth Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08627666337961326265noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-68145983469957828312009-05-17T05:30:00.000-04:002009-05-17T05:30:00.000-04:00[sorry - this ended up rather long]
Wow - I love y...[sorry - this ended up rather long]<br />Wow - I love your thought provoking questions.<br />I am interested in what you started and why you didn't finish it. I am marginally interested in what the book was about - but I am not at all interested in what other reviewers are saying about it. <br />I think it's important to be honest and say (in a considered way) why something didn't work for you. But I don't think you need to do much more than that. All I am doing on my blog is putting together a list headed DNF - no real explanation. But then again, my blog isn't just about books (although I am thinking of branching out...).<br />There is a theory that if you pick up a book you should give the author the courtesy of finishing it, but in what other area of our lives do we do this? If someone is annoying you at a party, do you still stick around and socialise our of courtesy? Most of us politely move on. And if we move on, we don't always go into all the details of why we didn't like the person - we just put our energies into making friends with the next person. I feel the same about books. there are so many wonderful things to read out there - that is where I want to put my energies.Katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07100411566414523718noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-55782427533316791072009-05-09T18:10:00.000-04:002009-05-09T18:10:00.000-04:00I liked the way you handled your DNF post. As to ...I liked the way you handled your DNF post. As to using the publisher's description, if you read my 6-book DNF post, you'll see that I only used the publisher's description for one out of 6 books. I just summarize in my own words; you can do that without having finished the book. I just don't go into great detail -- more like a 25-word description that's very general.Bookfoolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08247136634069540446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-10850693366176577402009-05-08T12:45:00.000-04:002009-05-08T12:45:00.000-04:00I really liked how you laid out your mini-review. ...I really liked how you laid out your mini-review. And I very much enjoy seeing people blog about books they've abandoned, sometimes what one person disliked can even make another person want to give it a go.<br /><br />I've only ever done one abandoned book post, but I do have 3 drafted up. The only guidelines I've set for myself is that I must have read at least 1/3 of the book before giving up. And I will never bash a book, just state what didn't appeal and why. Also including any links to other reviews is awesome.Joanne ♦ The Book Zombiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02369534827454703222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-81376612656774857842009-05-04T13:52:00.000-04:002009-05-04T13:52:00.000-04:00I like your method of posting about unfinished boo...I like your method of posting about unfinished books. It's pretty fair, it seems to me.Bellehttp://msbookish.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-91307047275088739362009-05-04T11:51:00.000-04:002009-05-04T11:51:00.000-04:00Since I started reviewing I've only abandoned one ...Since I started reviewing I've only abandoned one book. Like you, I tried. I really tried. But I just couldn't do it. It would have been a waste of time to finish it. I did post a review of it <A HREF="http://thatbookaddiction.blogspot.com/2009/03/outlaw-marshal-by-al-and-joanna-lacy.html" REL="nofollow">here.</A> I also told why I didn't like it, but tried not to "bash" it and on your review I didn't feel like you were bashing it either. It came across straightforward and honest, not bitter. I like that you shared links to other reviews. I think it's a great idea to do the mini-review. I cant stand to read "bashing" posts but I do like to read why a book didn't do it for the reviewer. I also think that someone else may like it and by reading what I didn't like, they may realize that is their cup of tea and want to read it for themselves.Sunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17340796415443416237noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-64885715638219947422009-05-04T03:00:00.000-04:002009-05-04T03:00:00.000-04:00I like your approach, Beth. I think I'm quite fort...I like your approach, Beth. I think I'm quite fortunate that I haven't abandon any books, so far. But if I do, I think I will do a short review (more like a round up) on it and state why I've given up on it though.Melodyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03967837585961009598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-78264151074732077052009-05-03T17:39:00.000-04:002009-05-03T17:39:00.000-04:00I like this idea too. I rarely abandon books, so I...I like this idea too. I rarely abandon books, so I haven't had to deal with this yet. I actually should give myself permission to put books down more often!Ana S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16092495983972185943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-66041799746306306642009-05-03T13:24:00.000-04:002009-05-03T13:24:00.000-04:00Elizabeth: I think that's a valid distinction -- r...Elizabeth: I think that's a valid distinction -- review copy vs. personal book.<br /><br />Lenore: I remember that post, and that's an excellent way to handle DNFs.