1. Excessive bad language.
This one is a huge thing for me. If there is more than one bad word, I will definitely put the book down.
2. Not enough stakes.
If the character's journey doesn't have enough risk, I am not very interested. I read books to be taken on a journey that isn't safe.
3. Confusing plot.
I get that readers aren't supposed to know everything in the beginning. However, if I don't understand anything by the end of the first couple of chapters, I will put the book down.
4. Undeveloped characters.
If I don't care about the characters, why should I go on a journey with them? If I don't like the characters, I am really not interested.
5. Bad writing.
If writing is really bad, yet it is published, it screams AMATEUR. It makes me feel weird because the author must be very proud of their work and they think it is great, but in all honesty, it needs more work.
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What are some things that make you put a book down? Do you read finish all books no matter what?
YES. I will definitely stop reading a book that has any of these. Another reason I'll put a book down is if it gets too mushy. A little romance is okay, but if it gets any more than that then it's just uncomfortable. :P
ReplyDeleteGreat point, thanks for sharing!
-Bailey
Ah yes. I stop reading when the romance becomes too much as well. Good point!
DeleteI completely agree, Alea! Those are some great points! I also will stop a book if it has adult content that I wasn't aware of, which is very disappointing to discover in books. =/ Or sometimes if the book is super long and not that interesting, I will try to read it quickly and get it over with. I really don't like to stop a book in the middle unless it is very, very uninteresting. =)
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
I will most definitely stop a book if it has adult content in it. For me it goes in the same category as bad language.
DeleteI am right there with you! Bad language, or just not very good writing are game changers. I don't like to read any books that make me uncomfortable. It is so nice to find wholesome Christian books!
ReplyDeleteI try to only put wholesome things in my mind. Of course, living in a fallen world, that is not always feasible (like going out in public), but I try. :)
DeleteI stopped reading Illuminae because they cussed 24/7.
ReplyDeleteI saw that in your review. :( That's sad because I wanted to read it. I guess I won't now.
DeleteBad language and scenes that make me uncomfortable are generally what make me put a book down.
ReplyDeleteThose are two of the biggest things for me.
DeleteI won't put a book down for bad language unless it gets to be truly excessive and inappropriate. That's always a let down, because it's really unnecessary :( To the rest of these, though--absolutely. I am not against DNFing books if my reading experience is not enjoyable!
ReplyDeleteAlly @ The Scribbling Sprite
It really is a let down and completely unnecessary. :)
DeleteI try to finish every book I start! If the writing is really really bad I'll put it down. If it's a secular book and there's an inappropriate scene between two characters I'll put it down. Language doesn't bother me as much... but if the F word is used more than once, I'll probably put it down. Or if the characters are cussing every other word!
ReplyDeleteIt really is unnecessary to put in books. :( I do make an effort to get at least halfway through a book before I put it down, but sometimes I don't make it there.
DeleteI don't think low stakes bothers me. And not as good quality writing annoys me but not so much that I will drop it. I rarely quit books though. The major reason I've quite books is because they just don't resonate with me in some mysterious way. I don't know what it is.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome that you rarely quit books! I try to avoid it as much as possible, but if I'm not enjoying it, I don't want to waste my time.
DeleteI just stumbled across your blog and I'm immensely happy that I did. I've looooving your posts so far! This one is, especially. I agree with everything up there, especially bad writing. More and more often lately I've been reading books with terrible writing and ending up putting them down because I can't stand it.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! :)
-Anna, theeverstormcomes.blogspot.com
Thank you so much, Anna! Yes, bad writing is extremely annoying. :( Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI've put down books before because of bad language. My theory is that I hear it enough at school, so why should I bother with it in my free time? Also, bad writing. Bad writing makes me sad :(
ReplyDeleteIf it's not too bad I usually try to stick it out, though. Sometimes, I find a book improves as it goes along, and even if it doesn't then at least I know I've given it a good chance. Thanks for sharing!
I have the same theory, actually. When I can filter what I read/see/hear, I will. There are just some times when I can't. :(
DeleteThanks for stopping by!