A few months ago, it seemed like everyone was talking about The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt. The description of the book sounded intriguing, so I put the e-book on hold at my library. The wait was long, and I finally got the book. However, I didn’t realize that it’s 771 pages long. I had two weeks to read it. Could I really finish it in only fourteen days?
I’m a fast reader and I don’t mind reading long books. Last summer, I reread The Lord of the Rings, which is well over a thousand pages, just for fun. However, reading a book that is familiar is easier than reading new material. Plus, I tend to read for enjoyment and am more of a literal reader. I don’t look for deeper meanings as I read. You might say I’m shallow.
I had one thing in my favor. It was the beginning of summer, and so I had more time to read than usual. I had a disadvantage, though…the book wasn’t catching my attention. I thought it would be more about the art world that it was. It was more about a 13 year old boy learning how to do drugs and build a lifetime of dependency on lying. I kept thinking as I read, “If only his mother were still alive!”
And perhaps that was the point of the whole book. I honestly don’t remember the flurry of words that happened at the end. But I do know that I was disappointed in the book as a whole. What kept me going was a determination to finish it before the library took it back. When an e-book is due, it disappears from my e-reader, and if I lost The Goldfinch, I was not going to check it out again. I was still desperately trying to finish the book on the day it was due. Somehow, I made it to page 771 and breathed a sigh of relief.
After finishing conquering The Goldfinch, I needed some light reading. My next book was Avenging Angel, by Nevada Barr. This book was familiar territory for me. I hadn’t read it before, but I’m a big Nevada Barr fan and have read most of her books.
There wasn’t much need to “conquer” Avenging Angel. I read it in two days! Good guys get the bad guys. Now that’s my kind of book.
Just this week, I was rewarded for my diligence. On the TV show The Good Wife, Alicia’s mother mentions The Goldfinch when she tries to change the conversation! I was like, “Hey! I read that!” as I watched the show.
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I just had this happen recently with What Alice Forgot that I also borrowed from the library as an ebook. I had one day left and had 40% left to read. I caved and bought the kindle book and actually just finished it last night. Definitely recommend it but I suppose I just need more hours in the day to read and not go over the two week library checkout time.
Janine Huldie recently posted…Going Gaga for Lalaloopsy This Christmas…
Totally agree with you about needing more hours in the day! I go in spurts…sometimes I’ll read two or three books at a time, and then I’ll go a couple of months without reading anything because I just get too busy. I love to read and miss it when I don’t have time!
Ginny Marie recently posted…How I Conquered The Goldfinch {Spin Cycle}
I haven’t read The Goldfinch but I can totally relate to trying to finish a book I don’t have much interest in. I find myselft having to do this for some of the books our book club chooses. I like to read on my iPad and when I’m struggling with a book I often find myself wandering over to FB or some other social media.
This Busy Life recently posted…Love Conquers All
I would do to the same thing if I read on an iPad! My Nook is very basic, so FB doesn’t distract me when I’m reading. 🙂
Ginny Marie recently posted…How I Conquered The Goldfinch {Spin Cycle}
I’ve had similar experience, too. The book had such great potential! But I just could not care about any of the characters. I found no reason to find out “what happens next?” so I quite half way through. Just couldn’t take it any more!
I think there should be at least 2 hours added to the days that are called The Reading Hours. It would benefit everyone, don’t you think?
Jenny recently posted…Please, and Thank You
I had trouble caring about the characters, too, and I’m not sure why I kept plugging away at it! Count me in for The Reading Hours! Not only would they benefit me, but they would help my daughter get her reading done for school! 🙂
Ginny Marie recently posted…How I Conquered The Goldfinch {Spin Cycle}
I too read for enjoyment. In fact a lot of the time several days after I finish a book I couldn’t tell you what it was about. I do not like to have to dig for meaning in a book and I am always amazed when other people do.
Ila East recently posted…Worry, concern, depression, ?
I have a short memory when it comes to books, too!
Ginny Marie recently posted…How I Conquered The Goldfinch {Spin Cycle}
I’ve done a start and stop on a number of books lately. So I haven’t really conquered anything — other than my bad eyesight. Just bought real glasses.
Sandy B recently posted…Slapping $635 on your face!
My eyes are changing, too. I guess that’s just part of getting older, unfortunately!
Ginny Marie recently posted…How I Conquered The Goldfinch {Spin Cycle}
I’m impressed that you stuck with a book for 771 pages if you didn’t really like it!!!
Kim recently posted…I Could Never be a Hoarder
I just kept hoping for a happy ending, and I really didn’t get it! I have trouble putting a book down that I start, especially if everyone is talking about it.
Ginny Marie recently posted…How I Conquered The Goldfinch {Spin Cycle}
I love e-books. I swear I take the kids to the library. By the time they get their books there is no time for me to go upstairs and get one for myself. That is where e-books are a lifesaver. I need to add this to my reading list. Ask Janette for her book list. She has some great ones if you need a new title.
Sharon, The Mayor of Crazyville recently posted…Conquering the Lens
I’m working on a couple of books right now. I’m reading The Beef Princess of Practical County. Did you get that book from IFF? It’s really cute! I will have to ask Janette for recommendations soon, though!
Ginny Marie recently posted…How I Conquered The Goldfinch {Spin Cycle}
I had never heard of this book but it came up in conversation over the weekend during the prep for my sister’s wedding. I’m not sure I could conquer it these days.. Maybe someday.
Tamara recently posted…I Have Happy Tears.
It was definitely much longer than I had anticipated! Not an easy read at all!
I am sure that I couldn’t get into that book. I wish I read more. It’s nobody’s fault but my own. I buy books but spend way to much time on my computer. I keep saying I’m going to change but I haven’t yet! I am definitely a romance novel reader and also self help books.
Deborah Pucci recently posted…MEMORY MONDAY
I go through phases, too, between blogging and reading! I do miss reading when I spend too much time on the computer.