<br /><br />Kelly: Thanks so much! I think I'd also bow out of the tour but I would still be inclined to try to post something.Beth Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08627666337961326265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-89138662423775046202009-05-03T13:18:00.000-04:002009-05-03T13:18:00.000-04:00I found your post really helpful! I'm at that poi...I found your post really helpful! I'm at that point with a book I received to for a blog tour, that I just couldn't stand. I bailed on the blog tour, I figured if I couldn't say anything nice, I shouldn't say anything at all on the tour, (and I'd been sick so I used that as an excuse) I made it to page 184 in Follow Me by Joanna Scott and just can't read another page. But I feel like I must say something about it, I love the way you handled it, very gracious!Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05811292947565794018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-62758701567167207012009-05-03T09:24:00.000-04:002009-05-03T09:24:00.000-04:00I did a post a while back called "I'm just not tha...I did a post a while back called "I'm just not that into you" about some books I couldn't finish. I am actually in the middle of several books that I'm probably giving up on soon...so there will probably be a part 2 coming up soon.Lenore Appelhanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16664671644163369772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-69266645294454801252009-05-03T08:17:00.000-04:002009-05-03T08:17:00.000-04:00I think this is a great idea. It's something I've ...I think this is a great idea. It's something I've been pondering myself lately, so I love the discussion you've generated. I think if it's a book I've received as a review copy from whatever source, I have a responsibility to post something. If its just one I've checked out of the library, etc, I'm not sure I feel the same responsibility. Then I could probably abandon it will less guilt!Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10939074543470696025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-61201343611350491262009-05-01T12:10:00.000-04:002009-05-01T12:10:00.000-04:00Jenn: Thanks!
Imbookingit: You are so right about...Jenn: Thanks!<br /><br />Imbookingit: You are so right about the one downfall of audio. You can't just switch to skimming just to see how it ends. Print is a bit easier to push through.<br /><br />Ali: Interesting criteria. I do feel under a different obligation with review copies.<br /><br />Fantasy: Thanks!<br /><br />Dawn: Yep, I try review every book I read, so I was trying to figure out how to handle the DNF. I need to study your post (which I missed for some reason). And thanks.<br /><br />Caite: I was trying to reach some middle ground. I hope the link to the other review helped.<br /><br />Bookline: I used to be stubborn too. But Now I can leave a book guilt-free if I give it two tries. Sometimes the book doesn't work because of my mood at the moment, but if it doesn't work the second or third time, I just give up.<br /><br />Covers: Yes, that's what I decided. The blog is supposed to be my views about the books I read. To be complete, I need to add in the DNF books. Difficult when you can't find other reviews, but you can link to commercial sites that have reviews, if possible.<br /><br />Josette: Thanks!Beth Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08627666337961326265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-41724944256286716002009-05-01T11:38:00.000-04:002009-05-01T11:38:00.000-04:00Yeah, I was interested in why you didn't finish! ...Yeah, I was interested in why you didn't finish! Nowadays I'm quite good as I manage to finish the books I start reading, no matter how bad they are. :DJosettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16398849417612962089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-70570880417425394682009-05-01T09:42:00.000-04:002009-05-01T09:42:00.000-04:00I'm glad I found this post tonight, as I'm in that...I'm glad I found this post tonight, as I'm in that situation now. It did leave me in a bit of a quandary, but I decided that since the whole point of my blog is to record my opinions of what I read, I should post on unfinished books too. I considered using the publisher's summary, but since it's one of those books where nothing happens I figured it didn't matter that I'd only made it a third of the way through.<br /><br />The idea of linking to full reviews is a good one, and one that I'll remember for next time. My current DNF, unfortunately, is so obscure that I haven't been able to find any other review.Amat Librishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01343725194203848055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-3809977287006669672009-05-01T01:19:00.000-04:002009-05-01T01:19:00.000-04:00i'm so stubborn (to a fault) that i always finish ...i'm so stubborn (to a fault) that i always finish books i start--even if they are painful. i just can't help it--it's like an OCD thing. only once in my life have i broken up with a book--the house of leaves. i just couldn't muster the strength to get through it. i still own the book and every now and again i pull it off the shelf with the intention of reading it....and i can't. :) <br /><br />i hope the day doesn't come when i can't finish a book i have to review! i'll remember to come back here and take notes from you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-15679624610861857612009-05-01T00:22:00.000-04:002009-05-01T00:22:00.000-04:00I have a few ARC that I was just not able to finis...I have a few ARC that I was just not able to finish. I have not written anything about them, perhaps with what is most likely an irrational thought that at some point in the future I will come back to them. <br /><br />I guess my alternative is to just write "I thought this book was so bad, I did not finish it." <br />It would take a lot less thought on my part...caitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05824538078958999767noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-51275614027723513702009-04-30T21:55:00.000-04:002009-04-30T21:55:00.000-04:00I did this for the first time just this week! Act...I did this for the first time just this week! Actually, it's not really a DNF, since I plan to go back to it in a few months and try again (the writing style was too "jumpy" for my busy mind these days).