Breaking Up With Your Book

Wednesday, March 30, 2011.....


For readers that don't know me, I am a slow reader and linger on each and every word the author has provided. In the past, I've lost days because I read 24/7 until I finish the book I've gotten sucked into, and when finished, I mourn the loss of my beloved book.

However, I recently made some changes on how I read. One chapter every day, but what do you do when the book you're reading has extremely long chapters that wander aimlessly if you read the entire chapter in one sitting?

I admit, the book, when read in 5 page clips, is interesting. However, once I flip passed the 5th page, all words go back to the observation of frogs, birds and snakes. I hate when I like a book, but don't love it. I believe if I keep reading, it will get better, but I'm not a fan of describing anything ad nauseum. I like using my own imagination to envision the author's experience.

Yesterday, I used my sister, YogaGirl's way of reading books at a fast pace by skimming or gleaming over the words to get a general direction where the author is heading. In fact, YogaGirl's method is known by others and we have nicknamed her method of reading as "YogaGirling It" (we actually use her last name, but since I don't reveal names in my blog, YogaGirling It, says it all).

After I YogaGirl'd the last 20 pages of the book, I felt as though I cheated on my book. I really wanted to know the ending, wanted to see how the author would tie everything up in a fashion I'd prefer, but was so disappointed when it wasn't in a nice, neat package. I felt let down.

So, here's my question: Would you "YogaGirl" a book or just break-up with it and stop reading?