Is It Necessary to Finish a Book That Begins to Bore You?

Unless it's a school assignment or for work, there's no inherent obligation to finish a book that's not enjoyable. Sometimes, the act of reading can be compared to a journey. If you don't find the route engaging, it's perfectly okay to take a different path.

My Experience with Les Mis and Hamilton

For example, I've tried reading Victor Hugo's Les Misérables at least three times, but I never managed to finish it. I read about 70 pages and found it unengaging. Similarly, I tried to complete Hamilton but it took me almost a month. If a book stops entertaining you, it's wise to stop reading it instead of forcing yourself to finish.

A Balancing Act: Completing Books vs. Dropping Them

On the other hand, I believe in the importance of persistence and completing books. Currently, I'm reading three books simultaneously. One is challenging due to its small font, even with my glasses. The other two are library books and are very exciting. For me, if a book becomes boring after 50 pages, I stop. Reading should be a pleasurable experience.

Adapting Reading for Pleasure and Work

If you read for fun and it's not enjoyable, pick another book. If reading is a requirement for your job and the book isn't engaging, skip to a section where you see renewed interest. You can always go back and fill in the gaps later.

The Influence of Habit and Experience

My habits around reading have evolved over time. In the past, when I couldn't afford all the books I wanted and it was the pre-ebook era, I had to complete what I started. When I started working and had enough funds to buy books, but time was scarce, I only completed one book - Five Point Someone by Chetan Bhagat. This led to me not even finishing good books due to time constraints.

Thanks to Goodreads, I now carefully analyze books before purchasing. I read reviews, consider the genre, and the author's accolades. This helps me pick books that align with my interests. I do occasionally try new genres, such as experimental pieces, and I'm fairly certain about my choices. For instance, I have read few science fiction and fantasies, and I don't enjoy them. Conversely, some books require patience and perseverance, like A Suitable Boy, which was over 1400 pages and initially boring but was rewarding in the end. Slow burners work similarly for both books and movies.

However, some books are simply too challenging. I have made several attempts to read Nosferatu by Orhan Pamuk and The English Patient, but I couldn't finish them. These books are tough reads, and despite multiple tries, I found them difficult to complete.

Reading Physical Books Versus eBooks

Lastly, it's important to consider the format of the book. I am a physical book enthusiast. Unless money is a factor, research a book before purchasing to ensure it's something you'll enjoy. If a book is meant to be a slow read, know that in advance.

Key Takeaways: There is no obligation to finish a book that stops being enjoyable. Reading should be a pleasurable experience, not a forced one. Be persistent but also realistic; if a book is too challenging, it's okay to stop. Consider your habits and adapt your reading choices accordingly.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your reading experience more and avoid wasting time on books that don't engage you.