<br /><br />Anyway, to your questions ... I like the mini review explaining why you didn't finish. yes, since you typically review every book your read (don't you?) I'm interested in what you decide not to finish.<br /><br />I like the links to other bloggers who have given it a more full review, too. This is an approach to a DNF book that is in keeping with your typical review standards.Dawn - She is Too Fond of Bookshttp://www.sheistoofondofbooks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-25898799145557519102009-04-30T20:52:00.000-04:002009-04-30T20:52:00.000-04:00I like how you set up the mini-review. I think it ...I like how you set up the mini-review. I think it is part of the book review, whether you couldn't finish the book as much as a review where you finished the book and do a full review. Good work.Donnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03061871980467053554noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-87639219477696664122009-04-30T20:16:00.000-04:002009-04-30T20:16:00.000-04:00I've done something similar when I couldn't finish...I've done something similar when I couldn't finish a book. If it's one I've checked out from the library I'm more likely not to blog about it, but if I've accepted a review copy I like to at least mention the book, even if I didn't like it. I like the format you used.Alihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16745786643511417426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-44792105139403022009-04-30T20:09:00.000-04:002009-04-30T20:09:00.000-04:00Thanks for this discussion!
As a new blogger, I ...Thanks for this discussion! <br /><br />As a new blogger, I haven't faced this situation yet, although the book I'm listening too right now isn't quite clicking for me, and if something better comes along, I may abandon it. <br /><br />I find this to be more of an issue with audiobooks, since when reading on paper, I can push faster and faster, and even if I just skim the last part, I can get to the end. That doesn't happen often, but it does happen (and I would note it in a review). My MP3player doesn't have an option to speed up the audio, so I'm stuck plodding through even if I'm not enjoying it.<br /><br />I think you handled your review well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-85877050915892891222009-04-30T20:04:00.000-04:002009-04-30T20:04:00.000-04:00I think you did a great job with this post. You st...I think you did a great job with this post. You stated what you didn't like, what prevented you from finishing the book. A valid review in my mind!Jenn's Bookshelveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17773328322580511441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-48526986196215793062009-04-30T16:48:00.000-04:002009-04-30T16:48:00.000-04:00Meghan: I like the idea of giving it away if it is...Meghan: I like the idea of giving it away if it is a review book. Maybe someone else will be able to do the book justice.<br /><br />Jenny: Yes, that's a good thought -- how much do you have to read before even a mini-review can be written? Probably depends on the genre or maybe on the specific book and reader.<br /><br />Stacy: I absolutely understand your view point, and I'm so glad you commented. I'm trying to establish some kind of personal policy and I need a variety of thoughts on the subject. And awwww! Thanks for the compliment.Beth Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08627666337961326265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-61377520458129520632009-04-30T16:20:00.000-04:002009-04-30T16:20:00.000-04:00Interesting post and feedback. I liked your revie...Interesting post and feedback. I liked your review and thought you did a nice job. <br />Personally, I don't post on a book unless I've read the whole thing. I guess I don't like 'reviewing' a book unless I know what happened in the whole thing. (It's sort of like the craziness of giving Prez Obama a grade on his first 100 days. Unless we know how it ends how do we know?)<br /> I think as long as you are up front about not finishing it it's okay. I like to read whatever you write :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-40877336646388432342009-04-30T14:14:00.000-04:002009-04-30T14:14:00.000-04:00I think it depends on how far you got into the boo...I think it depends on how far you got into the book. I ususally read about 50 pages before I decide whether I'm in for the long haul or not. If 50 pages is all I read, or whatever that portion may be, I do a post anyway, and try to be fair and objective as to why I didn't like it. <br />Providing links to other reviews is a nice way to still acknowledge that someone else liked the book.<br />However, if a book is not me right from the start, then I don't even count it or give it another thought. Like it never exisited.Jenny Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04077659644092707107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3291822984443127930.post-43932514676769657492009-04-30T13:07:00.000-04:002009-04-30T13:07:00.000-04:00I liked it. I think it's helpful because even tho...I liked it. I think it's helpful because even though you didn't like it, you're still mentioning it and someone else might know from your experience that they would or wouldn't like it.<br /><br />I finish almost every book I read, so this hasn't been a problem for me yet. If it is, though, I would like to do a mini-review like you did. If it was a review book, I would probably give it away as well.Meghanhttp://chikune.com/blognoreply@blogger.com