Thursday, April 30, 2009

Booking Through Thursday

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Which is worse?

Finding a book you love and then hating everything else you try by that author, or

Reading a completely disappointing book by an author that you love?

For me being disappointed by an author I love is worse. It's almost hard for me to admit when I don't like a book by a favorite author. For example, I love Margaret Atwood. Think she is amazing. But there have been a couple of hers that I wasn't so crazy about. I found Cat's Eye dull. Oryx and Crake? Wake me when it's over. Etc. She's brilliant, and one of my favorite authors, but I'd say I have only a 50 percent success rate with her- I'm just as likely to not connect with one of her books as I am to love it. After several homeruns, the first time I read a book of hers I didn't love, I almost didn't believe myself- like, wait a minute, how can I not be enjoying a Margaret Atwood novel? Is that even possible? Maybe surprised is a better word!

You can see more Booking Through Thursday answers here.

11 comments:

Sherrie said...

Hi!
I feel the same way. Especially when I pay for the book. Have a great day!!

Sherrie

Anonymous said...

I only read one Atwood (which I can't remember). But I've been thinking I want to try her again. Which ones do you recommend?

Jess said...

Many bloggers have mentioned Atwood. I am going to have to try one of her books.

Candy Schultz said...

I think I'd have to agree with you. I had that experience with McEwan's last book and his next better return to the level I expect. We have to wait so long for new books from some of these guys so it is very disappointing when they turn out bad ones.

Brandy said...

You didn't like Oryx and Crake? That was my favorite of hers! granted, I'm not all the way through her oeuvre yet (not even close), but to find it dull... wow. That makes me sad!

(Signed, the Dystopia Nerd)

Marie Cloutier said...

Brandy, yeah, I don't know, it was just one of those things. I got about 1/3 of the way through it and it just didn't seem like it was ever going to go anywhere. It had all of her signature foreshadowing-dual-time-line etc. It just didn't connect for me. *shrug* I'm sure if I'd finished it, it would have been awesome.

Anonymous said...

What matters to me is whether I'll venture into another book of a new author (or new "old" author) if I didn't enjoy the first. It's about building the credit. I do believe in second chances. :)

I'm extra cautious about reading another if the author is not good in my book. At least I wouldn't buy it but borrow it.

Expectation is a huge factor. Once I have liked a book, my expectation mounts. Whether the author is my favorite or not, I'll be bummed out if the book doesn't hit the mark.

JoAnn said...

I agree with you - and included Margaret Atwood in my answer, too.

Nise' said...

I can get over a book or two that I didn't like, but any more than that and I probably won't be back.

the_young_dude said...

I'm so picky, I think I can't even get over a page I don't like (slightly exagerating..)

Amy M. said...

I agree with you! Reading a disappointing book by an author you love is the worst! Case in point: John Irving's UNTIL I FIND YOU. One of the worst books I have ever read by an author I dearly love.

-Amy
(Life by Candlelight)