Why readers stop reading...

[deborahjross]

Check out Nathan Bransford's blog on why (and at what point) readers give up on a book. It's fascinating -- and instructive to us writers.

The people posting fall into several categories. Some, a minority I think, are compulsive finishers. Others are either so critical or so stressed for time, they give a book only a few pages, a chapter at most, to hook them. Most seem to be somewhere in between -- they'll hang in there for 30-100 pages.

Many commented that if a book has been recommended (or they've enjoyed other books by the same author), they will give it more time. Others mentioned specific turn-offs, ranging from content (I just put down a book which combined glorification of the military, a dystopic world, and killing a dog, all in the first chapter -- I would probably read on if it were only one, not all 3) to prose technique (telling not showing, weird tenses).

The single most cited reason for giving up on a book? "IT'S BORING." Granted, one reader's "boring" is another reader's "brilliant," but I am struck by how many bloggers used the same word.

When and why do you give up on a book? What makes a book boring to you?

Comments

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

Yes, a patronizing attitude is a real turn-off. I think it's an aspect of generating -- and keeping -- reader trust. Come with me, and not only will you not be insulted or betrayed, but you will have a wonderful adventure. That's the kind of contract I as a reader look for.